Jean-Louis Georgelin

Jean-Louis Georgelin (b. 30 August 1948 in Aspet, Haute-Garonne) is a French general. He has been Chief of the Defence Staff ("Chef d'état-major des armées", CEMA) since 30 August 2006.

Biography

After nine years at the Prytanée National Militaire, Georgelin joined Saint-Cyr in 1967.

As a lieutenant, he was chief of section at the "école d'application de l'infanterie" in 1975 and 1796, responsible for the formation of non-commissioned officers. He served in the 153th infantry regiment as a captain. From 1985 to 1988, as a lieutenant-colonel, he was in charge of a class at Saint-Cyr (promotion "Cadets de la France Libre").

He then served at the chief of staff of the Army at the financial department from 88 to 91. He was aid to the chief of cabinet of the Prime Minister from 94 to 97. From 1998 and 2002 he served at the general staff of the Army, directing the "plans, programmes and evaluations" division.

Georgelin was personal chief of staff of President Jacques Chirac from 25 october 2002 to 4 October 2006. He was promoted to Chief of the Defence Staff by the miniterial council of 20 August 2006.

Honours

* Grand officier of the Légion d'Honneur
* Officer of the Ordre national du Mérite

External links

* [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/ema/decouverte/le_chef_d_etat_major/biographie/biographie_du_cema Site officiel du ministère de la défense - Biographie du CEMA]
* [http://www.liberation.fr/actualite/instantanes/hommedujour/201284.FR.php Article du journal "Libération"]
* [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/ema/decouverte/le_chef_d_etat_major/interventions/discours Discours du chef d'état-major des armées]