French Army: 2300AD Introduction The
Troupes de Marines (TdM) are recognised by military cognoscenti as France’s
most professional fighting troops, surpassing the more famous Légion
Étrangère. They can be found anywhere the French military deploys and
fill some of its most demanding roles. Their units include special forces,
intervention troops, colonial garrisons, spearhead armoured forces and
remote garrisons on Earth. The bulk of the TdM are infantry but there
are also armour, artillery, engineers and support elements within the
force. Narrative
The
Bugs were closing in on Sergeant Carter’s small force of Texas Rifles
and Francs-tireurs. Their raid on a Bug patrol base had gone seriously
wrong, they’d been betrayed or blundered across some remote sensors.
Carter didn’t know how it had happened but five of his men were now
dead, or worse captured, and the remaining seven fugitives from a Bug
mechanised platoon whose tracks were rattling around all to close to
their refuge. His
mixture of Texans and Frommois were seriously scared, this was almost
as bad as Armstrong’s Mountain. Carter had radioed out for support but
hadn’t had any reply, things were not looking good. He had small arms
and satchel charges but nothing that could reliably take on a track
with its sensors. His only hope was to hide in the culverts to the rear
of the hydroponics farm and wait until the Bugs got bored, stupid and
wandered away. It wasn’t much of a plan but it was the best he could
do… Hell of a way to go after all they’d been through. He
heard the popping of the missile first, then a crash of high explosive
impact. Carter popped his head up from the ditch, to see a Bug track
burning fiercely a hundred meters away. Bug infantry rolled out of the
vehicle, some on fire, into a hail of 30mm which smashed and shattered
them. A second track clattered to halt nearby and took another missile;
plasma fire and grenades worked along its flank ripping through the
thin hull. Carter
opened up with his M5 at the silhouetted Bugs, the others joining in,
dropping those hidden from the fire of their rescuers. Then four figures
dropped alongside them in the ditch, a grinning beret
rouge noncom in the lead. He tapped Carter on the shoulder. “You
give cover?” He
didn’t really wait for an answer, but took his team out to hunt down
the rest of the Kafers. Carter shook his head in admiration as they
went. The Rifles were a crack unit by any estimate, but those French
Marine Paras were just damn mean. The
history of the Troupes de Marines is intimately bound up with the history
of French colonialism and imperialism on Earth and off-world. For example
companies of troops bearing the ‘Marine’ name were dispatched to Quebec
in the 1680s and formed the regular nucleus of ‘New France’s’ defence
against the British. Other units of troops served on ships as infantry
and gunners while others formed overseas garrisons. The
modern Troupes de Marine can trace their organisation to 1821 when an
ordnance provided for the creation of two regiments of marine infantry
and one of artillery. The nicknames for the two branches were marsoins
and bigors, or dolphins and sea-shells, and these are still in
use in 2300AD. The
number of infantry regiments soon grew to three each with at least 30
companies deployed both in France and overseas in the colonies. By 1854
there were no fewer than 15 000 soldiers in 120 companies divided into
four regiments. Two years later a battalion of fusiliers-marins was
formed to take on the ship’s troop role and from then on the main role
of the TdM was as soldiers on land. The TdM saw service both in the
colonies and in the expedition to Mexico, the Crimean War and the Franco-Prussian
War. The
TdM was also responsible for the organisation of locally raised units
of the Tirailleurs Sénégalaise, many of who were not from Senegal but from other parts
of Africa. They also controlled locally raised units elsewhere in French
colonial territories such as Indochina. The Armée d’Afrique however
was not under the control of the TdM. In
1900 the TdM were renamed as the Troupes Coloniale, a title they would
retain until after the loss of Indochina. The Coloniale gained a reputation
as France’s elite during WW1, ending the war with seven divisions in
the field. In the Régiment d’Infanterie Coloniale Marocaine the Coloniale
had most highly decorated regiment in the French Army. They saw action
on the Western Front, at Gallipoli and in the Balkans. As
for most of France the Coloniale had a difficult WW2, many of its units
were destroyed by the Germans in 1940. However many Coloniale elements
in the colonies would rally to the Free French and these formed the
initial kernel of de Gaulle’s forces and even towards the end of the
war three divisions of the 1st French Army were predominantly composed
of Coloniale, although many of the original Tirailleurs Sénégalaise
were replaced by white Frenchmen. The
Coloniale also played a key role in France’s wars of decolonization,
heavily committed in Indochina and North Africa. Renamed once more as
the TdM the marines were greatly reduced in size but continued a dual
role. Elements of the TdM took their place in the French Army in Europe
ready should the Cold War turn hot, whilst other units provided a French
presence in former colonies of the Francophonie. In addition crack para
regiments of the RPIMa provided an intervention force. The
Twilight War saw the TdM in action across the world, with the 9e DIMa
deploying to Kuwait and other marine units were involved in the occupation
of the Rhineland. The TdM received a new addition with the absorption
of the Belgian Army whose Para-Commandos were transferred to the TdM.
In addition the TdM again became involved with training African armies
as the French Union brought Senegal very closely into the French orbit. The
TdM were a mainstay of the Paix Français throughout its existence
starting with the Saudi War and were prominent in the intervention role
in many crises. The TdM were at the forefront of the massive expansion
of the French Union throughout much of Africa. This was a predominantly
peaceful process with the consent of most of the Francophone French
nations, although there were often anti-French elements which sometimes
formed insurgencies. The TdM initially provide training cadres for the
African forces, but this huge project proved beyond their resources
and in the early 2100’s the Armée Métropolitaine integrated all African
French Union units. The
discovery of stutterwarp and the establishment of off-world colonies
brought about an expansion of the TdM as the marines were deployed with
elements of the Légion to provide colonial garrisons. Although regular
units of a reformed Coloniale and militias were soon raised the TdM
continued to provide troops for the colonies, although in small numbers
and usually as crack troops. In particular the RPIMa were used widely
as colonial troubleshooters. The
Central Asian War saw the TdM pitched once more into high intensity
combat with the 9e DIMa deployed as well as those TdM units serving
with the Armée de Manœuvre. Some units of the RPIMa had converted to
combat walker operations and these proved to be amongst the only Allied
CWs that could go toe-to-toe with their Manchurian opponents. Following
a move towards more lightly supported and faster moving forces the 9e
DIMa was converted to a hover mobile armoured brigade which won many
plaudits. In
the aftermath of this war the RPIMas were reorganised under the new
Troupes d’Intervention Spatiale which would provide a fast moving fire
brigade for operations in the colonies. The war with Germany saw the
TdM play a less prominent role as many of its soldiers were deployed
in Central Asia or the colonies, however the 9e DIMa once again saw
ferocious action. The TdM maintained their fighting reputation however
and were relatively unscathed by the swinging post-War military reforms.
The
TdM have been heavily involved in the recent Kafer War, the RPIMas attached
to the TIS fought desperate battles in the Beta Canum Cluster as have
other battalions. The liberation campaign saw both 2e and 9e DIMa in
action to throw back the aliens from human colonies. The highly trained
and professional marsoins and bigors look likely to continue
to be in the forefront of French military efforts against the Kafers.
This
is the TdM order of battle for Jan 2303. Units 1e Régiment d' Infanterie Chars de Marine 6e Régiment de Chars de Tirane de Marine Régiment de Marche d'Éclaireurs de Marine 1e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon III Bataillon 2e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon
3e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 7e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon 9e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 13e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon III Bataillon IV Bataillon 21e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine II Bataillon 22e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 33e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon III Bataillon 41e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon Régiment de Marche du Tchad 'Marines' I Bataillon II Bataillon Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine du Pacifique I Bataillon II Bataillon Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine de Guyana I Bataillon II Bataillon III Bataillon 1e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon III Bataillon 2e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 3e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 6e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 8e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon Régiment Para-Commando I Bataillon II Bataillon 1e Régiment d'Artillerie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 3e Régiment d'Artillerie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon III Bataillon IV Bataillon 11e Régiment d'Artillerie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon 3e Régiment Génie de Marine I Bataillon II Bataillon III Bataillon There
are a number of formations manned exclusively by the Troupes de Marine.
These are assigned to rapid reaction forces on Earth and Tirane and
the elite TIS. These formations have all seen heavy action in the Kafer
War. 2e
Division d'Infanterie de Marine 2e
DIMa is currently deployed on the world of Beta Canum as part of the
Armée de Libération and garrisons the international city of Adrian on
the Southern Continent. The division is formed from Néo-Provençal TdM
units and is normally stationed on that world in support of the Marine
Impériale. In addition to its amphibious role in support of the navy
it specialises in low intensity conflict. It was equipped with the ABR/VCIR
family of wheeled vehicles but was re-equipped with the modern EBC-97
before deploying to the French Arm. 2e
DIMa had already been deployed to the French Arm before being sent under
the command of the famous Général Hébert to Elysia in the late 2280s.
The division performed well, their conduct was contrasted with some
of the Coloniale units, however the war was lost before they arrived
and the division was repatriated following the cessation of hostilities.
During the Kafer War the division was in the follow on force for the
Armée de Libération and saw heavy combat on the streets of Fromme. It
has since been dispatched to Beta Canum where it has been deployed on
mopping up operations prior to stabilising Adrian. The
division has earned a fine reputation but is seen as being hampered
by its wheeled vehicles. It is due to return to Nouvelle Provence soon
and will leave behind its EBR-97s for the rebuilding 9e Corps. On its
arrival it will reorganise on the same lines as 9e DIMa and will gain
the full range of AC-12/ACVI-4 HAFV and a newly raised CW battalion.
6e Régiment de Chars de Tirane de Marine IV/13e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine II/11e Régiment d’Artillerie de Marine I/3e Régiment de Génie de Marine 9e DIMa Régiment de Commandement et de Soutain 9e Division d'Infanterie de Marine This
division is 2e DIMa’s Terran equivalent and is currently deployed on
Kimanjano on the French Arm with the Armée de Libération. The division
was organised and trained as part of the Force d’Action
Rapide on Earth as a forced entry
unit for operations in conjunction with the Marine Impériale. It is
equipped with the most modern HAFV and can double as a more than respectable
hovermobile shock formation. 9e
DIMa converted to this role in the Central Asian War following on from
the success of the Groupe Mobile Légion Étrangère. These two formations
provided professional spearheads to a largely conscript French military
effort and 9e DIMa retained this role after the end of the war. The
division spent mucg of the War of German Reunification’s ‘Phoney War’
stood to in Brittany for a possible raid onto the German coastline which
never materialised. As the fighting erupted the division was heavily
involved in the French drive to Stuttgart where it had a ferocious contest
with the Bavarian ‘Ghost Division’. 9e
DIMa was one of the first reinforcement divisions dispatched along the
French Arm in response to the Invasion but was held at Beowulf even
before the Fall of Kimanjano. It was in the second wave of the Liberation
of Kimanjano with planners expecting the division to provide a reserve.
The Kafer counter-attack however forced the 9e DIMa to be fed into the
battle in penny packets as they arrived. Fighting desperately in isolation
the marines helped hold the landing zones but at a fearsome price. The
division was immediately withdrawn for a period of rebuilding.
The
division went back in to the line with the launch of the main phase
of the Battle of Fromme with the highly mobile 2e Corps screening the
city itself. In two weeks of high intensity manoeuvre warfare the Kafers
were finally defeated with the 9e DIMa playing a key role being called
upon to smash two key Kafer defensive positions. The division then was
involved in clearing the Azanian colony and the running fight to reduce
other Kafer remnants in the months that followed. 9e DIMa remains on
Kimanjano but is due to return to Earth, it has taken severe casualties
in men and material but once again emerged with great plaudits as the
most heavily decorated French unit of the Armée de Libération. It
should be noted that the division’s integral combat walker unit II/1e
RIMa did not serve with the division. Instead it had been seconded to
the Armée d’Aurore prior to the invasion. It will return to Earth at
the same time as the rest of the 9e DIMa. The division operates as two
Demi-Brigades and so is regarded as a mini- Division de Marche. 1e Régiment d'Infanterie Chars de Marine II/1e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine (CW – Detached Armée d’Aurore) I/11e Régiment d’Artillerie de Marine I/3e Régiment de Génie de Marine 9e DIMa Régiment de Commandement et de Soutain 2e
Brigade d'Intervention Despite
its numbering the 2e BI was the first of the new Brigades d’Intervention
formed towards the end of the Central Asian War. It saw immediate action
being deployed to the frontiers of the French Arm to help fight the
Elysian Revolt and the French defeat caused much bitterness in its ranks.
The brigade was deployed on Tirane during the war with Germany and didn’t
see action although many contingency plans were drawn up against a range
of potential targets in theatre. Since then it has worked alongside
Freihafen’s emerging intervention and specialist Raumwaffe forces. Elements
of the brigade saw action early in the Kafer War but the bulk of the
brigade was held in reserve until the invasion of Kimanjano. Elements
of I/8e RPIMa saw action in Operation ENTENTE and the brigade then formed
a vital spearhead in the assault on Kimanjano interdicting key routes
into the landing zones and suffering heavy casualties. The brigade continued
to fight on for a further two months, often in support of the 2e DLB
or in conducting raiding operations. The brigade was then withdrawn
to rest and refit taking on the role of stand-by BI for the French Arm.
I/8e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine (CW) I/2e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine 1/Régiment Para-Commando 2e BI Compagnie de Commandement et de Soutain 2e Compagnie de Génie de Parachutistes 2e Compagnie d'Artillerie d'Élite de Parachutistes 3e
Brigade d'Intervention 3e
BI was formed in 2290 and saw action as ship’s troops in the Sol system
and conducted innumerable boarding actions and a number of seizures
of German stations or mines. Although tasked as the stand-by BI for
the French Arm the brigade deployed only following the fall of BCB.
The brigade divided with some elements with the Reserve Fleet and other
at Kimanjano. I/3e RPIMa fought in the invasion of Kimanjano in a near
commando role and after the fall of the colony became inevitable dispersed
to form a resistance nucleus. II/8e RPIMa was involved in Op ENTENTE,
providing the covering force alongside the British 2 PARA. The
remnants of 3e BI did not take part in the liberation of Kimanjano,
instead providing a reserve force. The force would later be the French
spearhead on Beta Canum, becoming respectively the seventh and either
TdM TIS battalions to assault land on Beta Canum. The liberation of
Kimanjano saw the cadres of 1/3e RPIMa reform into a battalion and the
elements of the brigade on Beta Canum were soon withdrawn. 3e BI was
quickly returned to Earth to regenerate a French rapid reaction capability
in the core. II/2e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I/3e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine II/8e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine 3e BI Compagnie de Commandement et de Soutain 3e Compagnie de Génie de Parachutistes 3e Compagnie d'Artillerie d'Élite de Parachutistes 4e
Brigade d' Intervention Formed
in 2291 and routinely stationed at Earth the 4e BI is also normally
tasked to prepare for operations on the Chinese or American Arms. It
was dispatched with the assault ship Valmy and 4e DdD landing
group in conjunction with the Napoléon battle group in
order to relieve Aurore. Ultimately the brigade was instead attached
to Admiral Rochemont’s Fleet and operated with him throughout the Invasion.
The
brigade spearheaded the liberation of Crater, a landing that nearly
failed due to Kafer opposition on the landing zone and then went on
to take part in the 2nd Liberation of Beta Canum, subsequently seeing
heavy action on the German Continent. The brigade took heavy casualties
in action against Kafer mechanised forces but was ultimately successful.
It engaged also in the liberation of the French Continent before being
re-tasked. After a period of regeneration the brigade was re-tasked
to act as ship’s troops for several key French warships hunting down
Kafer survivors. I/6e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine II/6e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine 2/Régiment Para-Commando 4e BI Compagnie de Commandement et de Soutain 4e Compagnie de Génie de Parachutistes 4e Compagnie d'Artillerie d'Élite de Parachutistes Bataillon de Cavalerie Blindée There
are only two BCBs in the TdM, RICM and I/1e RIMa both assigned to 9e
DIMa. These BCB are pure hovertank battalions and are equipped with
the modern AC-12bis. The BCB does not have the integral all-arms capability
of the BCBM but in the 9e DIMa they operate in permanent Demi-Brigades
with the two BFAMs. The
BCB is organised with 3 hovertank Escadrons and a command and service
Escadron. The hovertank Escadron are organised with four 3 tank troops
and a command troop. In total the BCB has 41 AC-12bis and numerous support
and service vehicles. Bataillon de Cavalerie Mécanisés Organised
almost identically to the BCB except being equipped with the new EBR-97
wheeled AFV there is a single BCM in the TdM, the 6e RBTMa. This unit
is due to re-organise as a BCB on its return to Tirane.
Bataillon
de Cavalerie de Reconnaissance There
is only one TdM unit which officially has this organisation the RMEMa,
and this unit has not finished its transition and is not fully up to
strength. It has the standard three manoeuvre Escadrons and a command
and support Escadron. The sabre Escadrons have three reconnaissance
troops equipped with ACR-89s, a hovertank troop for support and a support
troop of ACVI-3s carrying dismounted troopers and UAVs.
Bataillon
de Fantassins Aéromobiles There
are around six TdM battalions in the BFA role, mostly deployed in Africa,
Guyana or the colonies. It has four rifle companies, a support company
(CEA) and a HQ company (CCS). The rifle companies have three rifle platoons
and a HQ with small integral anti-tank and anti-aircraft elements. The
support company has reconnaissance, mortar, anti-tank and anti-aircraft
elements. The command company has the usual combat support elements
and a pioneer platoon which also functions as a defence platoon.
Bataillon
de Fantassins Légers BFLs
are garrison infantry units with only three rifle companies and a reduced
support company. In the TdM these are most often found in garrison roles
on Earth in the Caribbean or Pacific. Bataillon
de Fantassins Aéro-Mécanisés The
TdM has four battalions in the BFAM role serving with 9e DIMa, 2e DB
and 17e DM. They are all equipped with the ACVI-4 and are highly trained
in manoeuvre warfare. The BFAM has four manoeuvre companies, a CEA and
a CCS. The companies have three rifle platoons and a support platoon
in addition to the usual headquarters. Bataillon de Fantassins Légers Aéro-Mécanisés The
BFLAM is almost identical to the BFAM except they operate in the 1e
and 2e DLB. The difference is in the versatility of the training opportunities,
but they are also equipped with ACVI-4s. I/3e RIMa is the only battalion
in this role and is attached to the 1e DLB.
Bataillon
de Fantassins Mécanisés BFMs
are very similar to BFAMs but are equipped with wheeled AFVs. The TdM
has a number of BFMs in medium intensity roles in garrisons on Earth
and in the Colonies. Notably the entire 2e DIMa is a mechanised formation.
The TdM operates a mixture of VCIR and EBR-97s. Bataillon de Chasseurs à Pied Blindée BCPB
are French combat walker units of which there are five in the TdM. Each
has 4 CW companies, a CEA and CSS. Each company has two platoons of
walkers with a small HQ for a total of 24 walkers. In total the BCPB
has 100 frontline walkers but also hold a reserve of 25 walkers to replace
maintenance and combat losses. Three of these units are crack RPIMa
battalions, one is attached to 9e DIMa and the other is being raised
for the 2e DIMa. They operate a mixture of BH-21s and the newly introduced
BH-25 which is being pushed first to the RPIMa units. Bataillon de Fantassins des Troupes d’Intervention Spatiale The
BFTIS is France’s most capable light infantry organisation, used by
its most elite intervention forces. It includes four rifle companies,
a reinforced CEA and a CCS. It has double the normal complement of anti-tank
weapons, its second AT platoon being manned by the pioneers, and an
integral commando platoon. What makes the real difference for these
units is the quality of training and rigorous selection of personnel.
No fewer than seven battalions from the RPIMa and Para-Commandos have
this organisation. Bataillon
de Troupes Spéciales All
three battalions of 1e RPIMa are organised as BTS, France’s default
special forces organisation. It includes 4 RAPAS companies as well as
the usual support elements. Bataillon d’Artillerie Légère Aéro-Mécanise BALAMs
are hovermobile MRL artillery units and make up much of the TdMs artillery
strength. They have three strong batteries and a command and support
batteries. Bataillon
d’Artillerie Légère BALs
are artillery assigned to the support of light forces. They have three
artillery batteries, one with MRLs and two with light gauss howitzers.
The weapons are carried on light hovermobile platforms, although the
guns can be dismounted if needs be. Bataillon du Génies Aéro-Mécanise The
BGAM is a versatile hovermobile engineer unit intended to support hovermobile
formations. The bulk of the vehicles are converted ACVI-3s although
there is a vast range of specialist models. The BGAM has three field
engineer companies and a heavy engineer company and a GCS.
Bataillon
du Génies Mécanise The
BGM is the wheeled equivalent of the BGAM. 1e Régiment d'Infanterie Chars de Marine 1e
RICM – BCB – 9e DIMa, Kimanjano The
RICM has its roots in the Régiment d’Infanterie Coloniale Marocaine,
a unit that was the most highly decorated French regiment of the 1st
World War surpassing even the RMLE a status it retains still. Even today
the RICM rejoices in being the “Premier Régiment de France”.
It saw service in France’s wars of decolonisation in Indochina and Algeria
before being renamed with its current title, although maintaining its
Moroccan heritage on its insignia. The unit was heavily involved in
the Middle East in the Twilight Era and Saudi War, winning further plaudits.
As
the premier armoured unit of the TdM the RICM often had sub-units deployed
in support of other units, even if the whole regiment wasn’t deployed
and so saw almost continuous action during the Paix Française.
The RICM has seen action against Manchurians, Germans and Kafers in
recent years and continues to rack up battle honours and awards. Today
the RICM is with 9e DIMa, a formation it has been a part of for over
three centuries, on Kimanjano. 6e Régiment de Chars de Tirane de Marine 6e RBTMa – BCM – 2e DIMa, Beta Canum-4 6e
RBTMa has its roots in the VI/1e Régiment Coloniale de Cavalerie, created
in 2174 to be part of the growing locally recruited garrison of Nouvelle
Provence on Tirane. The unit was brigade with I, II and III/2e RIC in
what was an emergent rapid reaction formation to operate alongside similar
Légion and TdM units. When Nouvelle Provence became part of Metropolitan
France the VI/6e RCC was transferred into the TdM as 6e RBTMa, I/2e
RIC similarly became the I/13e RIMa. The
unit has mostly been deployed on Tirane and has seen action in helping
to suppress a small number of revolts in the colony with a mixture of
force and persuasion, something the 2e DIMa became regarded as very
adept at. The unit also became practised at littoral operations. The
first real action came when the unit was deployed to Elysia with 2e
DIMa and was involved in a range of combat operations. 6e RBTMa was
active very deep inside Maquis Verte enclaves and later tried
but failed to halt the advance of 1e Groupement de Combat d' Elysia
Libre as it precipitated the collapse of the French colonial government.
Repatriated
the unit was stood to for operations in Garten in support of anti-Reunificationist
Bavarians under a variety of contingency plans which were never activated.
The unit was sent to the French Arm again with 2e DIMa and has seen
high intensity combat on both Kimanjano and Beta Canum. It is due to
return to Nouvelle Provence shortly and re-equip with AC-12bis hovertanks.
Régiment
de Marche d'Éclaireurs de Marine
RMEMa - BCE – 3e DMC, Beta Canum-4 The
RMEMa, or the ‘Emmas’ are a Kafer War raised unit formed from the remnants
of I/21e RIMa, destroyed in the 101e DAMs doomed stand at the Beanstalk
terminal, and a mixture of civilian volunteers and TdM reservists who
rallied in New Africa. Given a reconnaissance tasking, an organisation
of two understrength companies and equipped with soft skinned ACVs the
‘Emmas’ were truly a private army. However
they were disciplined and given intensive, if not lengthy, training
and performed well in minor raiding and in action on the German Continent.
The formed the recce element of the Division de Marche de Liberation,
later 3e DMC, and fought in the liberation of the French Continent.
They have grown in strength, absorbing numerous volunteers. It is unknown
what will happen to the unit, it might be re-named and regularised as
a new I/21e RIMa, transferred to the Coloniale or Milice, or simply
disbanded. 1e
Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/1e RIMa – BCB – 9e DIMa, Kimanjano II/1e RIMa – BCPB – 9e DIMa, Kimanjano III/1e RIMa – BFM – 105e BM, Adlerhorst 1e
RIMa traces its history back to 1822 and has seen action across the
globe since that time including China and Mexico. The regiment was destroyed
by the Germans in 1940 but was reformed in 1945 from the basis of Free
French TdM units that had fought across North Africa, Italy, southern
France and into Germay. The regiment was reduced to a single battalion
regiment following the loss of Algeria, but expanded again during the
Paix Française. Two
of 1e RIMa’s battalions are assigned to 9e DIMa, although II/1e RIMa
was detached to Aurore and fought separately in the last round of the
Kafer War. I/1e RIMa in particular has taken heavy casualties in action
on Kimanjano. III/1e RIMa was also on the French Arm having been deployed
on Adlerhorst since 2293, it was heavily hit as a source of reinforcements
for 4e BI during the war, and has since been re-equipped with ACVI-4s
and fresh manpower to become a part of 105e BM. 2e
Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/2e RIMa – BFAM – 9e RIMa, Kimanjano II/2e RIMa – BFA – 8e DAM, Djibouti III/2e RIMa – Cadre 2e
RIMa is another highly decorated regiment which was formed at the same
time as 1e RIMa and had similar experiences, being destroyed in the
Franco-Prussian War and seeing heavy action in the Great War. It would
see service in Indochina, Algeria and the Middle East in the century
following the 2nd World War. One
of the regiment’s battalions was destroyed in the Kafer invasion of
Kimanjano and has not yet been re-established. Another served in the
9e DIMa that helped in the liberation of Kimanjano. The remaining battalion
serves in the airmobile role with 8e DAM based in Djibouti. 3e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/3e RIMa – BFLAM – 1e DLB, Beta Canum II/3e RIMa – BFAM – 9e DIMa, Kimanjano Another
of the historic TdM regiments with widespread service across the world
3e RIMa was the first post-WW2 French unit to become all professional
in 1970 forging a path for the rest of the TdM to follow. It won a supurb
reputation in action in the Middle East during the Saudi War as a single
unit and would later expand into a two battalion regiment. I/3e
RIMa is a part of the elite 1e DLB and saw severe action in the liberation
of Kimanjano, holding a key portion of the landing zone perimeter. It
later played a full part in the Battle of Fromme before re-embarking
for Beta Canum. II/3e RIMa also served in the Kimanjano campaign with
the 9e DIMa. 7e
Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/7e RIMa – BFL – Réunion 7e
RIMa is a regiment with a more sedate role than most serving as the
garrison for the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, hardly the most dangerous
post in the French Empire. Service in I/7e RIMa is a reward for long
service and good conduct. 9e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/9e RIMa – BFA – CECdoGy, Guyana II/9e RIMa – BFA – CECdoGy, Guyana 9e
RIMa has its roots in the 2e Régiment de Marche du Tonkin, a TdM/Coloniale
garrison unit in Indochina which was ultimately destroyed by the Japanese
in 1945. The unit later reformed more permanently as the 9e RIC then
9e RIMa in Algeria for that campaign before eventually reforming again
in French Guyane. The regiment has remained based in Guyane and later
Guyana ever since. The regiment is the TdM’s centre of excellence for
jungle warfare, and elements of it have served in numerous locations
with similar terrain across Earth and the colonies. There are rumours
one of these battalions may deploy to Beta Canum for operations in New
Africa’s K-Zone. 13e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I Bataillon – BFM – 2e DIMa, Beta Canum-4 II Bataillon – BFM – 2e DIMa, Beta Canum-4 III Bataillon – BFM – 2e DIMa, Beta Canum-4 IV Bataillon – BCPB – (2e DIMa), Tirane 13e
RIMa was formed from the old I/2e RIC when Nouvelle Provence was integrated
into Metropolitan France. Initially only a single battalion strong the
regiment quickly expanded to three battalions. Later in 2302 following
a decision to re-organise 2e DIMa to the same structure as 9e DIMa a
fourth battalion of combat walkers was raised, and this is still in
training. Like 6e RBTMa, 13e RIMa has seen operational service in the
Elysian and Kafer Wars. It retains most of its Néo-Provençal character. 21e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/21e RIMa - Cadre II/21e RIMa – BFA – 6e DAM, West Africa Initially
formed as the 2e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine de Garnison this unit
was soon renamed the 21e RIC. It saw heavy action in WW1 but was destroyed
in 1940 and reformed by the ‘blanchiment’ of the 4e Régiment de Tirailleurs
Sénégalais in 1944. It saw service in Algeria before becoming a mechanised
infantry formation in the 6e DLB. The unit was one of the first TdM
formations to be sent to Tirane where it was based for many years. I/21e
RIMa was based on Beta Canum after the War of German Reunification and
has seen service on Adlerhorst. Elements of the battlion served on Aurore
but the unit was destroyed with most of the 101e DAM in their defence
of the Beanstalk terminal. Survivors went on to form the RMEMa. II/21e
RIMa is an airmobile battalion based in West Africa which is frequently
deployed to trouble spots in the region. 22e
Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/22e RIMa– BFA – 8e DAM, Central Africa II/22e RIMa – BFA – 1e DIMaC, Beowulf Descended
from the 4e Régiment d'infanterie de Marine de Garnison this regiment
has gone through numerous changes in name and designation. However it
has spent much of its recent history as a frontline force deployed in
the colonies. It saw significant action in the Central Asian War, notably
in the clearing of the capital. Today I/22e RIMa is stationed in French
Central Africa where it alternates between serving in the borders with
providing a quick reaction force for the Beanstalk. II/22e RIMa is stationed
in Nouvelle Europe where it operates in the naval infantry role. 33e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/33e RIMa – BFL – Martinique II/33e RIMa – BFL – Guadeloupe 33e
RIMa has a long history as the French garrison in her territories in
the Carribbean. Like 7e RIMa many of its soldiers are deserving long
service marines, however it also recruits many members of the local
population. 41e Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine I/41e RIMa – BFM - Nouvelle Caledonie Another
TdM regiment which has largely served as a garrison force in France’s
terrestrial territories, 1/41e RIMa today serves in New Caledonia in
the Pacific and is very similar to I/7e RIMa in its composition.
Régiment de Marche du Tchad 'Marines' I/RMT
– BFAM – 2e DB, Central Asian Republic II/RMT
– BFAM – 17e DM, North Africa Yet
another heavily decorated unit which even has US Presidential Unit Citation.
As a unit of Tirailleurs Sénégalais deployed in Chad the RMT was the
first formed body to rally entirely to the Free French cause in WW2
and throughout was closely linked to the future Maréchal Leclerc. It
fought across Africa and as the infantry component of the 2e DB liberated
Paris in 1944. More recently it saw major action against both the Manchurians
and the French. The regiment has a reputation as being somewhat contrary,
no one doubts their fighting qualities but they can sometimes be insular
and less than helpful. The RMT sees itself as an elite within the TdM
and has specialised as an armoured infantry force I/RMT
continues the regiment’s long links with the 2e DB with whom it is currently
deployed to the Armée de l'Asie Centrale. II/RMT is a part of the 17e
DM and is currently stationed in Algeria. The regiment has a strong
West African contingent. Régiment
d'Infanterie de Marine du Pacifique I/RIMaP– BFM - Nouvelle Calédonie II/RIMaP – BFL – Polynésie The
RIMaP is a regiment recruited from France’s Pacific territories and
is part of the garrison responsible for their protection. The marsoins
of the RIMaP serve under different conditions from most of their TdM
colleagues and cannot be deployed outside of the Pacific in normal circumstances.
Many committed soldiers from RIMaP transfer to the mainstream of the
TdM and serve in other units. Régiment d'Infanterie de Marine de Guyana I/RIMaGy– BFM - Guyana II/RIMaGy – BFM - Guyana III/RIMaGy
– BFM - Guyana RIMaGy
is a regiment locally raised in Guyana for the defence of that territory.
Its soldiers serve under similar conditions to the RIMaP although elements
have served in neighbouring Venezula in recent years. The regiment’s
three battalions are mechanised infantry, however they are also highly
trained in jungle operations. 1e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I/1e RPIMa – BTS – GTS de TIS II/1e RPIMa – BTS – GTS de Terre III/1e RPIMa – BTS – GTS de FAR 1e
RPIMa is the TdM’s dedicated special forces regiment and as such is
regarded as perhaps the most elite element of an already crack corps.
It traces its roots to the French SAS formed in Britain during WW2 and
has a long and distinguished history as a special forces unit. Elements
of 1e RPIMa can usually be found wherever French interests are threatened.
The unit recruits from other units of the TdM running volunteers them
through the testing Rapière course. The three battalions are
assigned to the TIS, FAR and for general operations on Earth. 2e
Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I/2e RPIMa – BTIS – 2e BI, Kimanjano II/2e RPIMa – BCPB – 3e BI, Earth 2e
RPIMa was formed in the dramatic expansion of French airborne forces
in Indochina following WW2. Initially they were a para-commando formation,
before re-roling to a more conventional para role and saw action in
Indochina and Algeria and took part in the drop on Suez. The unit was
then dispatched to Reunion in the Indian Ocean where it maintained a
French presence for many year – deploying frequently in support of the
Paix
Française. The unit then
became the first French para unit to deploy to Tirane and has seen frequent
deployments to the colonies in the past 150 years. 2e
RPIMa served several tours in Central Asia but missed out on the War
with Germany being deployed on Beta Canum at the time. Both battalions
have seen serious action in the Kafer War, although II/2e RPIMa has
since returned to Earth with 3e BI. 3e
Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I/3e
RPIMa– BTIS, 3e BI, Earth II/3e RPIMa – BTIS, TIS Earth Another
Indochina era regiment, it fought at Dien Bien Phu, the 3e RPIMa has
perhaps the highest fighting reputation of any TdM unit. Once led by
the legendary Marcel Bigeard 3e RPIMa is determined to uphold the aggressive
tradition it developed under him. 3e RPIMa has never been far from the
frontline since its formation and was very highly decorated for its
part in the Central Asian War. I/3e RPIMa fought in the commando and
stay-behind role in Kimanjano with great success. II/3e RPIMa is the
TIS reserve battalion and was brought forward to bolster 3e BI during
the Liberation. Both battalions have now returned to Earth. 6e
Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie
de Marine I/6e
RPIMa– BCPB – 4e BI, French Arm II/6e RPIMa – BTIS – 4e BI, French Arm 6e
RPIMa is yet another unit raised for Indochina and also was destroyed
at Dien Bien Phu. Reformed it saw action in Algeria and the usual wide
variety of operations in support of the Paix Française. Elements
of both battalions of the regiment fought at the Battle of Omsk and
were amongst the last units to surrender when the defence collapsed.
A reformed ‘bataillon de marche’ of the unit gained rapid revenge during
the Allied counter-offensive destroying a Manchurian corps HQ in a daring
assault. Both battalions served in the 4e BI under command of Rochemont
during the Kafer War and have seen heavy action on Crater and Beta Canum.
I/6e RPIMa is a CW unit and is re-equipping with new BH-25s. 8e Régiment Parachutiste d'Infanterie de Marine I/8e RPIMa – BCPB – 2e BI, Kimanjano II/8e RPIMa – BTIS – 3e BI, Earth Another
veteran of Indochina, Dien Bien Phu and north Africa 8e RPIMa has had
a typically wide array of experience operating anywhere French interests
were threatened. I/8e RPIMa was one of the first French combat walker
units and gained a high reputation in the CAW. The battalion also served
on Aurore from 2298 to 2300. Both battalions have been heavily involved
in the Kafer War, II/8e RPIMa in particular gaining glory during Operation
ENTENTE. Régiment
Para-Commando I/Para-Cdo – BTIS – 2e BI, Kimanjano II/Para-Cdo – BTIS – 4e BI, French Arm The
Régiment Para-Commando was originally part of the Belgian Army and became
a part of the TdM when Belgium joined the French Union. Descended from
WW2 Belgian SAS and Commando forces the regiment has a proud and distinctive
heritage from the other TdM para forces. The unit continues to recruit
heavily from the Walloon départements and was relatively little affected by the War of Flemish
Independence. Like the rest of the TdM parachute units the regiment
has been prominent in the frontline against the Kafers. 1e
Régiment d'Artillerie de Marine I/1e RAMa – BALAM - 2e DB II/1e RAMa – BALAM - 17e DM 1e
RAMa traces its history back to 1692 and the creation of the ‘corps
royal d'artillerie de la marine’. The regiment has a long and illustrious
history including service in the Napoleonic Wars, Mexico, Crimea as
well as fighting for the Free French in WW2. The regiment has traditionally
provided firepower for heavy units of the French Army and this continues
today with one unit supporting the famous 2e DB and the other 17e DM.
3e Régiment d'Artillerie de Marine I/3e RAMa– BAL - 7e DAM II/3e RAMa – BAL - 6e DAM III/3e RAMa – TIS IV/3e RAMa – BALAM - Guyana 3e
RAMa is a regiment of more modern vintage than 1e RAMa tracing a history
back to the early 1800s. The regiment has specialised in supporting
light formations in recent years and it provides fire power for two
Africa based DAMs, three BIs and TdM forces in Guyana. 11e Régiment d'Artillerie de Marine I/11e RAMa – BALAM - 9e DIMa II/11e RAMa – BALAM - 2e DIMa 11e
RAMa shares much of the same history as 1e RAMa until the 1920s when
it became a unit in its own right. The regiment provides fire support
for the DIMas. II/11e RAMa is a predominantly Néo-Provençal battalion. 6e Régiment Génie de Marine I/6e RGMa – BGAM - 9e DIMa II/6e RGMa – BGM - 2e DIMa III/6e RGMa – TIS 6e
RGMa provides combat engineering support to the three TdM BIs and the
DIMas. The
Troupes de Marine recruits from across the French Empire’s Metropolitan
population. This includes not only European France and France’s minor
overseas territories such as Martinique or Réunion, but France’s African
territories, Guyana and the Tiranean colony of Nouvelle Provence. All
in all a potential recruiting pool of just under 650 million people.
In addition the TdM will recruit French Colonial citizens, but only
if they are currently resident in the Metropole when they volunteer. The
TdM is a corps composed of long-service regulars. It holds a prestigious
place in France’s military pantheon, even in the worst debacles of recent
fighting against Manchurians, Germans and Kafers the marines have rarely
been found wanting. As a result the TdM is usually oversubscribed with
volunteers allowing itself to pick and choose some of the best manpower
the Empire has to offer. It should be noted that the TdM allow both
male and female volunteers, however all must pass its rigorous selection
procedure to the same standards. The
TdM will accept any volunteer over the age of 18 who has passed a Baccalaureate,
although such a soldier will have to undertake to study for a degree
whilst serving. Currently over 66% of the TdM already have degrees before
joining, although traditionally this figure has been much lower. Once
passed selection the soldier must sign on for an initial period of 3
years, which can later be extended up to 30 years total service depending
on rank achieved. Officers are recruited from France’s military academies
and also from Aspirants serving in the ranks. Historically
until the last fifty years the TdM has been predominantly manned by
volunteers from European France. When conscription was in place many
conscripts transferred to the TdM on completion of service, whilst others
joined the TdM as regulars rather than serve as conscripts in the Armée
Métropolitaine. The replacement of conscription with voluntary service
has changed the European recruiting dynamics somewhat with a drop in
direct recruiting as the more professional Armée Métropolitaine attracts
more recruits. A
dramatically increasing proportion of recruits has come from Nouvelle
Provence since its incorporation into the Metropole. Many young people
keen to soldier and see more of the Union/Empire have flocked to the
colours of the TdM, especially since the Central Asian War and this
surge has yet to tail off. The Néo-Provençal influence is especially
strong in units like 13e RIMa, but is notable throughout the corps and
in total numbers has now surpassed that of European French. Most sub-units
of the TdM would not be complete without a laconic Néo-Provençal NCO.
The
African French have also contributed strongly to the corps, although
most of these recruits come from sub-Saharan Africa as the Algerians
tend to stick to their local formations. The African recruits are noted
for their high levels of educational achievement with most being drawn
from the wide middle-class. The officer corps of the TdM has a strong
kernel of excellent African French, especially at the battalion command
level, who came up through the Central Asian War. The
TdM also recruits a significant number of soldiers from Guyana and the
Pacific, predominantly in the five battalions recruited specifically
from those territories. Many Pacific Islanders go on to transfer to
other parts of the TdM. Mainstream
TdM regiments are mostly of mixed ethnic composition, although there
are some exceptions. 13e RIMa is still strongly manned by soldiers from
Nouvelle Provence, RMT is predominantly African French and the Para-Commandos
are mostly of Walloon extraction. Breakdown The
table below shows the late 2299 breakdown of TdM soldiers by place of
birth within the Empire.
The
TdM conduct the bulk of their training in-house, and share the ideal
that every marsoin should be an infantry soldier first and foremost
with other marine corps around the world. The TdM’s basic training course
consequently lasts some six months, which is enough to produce a competent
infantry soldier. On the conclusion of this they are then dispatched
for further training in the specialisations at the appropriate training
facility alongside other members of the French Army. The
TdM have two training facilities one on Earth and one on Tirane, these
are also responsible for in-house NCO and officer training courses as
well as specialist courses such as the TdM’s own basic commando training.
The
TdM takes its officers from a variety of sources. It recruits directly
from the army’s officer training academies such as St.Cyr, Desaix and
the Académie Militaire Coloniale, and these make up the bulk of the
commissioned officers. It commissions soldiers from the ranks through
an officer candidate school a process that provides the corps with nearly
half of its officers including some of the TdMs finest officers. Tension
between the two groups can be notable as competition for promotion increases
and many transfer to less competitive arms of the military. The
TdM trains all of its NCOs in-house in a process that shares much with
its officer candidate school, both courses stress in field training
and leadership development and are very stringent. As a result the TdM
produces some of the finest NCOs in the French Army, a fact that is
widely recognised within the army. A shortened version of this course
is used as the basis for the TdM’s own commando qualification. The
TdM dispatches its soldiers to specialist courses run by other arms
of the Army for specialist training, for example in operating hovertanks,
artillery or HAPCs. It does its best to ensure that its soldiers are
well prepared and acquit themselves admirably when they attend these
courses. The
TdM’s BIs and DIMas undertake a lot of cross training with equivalent
foreign units on and off-Earth. In the colonies TdM forces often undertake
‘defence diplomacy’ which might be inappropriate for locally raised
units to undertake. For instance on Beowulf the only cross-training
with British and Alician units is undertaken by TdM formations. The
TdM is a force which prides itself on its professionalism and its esprit
de corps. Although much of the Armée Métropolitaine committed to the
Armée de Manœuvre and Force d’Action Rapide is also now fully professional
the TdM still regards itself as the leading edge of the French Army.
Its relations with the more internationally famous Légion Étrangère
are correct, if sometimes patronising, with the TdM regarding the Légion
as relatively unsophisticated shock troops. The
TdM’s esprit de corps is reinforced by its training policy, its operational
success and its nurturing of its leadership cadre. The TdM is also very
careful to maintain the traditions and identities of its regiments,
although it frequently cross-posts personnel between them. Units like
the RICM, RMT and the RPIMas have individual traditions as strong as
those of any British Army regiment. The
TdM is a perhaps a unique snap shot of the cross section of the French
Empire, with soldiers from every part of the Empire in its ranks. Consequently
it receives the lion’s share of Francophone media attention when it
deploys on operations, a fact not appreciated by more mundane units.
In fact the TdM are often resented by the units they work alongside.
As
the Légion has it Camerone Day the marines have their own festival day
on the 31st of August each year. This commemorates the battle of the
‘Division Bleue’ of marines at Bazeilles in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian
War. As
has been noted many regiments have their own strong traditions developed
over the years. For example 3e RIMa units have bagpipes in their bands,
and most celebrate their own regimental days. The
marines use standard French equipment across the board, indeed the TdM
are at the front of the queue when it comes to new equipment. They are
often called upon to test new equipment prior to it going into wide
service. I/8e RPIMa’s trailing and development of the new BH-25 is a
case in point. The
TdM are equipped with the standard and well known Tenue de Combat
Mle 2298 and the new pattern Mle 2298 helmet in most units.
The TdM units assigned to the TIS or in the airmobile role use the older
Mle 2245 helmet which is somewhat less cumbersome. The only TdM
units not to wear the ‘blues’ are the elite 1e RPIMa who have access
to whichever uniforms are most appropriate for the task at hand. The
symbol of the TdM is the traditional anchor of western marine forces.
This is worn by all marines as an écusson on the left arm. The
anchor symbol is also worn by almost all TdM soldiers on their headgear.
The exception are the RPIMa, which wear a combination of the anchor
with the wing and dagger of the Troupes Aeroportee, and the Para-Commandos
who wear either the SAS winged dagger (I/Para-Cdo) or a commando dagger
(II/Para-Cdo). There
are several different sets of non-combat headgear for the TdM. For formal
wear there is a night-blue képi with red piping for other ranks.
In undress there is a side cap in similar colours if a beret is not
worn. The beret for most of the TdM is a similar night-blue in colour,
however the RPIMa wear the scarlet beret of the TAP. The Para-Commandos
however have maroon (I/Para-Cdo) and green (II/Para-Cdo) berets worn
pulled to the right in British style. The
marines have several of the usual uniform peculiarities such as the
regimental specific fourragère worn around the right arm of its
dress uniform. They wear elaborate golden épaulettes de tradition
as well as wide red ceinture around the waist. Officers in armoured
cavalry units are allowed to wear gold spurs, a right bestowed on them
at the request of the British Queen Victoria following the Crimean War.
The
marines wear the standard Tenue de Parade Mle.2289 as its parade
dress uniform. There are the usual two main walking out dress orders,
one for cold seasons and one for warm similar to those worn by the Légion.
However it has been known for TdM units operating in the colonies to
adopt local walking out dress as worn by the Coloniale. Général
de Division Alexandre Monin Alex
Monin is the commander of 9e DIMa currently stationed on Kimanjano.
He is a Néo-Provençal from Basse Terre in the centre of that territory.
The son of an impoverished family he excelled in school and subsequently
joined the TdM as a soldier in the years running up to the Central Asian
War. He served initially in II/3e RPIMa before being transferred into
the RICM as a battle casualty replacement. His intelligence, leadership
and fortitude earned him a Médaille Militaire and a chance at
a commission. He subsequently returned to Central Asia as a platoon
commander with II/3e RPIMa and ended the war as a company commander
with a Croix de Guerre. He
would subsequently serve on Général Hébert’s staff of 2e DIMa in Elysia
gaining the trust and confidence of his commander to such a degree he
temporarily commanded a battalion of 8e RIC following the loss of its
commander. He has subsequently commanded I/3e RPIMa, served as a Demi-Brigade
commander for the 2e DB and in staff positions before gaining command
of 9e DIMa. He led the division in action during the liberation once
more under the command of Général Hébert. Monin
is a resolutely professional and hard working commander, some would
say humourlessly so. Although not exceptional in any regard, he is above
average in almost all and has few if any weaknesses. In an army that
encourages flamboyant leadership Monin is low key but has a knack for
bringing out the best in his soldiers. Monin is married and devoted
to his wife; his only son was killed in an accident several years ago. Lieutenant-Colonel
Yves Kadjallmi Yves
Kadjallmi is the commander of the I Bataillon, Régiment de Marche du
Tchad 'Marines' currently serving with the 2e DB in Central Asia. Kadjallami
is from a middle-class family in Chad and he volunteered for the TdM
in the penultimate year of the Central Asian War and served as a marsoin
in the ranks of I/RMT. He ended the war with a recommendation for
officer training which he accepted. He has seen much of his service
in subsequent years with the army in Central Asia and is regarded as
something of an expert in local condition. Kadjallmi
has come up through the route of an armoured infantry specialist and
has served time with the Armée de Manœuvre’s armoured trials unit. He
has recently served on secondment as a battalion commander with the
CAR Army’s 100th Tank Brigade as well as on exchange with the Russian
Army. Kadjallmi is a well respected officer who combines excellent technical
skills with an easy going command style and an ability to pick up languages.
He is married with two children and has been marked out for higher command.
Sergeant-Chef Pierre Robert Pierre
Robert is a tank and platoon commander in the RICM currently deployed
on Kimanjano. Robert is from Normandy and is something of a legend within
his regiment and the current highest scoring French hovertank ace still
in service. He joined the TdM in early 2290 and opted to follow an armoured
career with the ‘1e de France’. In the War of German Reunification
he became the highest scoring gunner in one of the few AC-12 equipped
regiments with no fewer than 18 AFV kills, including seven LkPz-VIIIs.
In the wake of the war he was awarded the Croix de Guerre. At
the time of the Kafer War Robert found himself as a both a tank commander
and platoon sergeant as the RICM deployed to the French Arm for the
Liberation. In the second wave at Kimanjano Robert found himself in
36 hours of combat of exceptional intensity as the Kafers attempted
to crush the landings. At the end of this period Robert’s was the only
tank left intact in his platoon (the squadron had but three survivors)
but Robert had knocked out a further 16 AFVs including three Deathsleds
and a Behemoth. For the last feat he was awarded the Legion d’Honneur
on the field of battle. The
RICM rebuilt for the second series of actions and Robert led the platoon
through these series of battles gaining another four kills as he did
so. Robert is now a national hero and enjoying his status. His success
has come mainly from excellent gunnery and a real flair for the tactical
reading of the ground. Privately Robert is regarded as one of those
soldiers who is a unmatched asset on the battlefield, but something
of a liability in barracks. Troupes
de Marine characters must be from the core and French, or be French
and have travelled to the core to sign up, which could be role-played.
To join the TdM is an easy task modified by determination, failure means
the character must serve in another branch of the French Army Initial
Skills: Combat Rifleman - 3, Heavy Weapons - 2, Melee - 2,
Hover Vehicle - 1, Stealth - 1, Tactics - 1 and First Aid-1 (Ground
Vehicle - 1, Swim - 1 if not chosen as Background Skills) Primary
Skills: Combat Skills, Ground Vehicle, Hover Vehicle, Stealth,
General Skills (except Prospecting). Quality The
average Coloniale unit has a skill breakdown of 10% Green, 30% Experienced,
40% Veteran and 20% Elite. However many units are more highly trained
and experienced and will consequently include greater proportions of
Veteran and Elite Personnel. The
only canon details on the TdM are contained within the Aurore Sourcebook.
It describes the presence of a single battalion of marine paras equipped
with combat walkers – styled ‘I Bataillon, 8e Regiment Parachutist de
la Marine’ (sic) or I/8e RPM. The battalion is described as an elite;
skilled in airborne as well as combat walker operations and used for
assaults and special operations. Further
details of the marines are given describing them as being recruited
from Metropolitan France and being legally able to be deployed outside
of this territory at any time. Described as an elite and quick reaction
force the marines are stated to be a deliberately small body of not
more than 12 battalions. One reason for this is to avoid ‘abuses’ of
these deployments. Unfortunately
this is somewhat problematical, as has been noted the TdM has often
been a very strong body of troops. Indeed even in the late periods of
the Cold War in the1980s they deployed no fewer than 12 combat battalions,
5 artillery units not counting units deployed in former French colonies.
As 2300AD reintroduced ‘traditional’ multi-battalion (usually 3 although
I have not followed this model with the TdM) regiments it should be
expected that the TdM would be at least 3 times this size, not taking
into consideration the vast population of the French Union/Empire. Given
that when 2300AD was written there were five active RPIMa units, one
in the SF role, it could be expected that there would be 15 RPIMa units
in 2300AD. I have 13, 10 in the intervention role and 3 as special forces.
This is close to the figure of 12 battalions as the ‘elite quick reaction
force’ given in the Aurore sourcebook, whilst excluding most of the
rest of the TdM in more mundane roles which it has historically fulfilled.
I
have integrated the former Belgian Régiment Para-Commando into the Troupes
de Marine. Aurore Sourcebook mentions that there are ex-Belgian units
with the Armée Métropolitain, however in my opinion it
is more likely that the Para-Commandos would integrate into the TdM.
Similarly I have folded some rapid deployment ex-Coloniale formations
from Nouvelle Provence into the TdM. For
mainstream TdM forces I have three strands. The DIMa units which are
entirely TdM mechanised formations are a part of rapid reaction forces
on both Earth and Tirane. Individual units integrated into regular Armée
de Manœuvre forces. The final units are those assigned to airmobile
forces in Africa and French colonies. This mirrors both Cold War and
current French usage. I
have also maintained the TdM responsibility for garrisoning some of
the Terran territories which are held over from France’s 1st and 2nd
Empires. These units are a mixture of regular TdM units manned predominantly
by veteran soldiers and units raised from the local population. The
TdM does not have responsibility for Western and Central African units
however which come under the Armée Métropolitaine. In total the TdM as detailed above has some 46 ‘teeth’ battalions recruited from a population of 645 million ‘Metropolitan’ French citizens. This compares with the 1989 US Marine Corps with 56 from 249 million Americans. I hope this approach maintains the TdM as an elite and relatively small body of troops whilst staying in line at least with the spirit of canon.
Clayton,
Anthony – Paths of Glory: The French Army 1914-18 – (London,
Cassell, 2003) Clayton,
Anthony – Three Marshals of France: Leadership After Trauma –
(London, Brassey’s, 1992) Haythornthwaite,
Philip J – The World War One Sourcebook - (London, Arms and Armour
Press, 1992) Horne,
Alistair – A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 - (London,
Macmillan, 1977) Windrow,
Martin – The Last Valley: Dien Bien Phu and the French Defeat in
Vietnam - (London, Weidenfeld & Nicholson, 2004) Unofficial Troupes de Marine Website - http://www.troupesdemarine.org/index2.htm
28
September 2004
Copyright D Hebditch, 2004 Thanks
to Laurent Esmiol for feedback and corrections. |