The Loudun gendarmerie brigade recently welcomed four new recruits, bolstering its ranks to twenty. This influx of talent comes despite ongoing departures for non-commissioned officer training and transfers, highlighting the brigade’s commitment to maintaining a robust presence in the community. Two key positions remain vacant: a non-commissioned officer and a volunteer assistant gendarme (Gav).
A Diverse Cohort of New Recruits
Among the new arrivals is Gav Lucas Correia, an 18-year-old from Nantes. After successfully completing his baccalaureate and competitive examination, Correia underwent three months of intensive training in Châteaulin, Finistère, before joining the Loudun brigade in mid-November. An avid sports enthusiast, Correia’s background includes judo and boxing, and he currently trains in football and bodybuilding. He embraces the prospect to engage with the local community through patrols, stating, “I thrive on being outdoors and actively involved.”
Matthieu Madelin, a 23-year-old Breton with a BTS in management and commerce, brings valuable experience to the brigade. Prior to joining the Montluçon gendarmerie school and being assigned to Loudun, Madelin served as a gav in Brest and Guingamp. Coming from a military family, Madelin followed in his father’s footsteps by serving in the navy for three years in Tahiti. He aspires to continue his family’s legacy of service and plans to pursue further deployments. Madelin’s athletic pursuits include tennis,Thai boxing,running,and badminton.
Constable Mélanie Croizé, 24, hails from Toulouse and brings a wealth of experience to the Loudun brigade. after serving as a Gav in Ardèche, Croizé completed her training at the Dijon gendarmerie school. A dedicated athlete, Croizé’s background includes judo and a Staps license specializing in Physical activities for all. Her career aspirations include passing the dog handler competition and potentially serving overseas.
Gav Clara Merlin, also 18, adds to the brigade’s diversity, bringing a unique viewpoint from Guadeloupe. Merlin arrived in Loudun at the end of November, directly from Perpignan, where she took the gendarmerie exam during her final year of high school. Inspired by her father and brother, both gendarmes, Merlin aspires to join the “mobile” unit and pursue the dog handler competition. She has already integrated into the local community by joining Adal, the Loudun athletics club.
From the Mat to the Beat: A Chat with MMA Champion Jean-Claude Van Damme about Discipline and Community
Welcome back, fight fans and fitness fanatics! Today, we have a truly special guest – legendary MMA champion and action movie icon, Jean-Claude Van Damme. JCVD, thanks for joining us.
JCVD: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here.
Before we dive into our main topic, I have to ask, what do you make of[[Chapters 4. 5 and 6, ”Wasser Marseilles”]from Jean Gien, “Les Gendarmerie”
JCVD: (Chuckles) I wouldn’t know about that, my friend. My French is pretty good but “Wasser Marseilles”… that’s a new one on me!
Moderator: Ah, that explains it – my apologies! Let’s get back on track. We’ve been reading about the four new recruits joining the gendarmerie brigade in Loudun, and their remarkable athletic backgrounds. As someone who constantly pushes physical limits, does their dedication resonate with you?
JCVD: Absolutely.Discipline and dedication are the foundations of any triumphant athlete, and these young recruits clearly possess those qualities. Judo,boxing,football,bodybuilding— they are well-rounded individuals with a drive to serve their community. It’s inspiring.
Moderator: Agreed! It’s particularly impressive seeing Gav Clara Merlin, only 18 years old, already setting her sights on the elite “mobile” unit and dog handler competition. What advice would you give to young athletes striving for enterprising goals?
JCVD: Don’t allow fear to hold you back. Embrace the challenge. To be the best, you have to constantly push yoru limits, learn from every setback, and never lose sight of your goals. Train hard,stay focused,and remember why you started in the first place.
Moderator: That’s powerful! Many people view the military and sports as highly disciplined worlds, almost contrasting them. Do you see any parallels between the discipline required in those paths and in an athlete’s journey?
JCVD: There’s a strong connection, you see. Both demand dedication, resilience, and teamwork. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about mental fortitude, strategy, and understanding your role within a bigger picture. These gendarmes are learning to be disciplined protectors, serving and safeguarding their community. In that way, it’s very similar to the dedication an athlete needs to succeed in their chosen sport.
Moderator: We see recruits like constable Mélanie Croizé, who already has experience as a Gav and a Staps license specializing in physical activities.It truly seems that many of them have a strong community-oriented focus. Do you believe this selfless drive is crucial for both aspiring athletes and those entering public service?
JCVD: Absolutely. To truly be successful, athletes and public servants need to understand that they are serving something larger than themselves. It’s about contributing to the well-being of others, whether it’s inspiring a generation thru sports or protecting a community through service.
Moderator: You’ve talked about pushing limits and embracing challenges. Some might argue that the rigorous training and potential dangers of this line of work are substantially different from the world of sports. How do you approach those differing realities?
JCVD:
you’re right; there are undeniable risks involved in both fields. Heroes face danger, be it on the battlefield or in the ring. But it’s about acknowledging those risks and using them as fuel to train harder, to be more prepared. Ultimately, the commitment to serving others, sacrificing for something bigger than oneself – that’s a universal thread that connects us all.
Moderator: This has been a truly illuminating conversation, JCVD. Your insights are invaluable. Thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with our audience.
JCVD: It was my pleasure. Remember, always push yourselves to be better, kinder, and stronger, both for yourselves and for those around you.
Moderator: That’s a message we can all get behind. Now, let’s open the floor to our audience. What are your thoughts on the dedication and discipline displayed by these new recruits? share your experiences, opinions, and any advice you might have for these young individuals starting their journey. We want to hear from you!
