French Army: 2300AD

Commandement de Troupes Spéciales - French Special Forces

Introduction  

France is first amongst equals of the starfaring powers of 2300. She also holds considerable power on Earth, Tirane and her various colony worlds. This power is maintained more by shrewd diplomacy than outright military force. Yet to aid French diplomatic and military efforts an array of special forces are maintained which are the match of those of other nations and have unmatched combat experience. As Manchurians, Germans and now the Kafers have found out.

Acknowledgements

 

The structure of Nouvelle Provence, and the CCR are by Christopher Lee. The EdI and 38e EIR are by Jonathan Pearson. The Fabrique RPS-2292 and FAM-90S are by Jason Weiser. The ASL-12 and ASM-2 are by Chris Downes-Ward. Thanks to Laurent Esmiol for correcting my French and other feedback.

 

Narrative

 

Caporal-Chef Guillaume Djalloh of the Commando du Lac slipped out of the murky waters of the River Congeuve. The smell of the rain forest was as pungent as the sound of a pair of copulating Crapauds Tiranais on the other bank was noisy. Nevertheless it masked any sign that the commandos made as they slowly crawled out of the mighty river. It had been a tiring and dangerous swim into the target area, there were things living in the depths of the Congeuve far more dangerous than any Tiranista rebel.

 

Djalloh was armed with an old FAA-73 assault rifle. It had been superseded long ago in regular service, but it remained an immensely reliable weapon, so the Onze Commandos still used it. Djalloh led his seven commandos forward through the primary rain forest that made the Pays Verdant such a beautiful region, and such a safe home for the Tiranista secessionists. The Commando du Lac had served here many times before and were almost as at home in the forest as they were the waters of the Congeuve.

 

Soon they had dropped off the light mortar in the clearing aerial reconnaissance had spotted earlier, whilst the M-79 was set up on high ground overlooking the Tiranista camp. Djalloh took the lead as the killer group moved slowly into the sleeping camp. They left the dozing sentries alone, most carried dead-men switches keyed into the alarm system, and infiltrated the camp, laying explosive charges and directional mines. It took a little more than an hour, and when satisfied Djalloh prepared to lead the killer group into the commander’s tent and readied his silenced sidearm.

 

A cell of the Conseil du Commandement Révolutionnaire had released a genetically tailored biological weapon on the Mirambeau Metro three days earlier and the Emperor wanted a message sending to the CCR via one of their training camps in the Pays Verdant. Djalloh counted off the seconds and then the killing started.

 

Index

 

History

Structure

Order of Battle

Units

Sub-Unit Organisation

Training

International Co-operation

Equipment

Personalities   

 

History

 

The French special forces tradition has developed from the 2nd World War with Free French units trained by the Allies in the effort to liberate the homeland. In the following 350 years these have evolved throughout a series of conflicts - the bitter retreat from France's colonies, the 3rd World War, the rebuilding of the Twilight Era, the expansion of France on earth and off-world and finally the final collapse of the Paix Française that has seen France plunged into conflict with erstwhile allies. Now they are engaged in combat with an alien species, the Capuchons, or Kafers.

 

French special forces have an immense, indeed unmatched, background of operational experience in the full spectrum of combat operations in a variety of theatres. While the record of almost unbroken success of the 21st and 22nd centuries has been lost; a leaner, less complacent organisation has emerged.

 

France's initial neutrality in the 3rd World War and later intervention in the Low Countries and the Rhineland are still matters of controversy to some even three hundred years later. Special forces were heavily involved in operations in Europe, not only in the ‘zone morte’ but reports of French special operations forces came in from across the devastated continent. Other units were involved in West Africa and Middle Eastern theatres.

 

In the post war period the tempo of operations was as busy as ever. French special forces were busy in Eastern Europe, North Africa and in the Middle East were involved in the securing of the Arabian oilfields and the subsequent Saudi War. The Paix Fançaise was built on the willingness of the French to combine diplomacy and trade with military action. The special forces were often the robust tip of this policy and underwent a slow expansion to cover all their increasing commitments. Some of the most notable actions of the 21st century occurred during actions against Canton and Russia, further bolstering the reputation of the special forces.

 

The second half of the 22nd century saw French commitments expand rapidly. The Alpha Centauri War saw special forces begin the move into off-world operations while on Earth Franco-British forces blockaded the Argentine coast and several covert reconnaissance missions were launched on to the mainland. The colonial commitment was backed by increased French involvement in Central Africa and the integration of several francophone African states into the French Union. Special forces were involved in several controversial operations against rebels at this time which brought success but also international condemnation.

 

At the start of the 23rd century the French again returned to a successful policy of diplomacy and military action which rebuilt their military prestige after the blow of the Alpha Centauri War and bloody counter-insurgency campaigns in central Africa. Colonial operations became increasingly important, especially in areas where borders were poorly defined and governmental control weak. The special forces again proved a much more responsive element than regular troops.

 

In these years the last vestiges of the Paix Fançaise were finally unravelling. Brazilian and Argentine rivalry resulted in three devastating wars in South America. Canton and Indonesia fought a vicious war over Indochina. France then found herself in a major land war in Asia when she intervened with Russia in the Central Asian Republic. The special forces were the first to be involved, training CAR militias and operating against Iranian backed militants. The arrival of conventional Franco-Russian forces provoked intervention in turn by the Manchurians. The swirling, high intensity battles on the steppe were not really the best place for special forces but many operations were launched, mostly successful. However the conventional battle was nearly lost before the arrival of Japanese forces changed the tide of the war. Special forces are still involved in the region against Iranian and Manchurian backed guerrilla forces.

 

The war against Manchuria was not only fought on earth but also in the colonies. Limited French raids against Manchurian Chinese Arm colonies were conducted throughout the conflict. On the French Arm special forces were involved in operations against Manchurian privateers. Further operations also occurred on Elysia where a revolt against French rule was being supported by external Manchurian support. Unfortunately the overstretched French had few special forces available to conduct a functional counter-insurgency campaign and conventional troops performed poorly, increasing the population's support of the rebels. Only after the end of the Central Asian War were sufficient special forces troops available and by then it was too late.

 

No sooner than the conflict against Manchuria was ended then political unrest shook France with the militant officers known as les Colonels protesting the government's handling of the war. Several special forces commanders were involved in this movement, but by and large the pragmatic special forces stayed clear of the political upheaval that resulted in the coup and imposition of the military Junta. With many units still committed in the colonies, Central Asia or Flanders the special forces had relatively little influence in the War of German Reunification.

 

When the German military moved into Bavaria elements of the 13e Régiment de Dragons Parachutiste were present in the country as pathfinders for a planned move by the 11e Division Parachutiste. These teams were largely successful in exfiltrating back to France although one team was captured gifting the Germans a PR coup. The same regiment was involved in infiltrating into Baden for the abortive drive on Stuttgart. In a battle decided by heavy combat and the action of armoured hovertanks, the special forces were once again marginalised, although several minor operations were conducted successfully. Perhaps most notable was an attack by the Commando Trepel on the German subfighter base at Wilhelmshafen.

 

Once more the colonies gave greater room for manoeuvre for special forces and operations were undertaken throughout the French Arm. On Tirane plans for an occupation of Garten were made should that colony come out in favour of the united Germany. Above Earth a team from the 4e Cie of I/2e REP managed to infiltrate the BSM flagship Bayern and sabotage it. On Adlerhorst French special forces were involved in supporting anti-Reunificationist elements in the Bavarian colony. Yet despite the success of these and other operations the special forces were unable to decisively influence the outcome of the war. 

 

The French first encountered the Kafers in the Arcturus system where the Station Arcture was located. After the first contact close protection was provided by a platoon from the 7e FULVOLMARS whilst a battalion from the 2e REI present on Aurore provided support to the 7e FULVOLMARS. Contact was eventually lost with the Station Arcture and an invasion of Aurore launched by the Kafers. The bulk of the I/2e REP was present on Aurore, although the 4e Cie had been lost in its entirety on board the Suffren and De Grasse. The I/2e REP gave immense service slowing the Kafers and learning valuable lessons on how to fight the aliens. After the relief of Aurore the unit was replaced with other units from the GTS TIS who rotated through Aurore until the formation of the 12e Régiment de Choc to provide a local theatre special force capability.

 

It is rumoured that elements of the GTS TIS had been deployed on reconnaissance operations beyond Arcturus but any idea of hitting back against the Kafers was shelved when a massive invasion was launched bypassing the redoubt of Aurore. At first the renewed conflict was confined to the Eta Bootis Finger's German colonies and French efforts were aimed at relieving Aurore. However with German efforts to launch a relief of their own colonies proving abortive, French special forces were committed to reconnaissance and guerrilla support missions on Dunkelheim. Worse was to come though with the Kafer's second phase operations overrunning French colonies on Nous Voila, Kimanjano and Beta Canum.

 

On each world special forces did what they could. On Nous Voila elements of 7e FULVOLMARS and I/1e RPIMa were unable to do anything as the Kafers isolated the world from orbit and bombarded it mercilessly. On Kimanjano the III/1e RPIMa operated in the Kafer rear areas, launched several sabotage missions and provided forward observation for strikes. They operated as stay-behinds when overrun and together with the Azanian Recces and elements of other forces helped organised the resistance. On BCV the GCC were unable to do much when the 9e Corps disintegrated and the conventional battle was lost in a matter of hours. Instead elements remained in place to form a resistance kernel and others linked in with the human forces holding out in New Africa.

 

This left Vice-Admiral Rochemont with around nine companies from the GTS TIS to conduct his operations in the Beta Canum Cluster, a significant number and many were committed to long term recce missions on occupied worlds. Others would help spearhead operations to liberate worlds and I/1e RPIMa with a company of I/2e REP were in the forefront of the disastrous 1st Liberation of Beta Canum. The CTS deployed numerous units from the core based GTS to provide the Armée de Libération with special forces troops. These included the 13e RPD, II/1e RPIMa and the GACCT and elements from other units.

 

All of these forces were involved in the successful campaign of the Armée de Libération on Kimanjano and on other worlds. Since then the CTS has rationalised the presence of French special forces on the French Arm fortunately, unlike the early campaigns on Aurore, casualties have been remarkably light and many overrun units recovered largely intact. After a period of recuperation these have become active again allowing the core based units to return home.

 

 

Structure

 

French military special forces fall into one of three categories, known as the Premiere, Deuxième and Troisième Cercles. The 1e Cercle are the true elite of the French forces, strategic SF dedicated to operations across the French Empire and beyond. The 2e Cercle are SF assigned to specific theatres of operation either on Earth, Tirane, other colony worlds or in support of the Force d'Action Rapide. The 3e Cercle are high standard sub-units of elite conventional units that can be called upon to aid 1e or 2e Cercle units when required. The 3e Cercle includes units like the TIS infantry battalions and recce troops from FAR units, their role is outside the scope of this article, but they can be called upon to provide extra firepower and manpower. Similarly the work of the 11e CHOC assigned to DGSE is not discussed here/

 

The 1e and 2e Cercle units all come under the control of the Commandement de Troupes Spéciales which is under the orders of a Général de Corps d' Armée or equivalent. The CTS is responsible for the overall administration, training and equipping of all French special forces regardless of parent arm or service. Consequently the CTS can be regarded as an armed service in its own right, albeit one that recruits only from the other services. CTS is the direct equivalent to the British UKSF or American SOCCOM.

 

The forces assigned to the CTS are delegated in turn into four Groupements which are each designed to have a complete special forces capability and are allocated to a particular force or theatre, these are divisional level commands. There are also a number of independent units of battalion strength raised to operate in discrete theatres of operations, such as the Central Asian Republic or Aurore. Of the four GTS one falls within the 1e Cercle and the others the 2e Cercle as do the independent units, however despite the higher budget of the GTS TIS all of these forces are formidable and versatile formations.

 

Each GTS contains forces that can operate in a variety of environments and units within them are almost always cross trained. For example a naval commando battalion will specialise in maritime warfare, but a para commando battalion will also have maritime specialists. A GTS will usually also include supporting assets such as aircraft or landers to give the trooper's integral mobility.

 

The individual special forces units can be drawn from any of the fours services but will usually have a similar organisation. The four company, or Commando, structure is commonplace, with each company having its own specialisations.      

 

Order of Battle

 

1e Cercle

 

Groupement de Troupes Spéciales des Troupes d’Intervention Spatiales

 

The GTS des TIS are the cutting edge of the French special forces capability. It comprises two para-commando battalions, one marine commando battalion and special troops from the MSIF. These are overtly tasked to the TIS for colonial duties, but in reality can be found almost anywhere in human space. These units have borne the brunt of the Kafer War.   

 

2e Cercle

 

Groupement des Troupes Spéciales Terrestres

 

The GTS de Terre are special operations units dedicated and specialised for operations on Earth. They include two para-commando battalions, one maritime commando battalion and a battalion of air force commandos. These units have been in the front line of both the Central Asian and German wars and continue to provide detachments for operations across the globe. The II/1e RPIMa has just returned from its recent deployment to the French Arm.   

 

The GTS de Tirane is Nouvelle Provence’s counterpart of the GTS de Terre. It consists of three commando battalions, each specialised for ground, sea or air warfare. Elements of the GTS de Tirane have served on Joi, Earth and in the Kafer War.

 

Groupement des Troupes Spéciales de la Force d’Action Rapide

 

The Force d'Action Rapide has a requirement for its own special operations forces and these are provided by a para-commando battalion and a long range recce battalion. These units are perhaps the most combat experienced of any French special forces. They have seen action in every conflict since the Central Asian War and remain on the French Arm attached to the Armée de Libération. 

Independent Units

 

Independent units are formed when insufficient troops exist to form a GTS or when it is decided to form a theatre specific unit, such as in the case of the Central Asian Republic or on Aurore.

 

 

Armée de Terre

 

The Armée de Terre contributes the bulk of the forces of the CTS. These include units of the Armée Métropolitaine, Troupes de Marine and the Légion Étrangère in addition to elements from the ALAT. 

 

Armée Métropolitaine

 

Armée Métropolitaine units assigned to the CTS include a mixture of cavalry, African and Néo-Provençal formations.   

 

Below: Capbadge of the TAP worn by the 13e RDP and 1e RCPA

 

 

13e Régiment de Dragons Parachutistes

 

The 13e RDP is a converted cavalry unit, first formed in 1676, which has specialised in long range reconnaissance and surveillance for several centuries. It is assigned to the GTS FAR and has numerous battle honours to its credit. Due to its cavalry background it is one of the more famous units in the CTS. The 13e RDP specialises in aerial and ground insertion, uniquely its 4e Escadron is equipped with tilt-rotors providing the regiment with integral airlift and support. The 2e Escadron has a pathfinder role and has combat walkers assigned to it. The regiment has an especially close relationship with military intelligence.

 

13e Régiment de Dragons Parachutiste (13e RDP)

Régiment Para-Commando d'Afrique

 

The Para-Cdo d'Af is a regiment created in the later half of the 22nd century as Francophone African nations began to be incorporated into France proper. The regiment was formed from the personnel of the elite forces of these nations who volunteered for the new unit. Training teams from the 1e RPIMa were involved in moulding the new unit whose members also had to pass through various French commando courses. The resulting regiment has proved a match for its European counterparts, primarily as it is able to recruit from across the depth of manpower of the 'Armée d'Afrique.'

 

The unit tends to man its companies with soldiers from different parts of Africa: 1e Cie from West Africa, 2e Cie from North Africa and the 3e and 4e Cie from Central Africa. However this is a rule of thumb and units normally have some mixing. The 3e Cie specialises in maritime operations in the great lakes of Central Africa.   

 

1e Régiment Para-Commando d'Afrique (1e RPCA)

Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais

 

The Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais are better known as Les Onze Commandos, as they are composed of company sized Commandos raised from each of the eleven regions of Nouvelle Provence. Originally they were under the aegis of the Troupes Coloniales and raised to help combat lawlessness and man-eating local fauna. They have since evolved into dedicated special forces and passed under the control of the Armée Métropolitaine once Nouvelle Provence became an integral part of the French Union. The Onze Commandos recruit from all French forces present on Tirane.  

 

Today each commando has its own specialisation and these are grouped together in three battalion sized Groupes each with a ground, air and maritime tasking. These in turn form the bulk of the GTS de Tirane's combat power. The Onze Commandos take on roles usually performed by air force and navy units on Earth and they regard themselves as a very versatile force. They have been involved in internal security operations as well as support to Freihafen and there are rumours of operations inside Tunghu during the war with Manchuria. The Onze Commandos are well regarded thanks in part to their access to the CTS training and equipment infrastructure. They have served off-world in all of the last three years.    

 

Groupe de Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais (GCCT)

Groupe Maritime de Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais (GMCCT)

Groupe Aeromobile de Commandos des Chasseurs Tiranais (GACCT)

Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre

 

The ALAT, the French Army's air wing, provides the CTS with three dedicated special operations squadrons which are assigned to the 2e Cercle GTS. These squadrons are trained and equipped to provide close support, limited air transport and drone support to CTS formations. They work closely with the Armée de l'Air squadrons which provide the bulk of the CTS airlift. Two squadrons are normally deployed on Earth and one on Tirane. The ALAT also provides a special operations detachment for service on Aurore. The squadron assigned to the GTS FAR deployed with it to the French Arm and is still deployed there. Crews from the other squadrons have rotated through the squadron on the French Arm.  

Troupes de Marine

 

The Troupes de Marine contributes three para battalions to the CTS in addition to an independent company deployed on Beta Canum. These units with their distinctive red berets are often the most high profile elements of the TIS.

 

Below: TdM capbadge worn by 1e RPIMa

 

1e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine

 

The 1e RPIMa is France's oldest and most distinguished special forces regiment. It traces its links to the Free French 2e and 3e RCP which comprised the French SAS of World War 2. It continues to use the motto 'Qui Ose Gagne' - or Who Dares Wins. It has more often than not led the way in the evolution of French military special forces. The 1e RPIMa has three operational battalions. The I/1e RPIMa is assigned to the GTS TIS, the II/1e RPIMa to the GTS de Terre and the III/1e RPIMa to the GTS FAR. They have all seen heavy action against the Kafers. Interchange of personnel between these three battalions is commonplace. 

 

I/1e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine (I/1e RPIMa)

II/1e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine (II/1e RPIMa)

III/1e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine  (III/1e RPIMa)

Above: 1e RPIMa pocket badge

 

Régiment Para-Commando

 

Three centuries ago the Régiment Para-Commando was the elite of the Belgian Army, but today it is a conventional part of the TIS administered by the Troupes de Marines. Like the 1e RPIMa it traces its routes to WW2 from Belgian SAS and Commando units. Since its incorporation into the French forces it has maintained a specialist RAPAS style company drawn from the ranks of the regiment. Today it is an independent part of the GTS de TIS but is on secondment to the Groupement Colonial de Commandos based on BCV. It wears the red beret with winged dagger badge of the 1e Para-Cdo.

Légion Étrangère 

 

The renowned Légion Étrangère is regarded by the French high command as an ideal force for combat operations, but not one to be entrusted with overly subtle missions. Consequently only a single battalion from the Légion is assigned to the CTS.

 

2e Régiment Étranger de Parachutistes

 

The 2e REP was formed in 1948 and fought as conventional parachute infantry in France's wars of de-colonisation in Indochina and Algeria. It converted to an elite para-commando formation in the 1970s and has operated as a specialist formation ever since. The 2e REP has two battalions of which the II Bataillon is in a combat walker unit. The I/2e REP retains its reputation as one of the toughest and most cunning units in the French order of battle. 

 

I/2e Régiment Étranger de Parachutistes (I/2e REP)

Above: 2e REP pocket badge

 

Troupes Coloniales

 

Like the Légion the Coloniale are regarded as excellent troops but have no troops assigned to the CTS. Instead on most worlds the Coloniale has company sized units to take on special operations tasks but these fall under the 3e Cercle. There has been some thought given to assigning the 12e CHOC to the Coloniale and possible using Coloniale troops to take over the GCC role. 

 

Marine Impériale

 

The French Navy contributes several assets to the CTS, including its elite Commandos, air squadrons and a specialist sub-fighter unit. 

 

Below: Fusiliers-Marins Commando capbadge

 

Fusiliers-Marins Commandos

 

The Marine Impériale’s ground forces come under the control of the Commandement des Fusiliers-Marins et Commandos (CFMC) which is based at Lorient. The Commandos are drawn from the ranks of the Fusiliers-Marins who protect the navy's installations and pushed through a punishing training program. There are a total of 9 company sized Commandos each named after a Commando hero and which specialise in maritime operations. They are the CTS' centre of excellence in such operations and a responsible for much of the training done by other units.

 

The Commandos have two battalion sized units, one deployed on Earth and the other with the GTS TIS. One Commando is normally deployed on BCV as part of the GCC. 2e GRUFUMARCO has been repeatedly deployed on Aurore and saw heavy action in the Beta Canum Cluster. Commando Kieffer was overrun during the invasion of the Continent Français but regrouped in New Africa and was heavily involved in raiding operations. Elements of 1e GRUFUMARCO were deployed to Beowulf after the fall of Kimanjano, but saw no action.

 

1e Groupement de Fusiliers-Marins Commandos (1e GRUFUMARCO)

2e Groupement de Fusiliers-Marins Commandos (2e GRUFUMARCO)

Groupement de Commandos Coloniaux (GCC)

L'Aviation Navale

 

The Aéronavale has two of its helicopter squadrons nominally attached to the CTS. In fact these two units are dedicated REDCO (Recherche et Délivrance de Combat - CSAR) formations for the navy on Earth and Tirane. As a result they are often detached to naval forces and have integral Commando trained rescue personnel. French doctrine sees REDCO missions as very similar to recce insertions and these units train to perform the both roles. Consequently they can be used to deliver CTS teams into hostile territory or can be reinforced by CTS troops to conduct REDCO missions to retrieve personnel behind enemy lines. Flotille 44 F was one of the primary exponents of REDCO during the CAW.

Sous-Marins

 

The Marine Impériale is also responsible for providing the CTS with submersible infiltration assets. Whilst most French submarines are capable of transporting troops, the navy has developed specialist assets for littoral and subsurface delivery of special forces. There is one specialist flotilla equipped with modified subfighters and DSVs and manned by some of the best subfighter pilots in the fleet. Its assets are deployed across the French Empire with detachments on Tirane, Beowulf and Beta Canum.

Armée de l'Air

 

The French air force is responsible for providing the CTS with its dedicated long range atmospheric transport and worka in concert with army and naval aviation units. It also provides the CTS with four Commandos for special operations. 

 

Commandement du Transport Aérien Militaire

 

The CTAM is in charge of all Armée de l'Air transport assets. Two wings are assigned to the CTS - the 81e ET equipped with tactical and strategic airlift and the 90e EH with tilt-rotors for infiltration, supply and REDCO. Both wings have squadrons assigned to the different DAMOS. 

 

81e Escadre de Transport

Commandos Parachutistes de l'Air

 

Above: CPA capbadge

 

The CPA are the cutting edge of the Groupement des Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air which provides the Armée de l'Air with its protection and is equivalent to the navy's Fusiliers-Marins. There are four company sized Commandos, three comprising the 602e RCPA and one attached to the GCC on Beta Canum.

 

602e Régiment de Commandos Parachutistes de l'Air (602e RCPA)

Groupement de Commandos Coloniale (BCV)

Marine Spatiale Impériale Français

               

The MSIF is a relative newcomer to contributing to the CTS although it has often worked alongside soldiers from the CTS, especially the GTS TIS and its predecessors. The MSIF provides specialist landers and crews and a battalion of zero-G combat specialists from the FUVOLMARS.  

 

Escadre d'Interface

 

The EdI controls the MSIF's interface assets. Only one squadron is permanently assigned to the CTS, working closely with the GTS TIS. This is the shadowy 38e EIR which comes under the administrative control of the Ecole d'Assaut Interface Spatiale at Tirane. The 38e EIR has a range of specially modified craft, rumoured to include captured Kafer landers, and is exceptionally well trained. The only time the role of the 38e EIR has been acknowledged was during the recent Liberation of Kimanjano when elements of the 38e EIR deployed on the Gloire landed the vanguard forces.

 

As the MSIF's responsibilities are widespread and the 38e EIR may not be in position most CTS missions are flown by conventional EdI squadrons. However most squadrons include at least one senior crew specially trained at the EAIS to fly special operations insertion missions. These crews, along with all of those in the 38e EIR, are known as ‘Descente Rapide’ from the qualification gained at EAIS.     

Fusiliers-Voltigeurs de la Marine Spatiale

 

The FUVOLMARS are the MSIF's embarked troops and are highly trained and equipped to operate in their environment. A battalion is assigned to each Fleet but the 7th is an integral part of the CTS. The 7e FULVOLMARS is a very small unit specialising in high risk boarding and interface operations. It has a low profile compared with other, more flamboyant units, but its operational reputation is very high. Unlike the other units it operates in 20 man Pelotons which are handier for deployment on some of the MSIF's smaller vessels.

 

7e Fusiliers-Voltigeurs de la Marine Spatiale (7e FUVOLMARS)

Composite units

 

While most CTS units are drawn from one service or another there are some which are composed of soldiers from several services.

 

Groupement de Commandos Coloniaux

 

The GCC is France's special forces unit deployed permanently on Beta Canum to counter the presence of German special forces. It is comprised of sub-units from the Troupes de Marine, Fusilier-Marins Commandos and Armée de l'Air. A well regarded unit, it could do little to stop the Kafer invasion of the Continent Français but it distinguished itself by continuing the fight from home and abroad until the final Liberation. However there has been some discussion about handing the mission over to the Coloniale or raising another Régiment de Choc.

 

Groupement de Commandos Coloniaux

Régiments de Choc

 

There are three Régiments de Choc, or Shock Regiments, in existence. The oldest, the 11e CHOC, is integral to the DGSE and is not a part of the CTS. The other two have been raised to provide standing special forces capability for specific theatres of operations. The 10e CHOC is based in the Central Asian Republic and the 12e CHOC has been recently raised on Aurore. Both formations usually have manpower drawn from across the CTS. The 12e CHOC has an integral ALAT special aviation unit.

 

10e Régiment de Choc (10e CHOC)

12e Régiment de Choc (12e CHOC)

Divisions d'Aviation Mixte des Opérations Spéciales

 

The DAMOS are designed to ensure each GTS has its own dedicated special aviation capability from sensor drones to transcontinental Constellation air-lifters. The DAMOS are wing sized formation and include army, navy and airforce assets.

 

2e Division d'Aviation Mixte des Opérations Spéciales (2e DAMOS)

4e Division d'Aviation Mixte des Opérations Spéciales (4e DAMOS)

5e Division d'Aviation Mixte des Opérations Spéciales (5e DAMOS)

Sub-Unit Organisation

 

RAPAS - Recherche et Action Spécialisée

 

RAPAS, Intelligence and Special Action, companies are the main building blocks of most of the army units assigned to the CTS.

 

They are land based special operations units capable of wide ranging and independent action. Its members are all trained in air drop techniques, whilst those assigned to the GTS TIS and GTS FAR are all trained in interface drop procedures. It is usual for each of the RAPAS companies within a unit to specialise; some are trained in maritime and zero-G operations, others in desert or mountain operations as well as more esoteric disciplines. However all remain capable of basic land operations. These include direct action, reconnaissance, demolitions, training, insurgency and counter-insurgency tasks.

 

The RAPAS company has a six man company HQ and four 20 man platoons for a total of 86 personnel, although it is rare for many units to be up to strength. The company HQ, or Groupe de Commandement et Transmissions (GCT), includes a commander (Commandant), second in command (Capitaine), SNCO (Adjudant-chef), supply sergeant (Sergent-chef) and two communications specialists.

 

Each platoon has a HQ element, Équipe de Commandement et Transmissions (ECT) and two eight man Groupes. The ECT is usually led by an officer (Capitaine) assisted by a SNCO (Adjudant) with two signallers.

 

The Groupes are divided into two 4 man Équipe Commandos, one commanded by a Sergeant-chef who also leads the group and the other by a Sergeant. The remaining personnel in each équipe are a Caporal-chef and two Caporals. The CTS is much more heavily ranked than line units, a common phenomenon in most nations’ special forces.

 

The building block for most operations is the platoon which can operate independently for some length of time without support from the company. The type of equipment and weaponry available is entirely dependent on the mission being undertaken and the terrain. Like similar foreign units the four man team is the standard operating element.

 

The company alone is a highly versatile organisation and in addition to its own platoons is capable of taking other specialists or even conventional troops under command. For example in 2298 on Aurore 3e Cia of I/2e REP operated successfully with almost an entire battalion of local militia troops under its command.      

 

Below: 1e RPIMa RAPAS brevet

   

 

Commandos d’Action Amphibie 

 

The CFMC of the Marine Impériale contributes no fewer than nine Commandos to the CTS, of these seven are relatively conventional maritime raiding and reconnaissance sub-units and two are specialist diving units described below. In general these units are more conventional in nature than their RAPAS counterparts and have more permanently assigned firepower. They are also tasked with maritime counter-terrorism.  

 

The Commando has a similar organisation to the RAPAS companies having an HQ element and four platoons. The ECT is larger than its army counterpart with no fewer than 10 members. It is commanded by a Capitaine de Corvette (the CFMC use naval ranks) with an intelligence qualified Lieutenant de vaisseau as second in command and a Premier maître as SNCO. The ECT has a four man communications element and a three man supply group.

 

The four platoons (Sections) each have a specific role although they share a common organisation. Two are tasked as assault sections, one as a support section and one a reconnaissance section. Each section is divided into two 10 man squads or escouades, divided in turn into two équipes of four with a two man HQ element. One of the escouades is commanded by a junior officer and the other by a Maître, the équipes are commanded by Deuxième Maîtres. Although in the case of the Section de Reconnaissance its commander is a Premier Maître.

 

The Sections d’Assaut are the main body of the Commando and where all commandos first serve with the unit. Their job is assault, close quarter battle, demolitions and naval search and rescue (REDCO). The HQ pair is equipped with FAM90s whilst the équipes have two FAM90s, a precision weapon or another FAM90 and a support weapon. The équipes can also use heavier support weapons should they need to.

 

The Section d’Appui provides the commando with its heavy firepower. It is equipped with two Blindicide-9 ATGW, two 80mm mortars, two FTE-10 sniper rifles and two Martel SAMs with the remaining personnel carrying FAM90s. The escouade command team are heavy weapons specialists and are fully trained forward observers capable of calling in naval gunfire, artillery and aviation support. 

 

The Section de Reconnaissance is tasked with general reconnaissance, surveillance, demolitions and special beach reconnaissance and its members are all trained combat swimmers (nageurs de combat). Each of the équipes can operate independently of the others and are the most capable element of the commando. Both the reconnaissance and support platoons can operate as assault platoons should the requirement arise.  

 

Commandos d’Action Sous-marine

 

The French Navy has two Commandos trained as deep divers while the Commandos Tiranais have one company trained in this role. With the explosion of sea floor resource exploration the requirement for highly capable combat divers and armoured combat swimmer pilots (Nageur de Combat Blindé) has become even more important. These units have to operate in the depths of the ocean as well as conducting the typical amphibious maritime special forces tasks.

 

These units are organised in a similar way to the conventional Commandos with a HQ and four platoons. Each of the platoons have specialist training with one trained in very deep hard-suit operations, two are trained as sub-surface assault elements and one as a small vessel unit including small surface and sub-surface vessels. These units work closely with the 8e ESMC. Most of the marines in these units have come from the reconnaissance platoons of the conventional Commandos. 

 

Below: CASM Brevet of the Commando Hubert

   

     

Commandos de l’Air

 

The Armée de l’Air’s CPA have a number of tasks including target acquisition, seizure of key points of airports, REDCO, pathfinding and counter-special forces operations. These commandos have recently taken on the same organisation as the RAPAS companies as their previous organisation was deemed to be too clumsy following experience in Central Asian and Europe.

 

Above: CPA 30 patch

 

Pathfinder/CW

 

A recent addition to the CTS organisation has been specialist pathfinder units equipped with Combat Walkers. There are two companies organised like this one each with the III/1e RPIMa and one with the 13e RDP. These are organised as RAPAS companies, except two platoons are equipped with combat walkers with 10 combat walkers each. This gives the company 70 personnel, including 4 soldiers for maintenance, and 20 combat walkers. The whole company is trained in all forms of air and interface operations. The 13e RDP is equipped with the new BH-25 combat walker while the III/1e RPIMa still soldier on with their old BH-21s. 

 

Compagnie de Commandement et des Services

 

Each CTS battalion or group has a CCS or Command and Support Company. This includes key assets such as a tactical HQ (Etat-Major Tactique), special training cadre, and research and intelligence section. In addition most CCS have three special commando groups or Groupement Spécial de Commandos. These are eight man teams comprised of the battalion’s best, brightest and most highly qualified operators. It is the GCS who carry out the most dangerous and challenging missions. 

 

 

Training

 

Like all nations’ special forces the CTS are both highly trained and carefully selected. To join a CTS unit a soldier must be already serving in a regular French military unit, pass a battery of tests to the required standard and possess a basic Commando qualification. Most units then also run their own selection procedure such as the 1e RPIMa’s Rapière course, 2e REP’s selection on Beowulf or the CFMC or the induction course run by the Département Commando at the Ecole des Fusilier marins at Lorient.

 

Those selected are then put through initial special forces training with their units which can last between 6 and 18 months before the successful soldier will be put onto operations. They will then return later to undertake further courses to qualify them to lead teams or teach more advanced technique. The CTS is notable for both the breadth and depth of courses that are run, from ‘simple’ close quarter battle techniques through to sub-surface deep diving hard suit operations or interplanetary signalling and almost hundreds of others of various subjects and grades.

 

These courses are well regarded internationally whilst internally cross-specialisation and cross-training are heavily encouraged. Consequently most RAPAS or Commando members have a wide variety of skills. However the levels of attendance on these courses mean many units are under strength through providing both instructors and students. Operators are often placed on foreign courses or seconded to foreign units to ensure other nations haven’t developed techniques the CTS hasn’t. 

 

Once established within the CTS it is vary rare for a soldier to be returned to a regular unit except for disciplinary offences. This has had the unfortunate side effect of distancing the CTS from the mainstream army and distrust is common between both sides of the divide.      

 

Below: French basic Para and Commando brevets. All applicants must posses the Commando brevet before attempting selection for CTS units. Most also have their airborne wings.

 

 

International Co-operation

 

The CTS has bilateral links with a vast array of special operations forces across human space. As a trend setter in tactics, techniques and equipment the CTS often finds itself helping to establish or retrain similar forces in neighbouring countries. However there are a few nations’ forces that the CTS regards itself as an equal to and links with these are more equitable.

 

The British, Brazilians, Russians and Americans have had the closest links with the CTS in the last few decades. When suffering from all too frequent overstretch the CTS often puts out a call the elite forces of these nations to help it out. Knowledge and techniques flow relatively freely between these nations and bilateral exercises are commonplace.

 

The CTS has been involved in building up a number of forces in recent years, notably the effort of 10e CHOC to create a viable special operations capability in the Central Asian Republic and efforts by GTS TIS to help Tanstaafl and Noyova Kiyev. Links between GTS de Tirane and the newly independent states of Freihafen and Wellon have been pursued.

 

The greatest rupture in relations has come with the creation of the new German state and the loss of the very close relationship with Bavaria. It is rumoured that many CTS operators with experience serving with the Bavarians have been transferred to 11e CHOC, the DGSE’s paramilitary force. Reports of dubious reliability often place some of these individuals at key trouble spots on Adlerhorst, Beta Canum and other ex-Bavarian colonies.

 

Relations with France’s ESA ally Azania’s special forces have been relatively low key over the years due to the on-going tension along the border between French Africa and Azania’s satellite nations. However this did not prevent close co-operation between these two nations in the defence of Kimanjano.

 

Naturally different elements of the CTS foster links with equivalent units from other nations. For example the Fusiliers-Marins Commandos work with the British SBS, 1e RPIMa train with their SAS counterparts and 7e FULVOLMARS with the SPS etc.

 

Below: Badge of the 11e CHOC

   

 

 

Equipment

 

Weapons

 

Like all special forces organisations CTS has a wide variety of equipment at its disposal. However its standard weapon is the issue FAM-90 which is popular with the operators. Other weapons like the FTE-10 sniper rifle, M2 PGMP and M-79 machine gun are standard issue pieces of equipment across the French military. As a result French special forces are often more difficult to spot than those of other nations.

 

The CTS also has significant stocks of foreign and non standard weaponry and these are available for specific missions. CTS units are also well equipped with anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons many of which are mounted on their vehicles. Amongst the non-standard weapons are the RPS combat shotgun and a silenced version of the FAM-90. 

 

FM RPS-2292

 

The FM RPS-2292 is the latest issue combat shotgun in service with the CTS. Unlike other nations' combat shotguns the RPS-2292 has a pump action rather than a semi-auto mechanism. This is due primarily to the number of non-standard shells used by the CTS which have been known to cause jams in semi-auto weapons. Although at its best at close quarters it can used with longer ranged shells and so doesn't leave its users at as great a disadvantage as other weapons of this kind.

 

Shells available include high explosive, white phosphorus, flechette, solid shot, discarding sabot as well as conventional buckshot. There are rumours of smart shells being developed for this weapon system.  

FAM-90S

 

The FAM-90S is the special operations variant of the FAM-90. It differs from the standard weapon with the addition of enhanced optical systems in addition to a silenced fire option including a baffle and an extra option on the muzzle velocity selector. The weapon is a robust and well regarded system popular with the troops.  

Mortier Léger 80mm (ML-80) Light Mortar

 

The ML-80 is an obsolete lightweight mortar originally designed for colonial light infantry work. Widely superseded by 105mm and 120mm magazine fed models the ML-80 still has one major user. French special forces units use these easily manpacked weapon on raids that require indirect fire support greater than that provided by grenade launchers. The ML-80 is accurate and quickly bedded down, however it suffers from being vulnerable to counter-battery fire. Firepower is also constrained by the number of round carried with the mortar tubes, usually every member of the raiding unit being supported carries at least two rounds, and sometimes more.

Ammunition:

General Equipment

 

The CTS has a vast array of equipment available to it, thanks in part to a dedicated R&D and procurement arm of the Ministère de la Défense. Standard equipment is that use by conventional French infantry soldiers, but personalised and specialist equipment is readily available. Such is the financial backing available to the CTS that virtually nothing is unavailable if reasonable justification can be found. In combat the soldiers wear either the standard bleus or a camouflaged version of the standard ballistic fatigues, but the Cuirasse de Combat is rarely worn with an inertial combat vest system being preferred.     

 

Vehicles

 

The CTS has access to many vehicles from Otarie-Class sub-fighters to Dragon III tilt-rotors. However there are some signature vehicles. CTS battalions operating on the ground usually rely on soft-skinned hover vehicles. These range from hovercycles to armed light ACVs based on the ASL-12 and ASM-2. French special forces differ from their counterparts in other nations by preferring heavier vehicles to small hover jeeps like the British HR500. The ALAT's Escadron des Opérations Spéciales also operate a special forces conversion of the reliable AG-7 tilt-rotor scout.

 

Aéro Véhicule de Reconnaissance et d'Appui

 

The AVRA is the special forces conversion of the common ASM-2 hover truck. It is capable of carrying an entire commando groupe and their equipment and while not as agile as the smaller ASL-12 is fast enough for the job. The modifications include a new sensor and communications suite, limited stealthing and no fewer than five weapon mounts. Four of these can carry weapons up to the M-79 or M2 while the main mount can carry a 25mm autocanon or CLP-1A heavy plasma gun. 

Guerrin-Rousette AG-12 Stealth Tilt-Rotor Scout

 

The venerable AG-7 tilt-rotor scout has been in French service since the Central Asian War and has performed yeoman service in its command, scout and liaison roles. It was soon adapted for special forces work for reconnaissance, light support and troop movement. The AG-7 proved repeatedly able to penetrate enemy airspace, deliver commandos and support them if required. However the modified AG-7s were already showing their age and the CTS and Guerrin-Rousette developed a dedicated version which became the AG-12.

 

The AG-12 includes the latest French stealth technology and is also a remarkably quiet aircraft whilst loosing none of its speed or agility. It has enhanced sensors, as well as missile hard points and increased ammunition load for its canon. Manned by a single pilot the AG-12 can deliver 5 fully equipped soldiers onto a point target. The AG-12 is in service with the ALAT's EOS as well as the Gendarmerie for counter-terrorism duties.       

Personalities

 

Vice-amiral d'escadre Joseph Maillet

 

Joseph Maillet is the current commander of the CTS. His background is in the Fusiliers-Marins with whom he was a deep diving specialist with the Commando de Penfenteyo and went on to command the 2e GRUFUMARCO. He has had no conventional service but has seen action as a special operations commander in the Central Asian War, Elysian Revolt and commanded the GTS de Terre during the war with Germany. Maillet came to command the CTS as the senior SF commander although he had links to the Colonels and is reputedly not completely trusted by the Emperor.

 

Born in Brittany, Maillet is a hard task master and is a man who is respected, but not liked by those under him. He has been the driving force behind the heavy use of the CTS on the French Arm against the Kafers. His rivalry with other commanders is bitter; Hébert and Rochemont especially and his position in Paris allows him to wield his influence against these field commanders.

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Pierre Scallan

 

Pierre Scallan is the flamboyant commander of I/1e RPIMa a key unit of the GTS TIS. He was initially an officer in the conventional 2e RPIMa who moved into the CTS after seeing action in the early years of the Central Asian War. He has extensive operational experience across human space with all three battalions of the 1e RPIMa. He has also served on secondment with the British SAS.

 

Scallan was born on Corsica but travelled with his military family across French Union territory. He studied at the Académie Militaire Coloniale before being commissioned into the Troupes de Marines. He is an extremely charismatic and capable officer, who has led his battalion very well during the Kafer War. However his clashes with Vice-amiral Rochemont over the Beta Canum deployment may have damaged his future career.

 

Sergent-Chef Ursule Jean

 

Ursule Jean is a pilot with the ALAT’s Détachement de Escadron d'Opérations Spéciales d'Aurore, a special operations flight deployed on Eta Bootis with the 12e CHOC. She has only recently joined the CTS having previously served as an ALAT pilot with an airmobile DAM based on Earth. She excelled in the special ops flying course and was arrived at Aurore a month before the world was cut of in the Kafer Invasion. She is the pilot of an AG-12 and has amassed hundreds of hours operational flying time. She was born in the Néo-Provençal city of Charles de Gaulle and still has a very strong colonial accent. She is an excellent pilot with uncanny reflexes but is painfully shy and awkward around people.

---

24 December 2003

Copyright D Hebditch, 2003