250 alpine chasseurs from the 27th BCA in Annecy left for Romania
This Monday, February 28, 250 soldiers from the 27th Battalion of Alpine Hunters from Annecy (Haute-Savoie) left for Romania. With other French and Belgian troops, they will form a NATO defense force near Ukraine.
Two hundred and fifty soldiers from the 27th BCA in Annecy left the Tom Morel district on Monday around 3 p.m. to join Romania. This detachment will possibly be the NATO operative following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The mission of alpine hunters is aimed at “ensure strategic solidarity vis-à-vis the countries of the alliance“declared the corps commander of this mountain infantry unit, Colonel Vincent Minguet.
“We will reinforce the defenses on the Eastern flank of Europe, a reactive non-escalatory defense”, said Colonel Minguet to his troops gathered on the place d’armes. Regarding on-site operations, the 27th BCA “prepared for all possibilities, from assistance to populations to combat actions with the use of armed force”.
The emotions of families
The alpine chasseurs of the 27th BCA are among the first French troops deployed in this sector since the start of the war in Ukraine. “We are ready but the hardest thing is to leave the family”a soldier explained. “On an explanation to the children that dad was leaving to help children and mothers fleeing the war in Ukraine”indicates the wife of a soldier. “There is anguish and anxiety but we are holding on for our children.”