Students of Victor-Hugo College discover the 1st RCP in Pamiers

The defense class of Victor-Hugo College enjoyed a full day of discovery at the 1st RCP in Pamiers.

The meeting was scheduled. On March 23, 2026, the students of the defense class at Victor-Hugo College in Lavelanet entered the doors of the Capitaine-Beaumont quarter in Pamiers for an exceptional day of discovery within the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (1st RCP). The objective? To discover the daily life of the personnel of the class’s godparent unit.

Upon arrival, the atmosphere was calm: here, rigor is not just a word. Welcomed by their sponsors, the students quickly understood that the strength of the regiment lay in cohesion. Through the tour of the facilities and the presentation of the regiment’s missions, the young people were able to discover the values of the parachutists: self-transcendence and esprit de corps.

The day was punctuated by several interactive workshops that sparked a strong curiosity. The backpack, equipment, weaponry, and Serval: carrying a parachutist’s backpack allowed them to physically realize the workload and preparation required before each jump. The various carried weapons were also demonstrated. The students also had the opportunity to board the Serval, the regiment’s flagship new vehicle.

This was followed by communication and orientation: essential skills where precision is required, and shooting simulation, a highlight of the day, at the SITTAL (Technical Shooting Instruction System for Laser Weapons). Then, the workshop on the police dog brigade. After a presentation of the training equipment and a visit to the kennel, the students witnessed a demonstration of a dog with its handler. Each one was able to see the exceptional relationship between the two. Finally, to conclude, the visit to the honor hall. This museum of the 1st RCP, the regiment’s temple of memory since its creation in Fès, Morocco in 1943, allowed the students to have a reading of history from an unusual angle. The link was also made with the current events with the mention of the terrible Drakkar attack in Beirut in 1983.

Beyond the technical discovery, this meeting allowed for direct exchange with the military personnel. The students were able to ask questions without filter about everyday life, training paths, and the meaning of service. “This day at the 1st RCP, a highlight of the school year, will undoubtedly remain a lasting and memorable memory for the students,” emphasizes their teacher Loïc GinieÌres. “It allowed to give a concrete, human, and fraternal face to the Army-Nation link and highlighted the culture of commitment and service towards future citizens.”