Career in the military

Adrien Quélin, born on July 11, 1992, in Ermont, France, served as a maréchal des logis in the 4th regiment of chasseurs in Gap. A non-commissioned officer rank in the French military, maréchal des logis is equivalent to a sergeant.

Early military service

Quélin began his military career on July 2, 2013, as an EVAT with the 4th regiment of chasseurs. EVAT stands for "École de Versailles," a training program for young recruits. After initial training, he joined the regiment’s maintenance platoon within the command and logistics squadron.

First deployment

He carried out his first mission from July 17 to September 26, 2014, in the Central African Republic, as part of Operation "Sangaris." In this role, he worked as a land mobility mechanic, maintaining military vehicles and ensuring their operational readiness.

National service and Mali deployment

Quélin was deployed one year later on the national territory as part of Operation "Sentinelle," from October 6 to December 29, 2015. He was then deployed to Mali as part of Operation "Barkhane" from May 31 to October 1, 2016, again as a land mobility mechanic.

Training and promotion

A technician with solid skills, Quélin entered the school for non-commissioned officers in Saint-Maixent-l'École via the "semi-direct" route. He was appointed maréchal des logis on December 1, 2016, and later became a land mobility technician, achieving very good results during his specialized training.

Service in Côte d'Ivoire

In 2019, he was deployed with the 43rd infantry battalion of the marine, within the French forces in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, from July 20 to November 6. His work focused on maintaining AMX 10RC Separ armored vehicles, ensuring they remained operational.

Leadership and teaching

Upon returning to the regiment, he became a team leader in the mobility workshop. An experienced technician, he mastered all types of vehicles he supported. He also taught others, being seconded to Bourges as a trainer for two months.

Tragic death in Mali

On October 12, 2021, during a maintenance operation in Tombouctou, Mali, Adrien Quélin died accidentally. He had been deployed to Mali as part of Operation Barkhane within the Desert Tactical Group 1 since July 1, 2021.

Military honors ceremony

On Wednesday, October 20, the chasseurs regiment (4th RCh) in Gap held a military honors ceremony to pay tribute to maréchal des logis-chef Adrien Quélin. General Pierre Schill, chief of staff of the Army, presided over the ceremony. Quélin was 29 years old and single with no children.