The Comite-de-la-Guerre (1781-1784): A misunderstood institution at the end of the Ancien Regime

The Comite de la Guerre was formed by Segur in 1781 to second his reforms o f the French Army. The structure of this council was fragmented to neutrali ze the power of this institution. A Grand Comite was headed by a marchal de France (Contades) and composed of four lieutenant generals (marquis de Poy anne, replaced by the marquis de Vogue, baron de Besenval, duc du Chatelet, comte de Camaran). Each lieutenant general presided a sub-committee. The f our sub-committees regrouped 23 marechaux de camp, inspectors of the troops . The tension between the Comite and Segur led to the dissolution of this i nstitution in 1784. The Comite de la Guerre didn't play an important part i n the reforms of the army, but it prepared the coming of the Conseil de la Guerre.