Général-Major

Marc JACQMIN

04/03/2000 - 02/22/2002

 Général-Major Marc JACQMIN was born in Namur on July 14, 1945. He started his military career as member of the 104th All Arms class of the Royal Military School. In 1969 he joined the 2nd Light Infantry Battalion where he spent two years as platoon leader. After qualifying as a paratrooper, he was appointed to the 3rd Paracommando Battalion. In the next nine years he successively worked as platoon leader, deputy company commander, company commander and S1 (personnel) staff officer. In 1978 he took part as staff officer of this battalion to the second phase of Operation Red Beans in Kolwesi. After attending the Senior Officers Course (from 1980 to 1981), Captain Jacqmin was assigned as intelligence officer to the Headquarters of the 7th Armoured Infantry Brigade. At his request, he was appointed to the Belgian Military Technical Cooperation in Zaire. He first worked in the Officers Training School in Kananga as Director of Studies, then as Director of Military Training. Promoted to major, he became military adviser of General Mukobo, and later of his successor, General Mahele, Commander of the 1st Military Region in Lubumbashi. Selected to attend the Higher Royal Institute of Defence, he flew back to Belgium. Having attended the Command and Staff College at the Royal Higher Institute of Defence (1986-87), Major Jacqmin joined the Headquarters of the NATO Northern Army Group (NORTHAG) in Mönchengladbach (GE). Between 1987 and 1990 he worked there as Plans officer, more specifically in charge of the relations with the 1st Belgian Corps and the 1st French Army. Following this tour he was awarded the French National Order of Merit. In 1988 he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. On June 29, 1990 he assumed command of the 1st Paracommando Battalion in Diest which he led to Operation Blue Beam in Zaire in 1991. He was promoted to Colonel while commanding the Belgian contingent and an American unit during Operation Restore Hope in December 1992 in Somalia. Following this operation, the United States awarded him the Legion of Merit, degree of Officer. On return to Belgium in May 1993, he was appointed Director of Military and Sports Training at the Royal Military School. At his time King Baudouin appointed him as his aide-de-camp as a tribute to the outstanding achievements of Belgian forces in Somalia. On December 15, 1995, he assumed command of the Paracommando Brigade. Promoted to Major General on December 26, 1996, he was Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence until November 25, 1997, when he took command of the 1st Mechanised Division. On April 03, 2000, he assumed the appointment of Belgian Deputy Commander of the Eurocorps. Major General Jacqmin married Axelle in 1971; they have two sons.