Détachement

Détachement is a French noun that denotes the act or result of detaching something from a larger whole. In organizational, military, and administrative contexts, it refers to a unit or person separated from the main body to perform a specific task or period of duty.

In military usage, a détachement is a temporary or mission-specific element separated from a larger formation. It can vary in size and composition and is often deployed for reconnaissance, security, liaison, outpost duty, or special operations. Detachments may operate under their own command or be integrated into a broader operation, and their duration is typically limited.

In civil and public administration, détachement describes a secondment or temporary placement where an employee remains employed by their home organization while carrying out duties in another department, agency, or external entity. Such arrangements facilitate skill development, inter-agency cooperation, and temporary staffing needs. They are governed by formal agreements detailing responsibilities, remuneration, and duration.

The term is also used in international and corporate HR contexts to indicate assignments abroad or to partner organizations, sometimes involving transfers of salary or benefits, while the staff member remains linked to their original employer.

In everyday language and psychology, détachement can refer to emotional distance or disengagement from people or situations. It may describe a coping mechanism, but when persistent it can relate to clinical or personality-related conditions.

Etymology: détachement comes from Old French detacher, from Latin detachare, formed with dis- (apart) and tactus (touched).