The French Special Forces, are also called the Commandment des Opérations Spéciales or COS. This organization comprises all of France’s military branches, including the Navy, Army, and Air Force, as well as the Gendarmerie. It is composed of the first and second circles where the first circle is under the permanent command of COS and the second circle is called for reinforcement. The COS can command any member of the armed forces in France for special military action if necessary.
his story
The COS began in June 1992, shortly after the Gulf War. It is a directive from the special forces units of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Gendarmerie, all of which are under the command of the COS.
How to become a member of the COS
Those who are involved in any of the special forces units of the French Armed Forces are considered part of the first circle of the COS. There are several military regiments in France, including the French Army Special Forces Brigade (CFST). Those who train for special forces in the various fractions of the French Armed Forces are considered part of the COS.
SOC training
Training for the COS consists of extensive military training. In addition, exercises are held annually to ensure that all special military units operate one within the other. The exercises are called the Gorgons. The best trained are the GCP unit that are trained according to SAS standards.
What are they better at?
The French Special Forces are better at special covert operations both domestically and abroad. They have been active in a number of missions and are also focused on fighting both domestic and global terrorism.
COS weapons
The weapons of the COS depend on which of the service branches is involved. They use NATO weapons, sniper rifles, Browning M2 machine guns, MK 19 grenade launchers, many versions of the Colt M4, M16 and Heckler & Koch weapons. In addition, they use the Heckler & Koch USP with a silencer, the Glock 17 and the AT4.
known quests
Most COS missions are covert operations. They have been involved in Operation Licorne and have worked extensively with UN troops in Afghanistan.
Units
The COS is made up of units from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Gendarmerie. Army units include the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment, which is a unit designed for direct action and closely related to the SAS. In addition, there is also the 13th Regiment for long-term reconnaissance and a special detachment unit. Commandos Marine units are five commando teams and are considered a naval anti-terrorist team. There are also special parachute units like Commandos 10 and DOS in the Air Force. All special forces units work with the COS in the first circle and are the first to be called into service in times of war.
Are they professional soldiers?
COS members undergo rigorous training and are professional soldiers. Those in the first circle are all professional soldiers who have enlisted in the various forces. The COS can also command the use of the National Gendarmerie and the Army of the second circle, as well as the third circle, which is police intelligence, if necessary.