Defence restructuring : a model for industry ?

The end of the Cold War and the possibility of less obvious threats have led to important restructuring in the defence industry, such as the closure of factories, and the realisation that arsenals could not adapt to the market economy. As the armed forces became more professional, garrisons in towns where a large percentage of the population was employed, were closed. Faced with the risk of major repercussions on staff and their neighbouring population at army sites, the Ministry of Defence created an interministerial delegation, capable of managing all possible consequences ten years ago. Like any large-scale private company, this delegation has not only had to show its ability to anticipate events, to lead discussions, and to share a common project, but also to accept the public’s dissatisfaction, when it is reasonable, and know how to find a solution. With rapid changes occurring as a result of a possible military threat and also in the consumer market, restructuring has become a managerial strategy which is essential in today’s society.