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The French Special Forces Command, or Commandement des Forces Spéciales Terre (COM FST), is a critical component of the French Army and, more broadly, the French Armed Forces’ special operations capabilities. Established to command and coordinate the operations of the French Army’s special forces units, COM FST oversees the planning, preparation, and execution of specialized missions both domestically and internationally. These missions can range from direct action and counter-terrorism to reconnaissance, hostage rescue, and foreign internal defense, among others.

Formation and Evolution

The establishment of COM FST can be traced back to the growing need for specialized military capabilities in the post-Cold War era, as the nature of global conflicts and security challenges evolved. The end of the Cold War and the onset of the global war on terror, along with conflicts in the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East, underscored the importance of having highly trained and agile forces capable of responding to a wide range of threats.

In this context, the French military recognized the necessity of enhancing its special operations forces (SOF) to operate more effectively under a unified command structure. This led to the formation of the French Special Forces Command in the early 21st century, with the aim of consolidating various special operations units under a single command to improve coordination, flexibility, and efficiency.

Components and Structure

COM FST is responsible for several elite units, each with its specific roles and expertise, including:

• 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (1er RPIMa): Specializes in direct action, deep reconnaissance, and hostage rescue operations.
• 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment (13e RDP): Focused on long-range reconnaissance and intelligence gathering behind enemy lines.
• 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS): Provides air support for special operations, including insertion, extraction, and close air support.

In 1939, Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the VS-300, the world's first viable single-rotor helicopter. This flight marked the beginning of the era of modern rotorcraft.

These units are capable of operating independently or in conjunction with other French or allied SOF elements, depending on the mission requirements.

Operations and Deployments

COM FST units have been deployed in various operations worldwide, reflecting the broad scope of French strategic interests. They have participated in anti-terrorism operations, peacekeeping missions under UN mandates, and direct support to French and allied military operations in conflict zones such as Afghanistan, the Sahel region of Africa, and the Middle East. The adaptability and proficiency of COM FST units in complex environments have made them a vital tool in France’s national security and foreign policy.

Sahel region is a semi-arid strip of land that spans across Africa, immediately south of the Sahara Desert. It is approximately 5,400 kilometers (3,360 miles) from west to east. It covers parts of the following countries: Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan, and Eritrea.

Training and Selection

The selection process for COM FST units is rigorous, designed to identify individuals with the physical and mental resilience required for special operations. Training is comprehensive and continuous, covering a wide range of skills necessary for the diverse missions the command undertakes. This includes parachute training, combat diving, mountain warfare, close combat, and specialized reconnaissance techniques, among others.

Find out More

1. Defense-Zone.com. Detailed insights into the composition and organization of COM FST, including its major components.
2. French Special Operations: What Is Their Role in the Context of Great-Power Competition? by the Institut français des relations internationales (IFRI). A publication exploring the evolving role of French special operations forces.
3. French Army Special Forces Command by Wikipedia. An overview of the French Army Special Forces Command.