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Analysis: How Famous Belgian Chasseurs Ardennais are Preparing for Modern Conflict.
From January 13 to 20, over 300 soldiers from the 2nd and 3rd Companies of the Chasseurs Ardennais, accompanied by support teams, conducted an intensive training exercise in the urban and wooded environments of the Lagland camp in Arlon. This exercise aimed to refine essential skills under varied conditions while strengthening cohesion within the teams.
The Chasseurs Ardennais are an infantry unit of the Belgian Army, specializing in combat missions in challenging terrains, particularly in forested and mountainous environments. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)
The Chasseurs Ardennais are an infantry unit of the Belgian Army, specializing in combat missions in challenging terrains, particularly in forested and mountainous environments. Their name comes from the Ardennes, a wooded region in Belgium, where this unit was formed in the early 20th century. They are especially known for their ability to operate in difficult conditions, including rugged or urban terrain. Over the years, the Chasseurs Ardennais have gained significant experience in forest warfare and infiltration, playing a strategic role in various military campaigns, including during World War II.
Today, the Chasseurs Ardennais continue to play a key role in the Belgian Armed Forces, particularly in peacekeeping missions, territorial defense, and rapid intervention. They are equipped to face a variety of threats, ranging from asymmetric conflicts to crisis management operations in urban environments. Their training includes rigorous physical and tactical preparation, and they are often engaged in international exercises alongside other European and NATO forces.
The exercise was structured to improve both tactical and technical competencies. It alternated between wooded areas and villages, offering a wide range of realistic scenarios. Among the main tasks, the soldiers had to secure or defend a village while managing and evacuating casualties within their ranks.
The exercise unfolded in two phases, as explained by Sous-lieutenant J. D., platoon leader: "We started with internal exercises within our own company, before moving on to a confrontation with the other company. This approach allowed us to progress in a competitive yet realistic environment."
This training reflects the current needs of defense operations, especially in light of the situation in Ukraine. "Today, even conventional infantry units must be ready to operate in urban areas," emphasizes Sous-lieutenant J. D.
For the young recruits, it was a valuable opportunity to immerse themselves for the first time in combat situations. "Sometimes it feels like being in a movie, but this is exactly what I was looking for," says Private Medy, a new member of the unit.
From the beginning, Medy was struck by the welcome and cohesion within the team. He discovered a demanding environment where responsibilities are clear and every action counts. "A mistake can cost dearly, to oneself, a comrade, or the mission as a whole," adds the soldier.
"The goal is to lay the foundation for our next deployment in Romania at the end of 2025," says Captain Valérian, commander of the 2nd Company. "We want to ensure that every soldier will be fully operational." Beyond acquiring technical skills, the exercise also motivated the troops. "It's positive to step out of the routine of the barracks and head out into the field to do what we enlisted for."
Such exercises also facilitate the transfer of knowledge between seasoned soldiers and newcomers, thus strengthening cohesion and team spirit. For everyone, it’s an opportunity to improve both individually and collectively. Private Medy concludes: "Living such an experience is a privilege; it's not something everyone gets to do."