French Troops arrive in Haiti

[He219]

French Troops arrive in Haiti:

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029576.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF5F43B310F871305E

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: US marines guard the runway at the Port-Au-Prince international airport 01 March 2004 as a French transport plane lands. US Marines landed in Haiti late 29 February as a vanguard of an international security force following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. French troops joined US and Canadian soldiers already on the ground to restore order to Haiti. Some 120 french soldiers will be in Haiti by the end of the day. AFP PHOTO /Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029549.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFD752E41856A00E53

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: French soldiers take positions in the tarmac at Port-Au-Prince's international airport moments after their arrival to Haiti's capital city 01 March 2004. US Marines landed in Haiti late 29 February as part of an international security force along with French and Canadian troops following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The US plans to deploy about 1,000 troops to violence-wracked Haiti to help restore order, Secretary of State Colin Powell said 01 March, but he declined to say how long they would stay. AFP PHOTO AFP/ROBERTO SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029506.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF93FCA00BFA8E50E6

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=553626

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=553632

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: A US Marine (L) watches a french soldier arrive at the Port-Au-Prince's international airport 01 March 2004. French troops joined US and Canadian soldiers already on the ground as part of an international Force to restore order to Haiti after the resignation and departure of embattled President Jean bertrand Aristide. Some 120 French soldiers will be in Haiti by the end of the day. AFP PHOTO /Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029609.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF63D13649ED8EA516

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: Two french soldiers (L) walk past a US Marine (R) moments after a french transport plane brought them to Port-Au-Prince's international airport 01 March 2004. French troops joined US and Canadian soldiers already on the ground as a vanguard for an International Force to restore order to Haiti following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. Some 120 french soldiers will be in Haiti by the end of the day. AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029582.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFC14BB7605CB3DEE4

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029572.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFE04994528B469CC2

A Cooperative Effort:

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029422.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFE7CE9BD6B232F942
Canadian, French, French, American and American (I think) ;)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: French Colonel Daniel Leplatois (2nd-L) shakes the hand of unidentified US Marine (2nd-R) as two unidentified Canadian Military officers look on at a VIP lounge at the Port-Au-Prince International Airport 01 March 2004. US Marines landed in Haiti late 29 February as a vanguard of an international security force following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The US plans to deploy about 1,000 troops to violence-wracked Haiti to help restore order, Secretary of State Colin Powell said 01 March, but he declined to say how long they would stay. AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=553670

Under the watch of members of the Canadian special forces Col. Daniel Leplatois of the French Antilles Army, second from left, shakes hands with an unidentified colonel of the US Marines, at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Monday, March 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029462.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF42E5324C86E9943D

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: French Colonel Daniel Leplatois (2nd-L) looks over a map with unidentified US Marine and Canadian Military officers at a VIP lounge at Port-Au-Prince's international airport.US Marines landed in Haiti late Sunday as a vanguard of an international security force following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The US plans to deploy about 1,000 troops to violence-wracked Haiti to help restore order, Secretary of State Colin Powell said 01 March, but he declined to say how long they would stay. AFP PHOTO /Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=553668

Col. Daniel Leplatois of the French Antilles Army, second from left, points at a map of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti as he talks with an unidentified colonel of the US Marines, second right, and Canadian special forces officer at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Monday, March 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)


Edit: Images without '*****' are for galleries

[mustamato]

Nice photos. Let´s see how long it takes before the 15 year olds
start the "WHERE ARE THE WHITE FLAGS???!?!?!??" etc.

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029609.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF63D13649ED8EA516

What is that tube on the left? 84 mm? Hm?

[Argyll]

As soon as they do I'll edit their threads!!

[Guttorm]

What unit are they from? Blue berets and what looks like an anchor on it.

[Argyll]

French Marines I think?

[Seraphim]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029422.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFE7CE9BD6B232F942


PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: French Colonel Daniel Leplatois (2nd-L) shakes the hand of unidentified US Marine (2nd-R) as two unidentified Canadian Military officers look on at a VIP lounge at the Port-Au-Prince International Airport 01 March 2004. US Marines landed in Haiti late 29 February as a vanguard of an international security force following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The US plans to deploy about 1,000 troops to violence-wracked Haiti to help restore order, Secretary of State Colin Powell said 01 March, but he declined to say how long they would stay. AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

[pinkeye]

has anyone seen any evidence (i.e., news reports, etc.) that jtf-2 is currently deployed in a-stan with isaf? haiti, domestic deployment, etc., jtf-2 must be stretched rather thinly, considering the small size of the unit.

[Ian H]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029609.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF63D13649ED8EA516

What is that tube on the left? 84 mm? Hm?


Probably, there's another photo showing soldiers/marines carrying a box of similar dimensions off the Transall with 84mm on the side.

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029541.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF860CE9E3EBB3DD92

[fantassin]

If you want to know which unit it is, check the link I posted this morning...

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9610

Note that some of those soldiers are wearing non-regulation Arktis 1601 Jungle assault vest in French central european pattern.

If there are several blacks among those French soldiers is because this unit (33°RIMa) also recruits locally in Martinique. Many of those soldiers speak Créole, as the local population in Haïti, which should really help.

The "tube on the left" is an LRAC 89 in 89 mm.

[Brandon]

Great to see such a quick response by the French, American and Canadian gov't.

[Pégase]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040301/capt.xrm11003011541.haiti_uprising_xrm110.jpg
US Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., walk past soldiers of the French Antilles Army at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Monday, March 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)


http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040301/capt.xrm10403011543.haiti_uprising_xrm104.jpg
US Marines from camp Le Jeune, right, watches sokdiers of the French Antilles Army after they landed at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Monday, March 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Walter Astrada)


http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040301/capt.xrm10903011530.haiti_uprising_xrm109.jpg
Soldiers of the French Antilles Army arrive at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, Monday, March 1, 2004. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

[littlefrench]

Nice photos. Let´s see how long it takes before the 15 year olds
start the "WHERE ARE THE WHITE FLAGS???!?!?!??" etc.

You are right mustamato but the problem is that the man who say that are not all 15 years old, and the man who are 15 years old say not all that ;)

[He219]

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: French Colonel Daniel Leplatois (2nd-L) shakes the hand of unidentified US Marine (2nd-R) as two unidentified Canadian Military officers look on at a VIP lounge at the Port-Au-Prince International Airport 01 March 2004. US Marines landed in Haiti late 29 February as a vanguard of an international security force following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The US plans to deploy about 1,000 troops to violence-wracked Haiti to help restore order, Secretary of State Colin Powell said 01 March, but he declined to say how long they would stay. AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)
Thanks"†Seraphim†. I wasn't sure ;)

Still, the caption neglects to account for another person (not the ones in the background, hehe). Which one's are referenced? The two on the outside, the center person perhaps .... ?
:P

Nice call, fantassin. Thanks for the info!
:D

[fantassin]

These pictures remind me so much of the landing of the US Marine Corps' 32nd MAU under Col James Mead in Beirut at the end of August 1982...

At the time they were already clad in helmets (M1 then...) and PAGST flack jacket while the French troops wore their green uniforms with rolled up sleeves and berets.

Same set up here; 22 years on, not much has changed in that field.

On the second batch of pictures, most of the French "troupes de Marine" are using non regulation Arktis 1601 jungle assault vest which is extremly popular in the French army.

[EvanL]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029422.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFE7CE9BD6B232F942


PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: French Colonel Daniel Leplatois (2nd-L) shakes the hand of unidentified US Marine (2nd-R) as two unidentified Canadian Military officers look on at a VIP lounge at the Port-Au-Prince International Airport 01 March 2004. US Marines landed in Haiti late 29 February as a vanguard of an international security force following the departure of President Jean Bertrand Aristide. The US plans to deploy about 1,000 troops to violence-wracked Haiti to help restore order, Secretary of State Colin Powell said 01 March, but he declined to say how long they would stay. AFP PHOTO / Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)
Soldat Quebecois?

[fantassin]

English language is part of the normal training of French officers and NCOs and from what I have noticed in the past, Canadian officers tend to speak French and English.

Or, if they are lucky, this guy is from the R22R...

[Seraphim]

English language is part of the normal training of French officers and NCOs and from what I have noticed in the past, Canadian officers tend to speak French and English.

Or, if they are lucky, this guy is from the R22R...


I thought Canadian CO's had to learn both languages.

[Sabre]

fantassin wrote:

These pictures remind me so much of the landing of the US Marine Corps' 32nd MAU under Col James Mead in Beirut at the end of August 1982...

At the time they were already clad in helmets (M1 then...) and PAGST flack jacket while the French troops wore their green uniforms with rolled up sleeves and berets.

Same set up here; 22 years on, not much has changed in that field.

On the second batch of pictures, most of the French "troupes de Marine" are using non regulation Arktis 1601 jungle assault vest which is extremly popular in the French army.

Yeah, US troops still aren't much for the 'friendly' appearance approach to these sorts of ops. In a situation where de-escalating the tension is required, a friendly face without the imposing image of a helmet and body armour is of great value. Especially if that face also speaks your language, which is why it is useful for French and Canadian troops to be present. There may be a danger of only French marines engaging with the population and USMC personnel being seen as the 'bad guys' if they don't get it right. Sort of a 'good cop, bad cop' arrangement if you get my drift, which may cause problems.

I also noticed the arktis kit. Not a great fan myself, I think they are too fussy and floppy at the back. I much prefer my issue assault vest. :D

[He219]

Frenchies sure smoke a lot!
;)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029582.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFC14BB7605CB3DEE4

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040301/i/r3283300994.jpg

A French soldier smokes after his arrival at Port-au-Prince's airport, March 1, 2004. Several hundred U.S. Marines and French troops arrived in Haiti to restore order as exiled president Jean Bertrand Aristide sought temporary refuge in the Central African Republic. *******/Daniel Aguilar

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040301/i/r3278697962.jpg

French soldiers wait for orders after arriving at Port-au-Prince airport in Haiti March 1, 2004. The French army will form part of an international effort to stabilize Haiti after the ouster of its President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. *******/Andrew Winning

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040301/i/r1413109908.jpg

French soldiers wait for orders after arriving at Port-au-Prince airport in Haiti March 1, 2004. The French army will form part of an international effort to stabilize Haiti after the ouster of its President Jean Bertrand Arsitide. *******/Andrew Winning

[marktigger]

nice pics. Good to see the French being rehabilitated.

Are the French marines volunteers or conscripts?
and is France still using conscription?

I see the Minimi para model being carried have the French military replaced the AA52 with it or is it to provide more firepower in a section. Mind you FAMAS has a good rate of fire.Was quite impressed with the FAMAS its certainly the best of a bad concept(bullpups).

[littlefrench]

There is no conscript in our army.

[fantassin]

Looking at those pics remind me of old pictures of the French Colonial troops like the senegalese "Tirailleurs Sénégalais".

This ratio of white to black is not representative at all of the French army; it can only be found in locally recruited units like those stemming from the French west Indies, Guyana, New Caledonia, Tahiti or the Réunion island.

These West-Indies guys are soooo superstitious, you sometime wonder what to do with them...that's why most of the NCOs and officers are coming from metropolitan France !

at least, they'll be able to relate to the locals...

Conscription was finished in 2001, the ANF1 is still in use and will be replaced before 2008 by either the MAG (very likely) or the SS77 (maybe...)

[marktigger]

so are the locally raised units only used in the former colonies?
what are the units titles?

[fantassin]

These units are permanently based in French posessions overseas; the officers and NCOs are detached to those units for two years as well as some of the soldiers; other soldiers are recruited locally in those places that are considered French territories or "départements".

They tend to be used mostly locally but when a situation arises, they deploy just like any other unit.

In the past, the 2nd RPIMa which is normally HQ'd in La Réunion island was for example deployed to Rwanda in 1994 and to the Comoroes in 1995.

As for the names, most of those units are called RIMa (naval inf Rgt); there is also the 3rd REI (FFL) in Guyana.

All those units also receive "roulement" companies coming from France for four months to beef up their structures which tend to be fairly weak, ie one HQ Coy and 1 or 2 rifle Coy plus support platoons with 81 mm mortars.

[He219]

so are the locally raised units only used in the former colonies?
what are the units titles?
Some information was posted by fantassin Here (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9610).

On a side note, I was in Fiji during a Typhoon of '87 when French units from Tontouta and Faaa arrived to lead rescue efforts, relating to what fantassin wrote.

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030150.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=E2399169AC85D6DEFCECD975F0404219F9CB66665D85C218

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - MARCH 1: French soldiers secure their aircraft at the airport March 1, 2004 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The soldiers are part of an international peace keeping force that arrived in Haiti when President Jean-Bertrand Aristide fled the country. (Photo by Scott Olson/***** Images)

[fantassin]

Update: there are 250 French soldiers now in Haïti, located mostly around the French embassy and the French school.

The landing this morning was secured by the USMC, the Canadians and the French EPIGN gendarmes.

[marktigger]

French EPIGN gendarmes thats the airborne gendarmes?

any pics/info on them only ever saw a back page on Raids on them and it was prity sketchy though nice artwork.

[He219]

any pics/info on them only ever saw a back page on Raids on them and it was prity sketchy though nice artwork.

From yestersday's pic's:

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3022471.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF1A0ACFBD89CB93CC

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: Special French embassy security men ride an armored vehicle past a typical Haitian taxi (L) known as "Tap Tap", part of French embassy convoy departing the International Airport in Port-Au-Prince with supplies flown into Haiti 28 February 2004. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3022415.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EFA5B41BC9F3466191
G36C ...................................................... ^ :)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3022460.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF107C51E4D93789E6

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: Members of a special French embassy security detail hold their guns in front of the French Embassy 28 February 2004 in Port-au-Prince moments after arriving from the airport where they escorted a truck with supplies that were flown into Haiti. Beleaguered Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide insisted 28 February 2004 he won't step down, and appealed for calm after his supporters engaged in a day of looting and deadly violence in Port-au-Prince that continued into the night. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3023312.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF21E3E7CC75AEE591
Nice Sig 551 ................................................................... ^ :)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: Sister Marie Benedicte (C) and sister Marie Rita (in car) emerge from a bulletproof French embassy vehicle guarded by members of a special embassy armed force as they arrive at a local hotel in the Petionville suburb of Port-Au-Prince 28 February 2004. Three French nationals, including the two sisters and a priest of the Catholic Notre Dame Fraternity sought refuge with French authorities after looters tried to enter the aid depot they were staying in. Beleaguered Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide insisted he won't step down, and appealed for calm after his supporters engaged in a day of looting and deadly violence in Port-au-Prince that continued into the night. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

.... and a nice Video (http://www.france2.fr/contents/Video/0004B0A4.ram) posted by Pégase.

Lots of info Here (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Escadron+Parachutiste+d%27Intervention+de+la+Gendarmerie+Nationale&btnG=Google+Search).

;)


Edit: Thanks, MolliG

[marktigger]

that looks more like a sig 551 than a G36

[Damian]

Why french soldiers don't have body armor like U.S Marines?

[cut]

coz it's the airport

[He219]

that looks more like a sig 551 than a G36
Explain the carrying handle (http://www.hkpro.com/g36c.htm) vs. the StG90 (http://world.guns.ru/assault/as25-e.htm)
;)


Why french soldiers don't have body armor like U.S Marines?
You're asking for trouble, Damian! 'pm' fantassin (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/privmsg.php?mode=post&u=2595) instead.
p-)

[Parzival]

Why french soldiers don't have body armor like U.S Marines?Yes, They usually have.

[n.ignomo]

http://jamjmt.free.fr/Infanterie%20-%20France/01_SFOR_French_soldiers.jpg

[MolliG]

[http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3023312.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF21E3E7CC75AEE591
Nice Sig 550 ................................................................... ^ :)

It's a 551, notice 3 cooling ports instead of 5. ;)

[fantassin]

For infos and pics on the EPIGN, try

www.gign.org

As for the frag jackets, the regulation French army model was initially made for static ops like Bosnia; so it's huge and heavy, unlike the brit INIBA or the US IBA.

that's why they are not worn when it's not considered necessary; also, they are part of the different postures taken by the French troops; if you wear a helmet and frag jacket, it means you are "afraid" that something's going to happen.

BTW, I am not implying the US or Canucks are afraid, for them it is more, I think, a matter of regulations stating that if you are wounded on an ops while not wearing a frag jacket, your pension could be reduced; I could be wrong but that was explained to me by a US Marine several years ago.

Wearing berets and shirtsleeve order is suppose to instill confidence and the show the warring factions you are so confident everything is under control you don't even need to wear protection.

Yes, it's bluffing; but in some places (like Africa) it works.

[Parzival]

http://jamjmt.free.fr/Infanterie%20-%20France/01_SFOR_French_soldiers.jpg
But this is not the french army on HAiti right?
They looks like the americans troops. For example theire helmet.

[fantassin]

Yes, these are French troops in Bosnia.

The frag jackets there are devoid of their groin and neck protections.

[littlefrench]

French EPIGN gendarmes thats the airborne gendarmes?

any pics/info on them only ever saw a back page on Raids on them and it was prity sketchy though nice artwork.


Yeah they are the airbones gendarmes (Equipe Parachutiste d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale Parachutists squad of the national gendarmerie) They are utilised for the safety of high personnality or french nationals. They help the gendarmerie in its missions too.

[He219]

Thanks, MolliG. What type of launcher is that? That other weapon is a G36C nonetheless!
:)


http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030379.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=E2399169AC85D6DE77B5454575F25ECA2D516614833A48A4

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030381.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=E2399169AC85D6DE77B5454575F25ECA16A28C0920BB71CD

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - MARCH 1: French soldiers take up their position on the tarmac at the International Airport March 1, 2004 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030356.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77741BA6CBC14FB434

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=553653

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=553672

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030349.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE772990A280BC9F07AB

PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI: A French woman soldier arranges her gear at the Port-au-Prince International Airport 01 March 2004.

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030491.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77037D51028D8591F3

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: Two US Marines (R) walk past newly arrived French army troops (L) at the International airport in Port-Au-Prince 01 March 2004. The arrival of a multi-national force is expected to be completed in the next few days as the International community makes an effort to restore stability to the region. AFP PHOTO/ Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://a1112.g.akamai.net/7/1112/492/03312000/news.lycos.com/news/ot_getImage.asp?op=img&id=553662


Edit: Images without '*****' are for the gallery

[fantassin]

EPIGN: ESCADRON Parachutiste d'Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale....

About 150 strong, does BG, Close Recce and out of area work as well as support to the GIGN when it is fully involved in an Op like the Marignane airport Airbus in 1994.

The EPIGN provided all-round security while the GIGN did the take down of the aircraft.

They have access to a huge variety of weapons; apart from those on the pics, they use PGM Commando II and Hecate II sniper rifles, HK MP7, MP5K, MP5SDs, Barrett M82s....

[He219]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030529.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77D15573DFA3280E34

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030528.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77C393175A41C8BA6C

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http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030530.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE778C8E4660EF25711D

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: French troops help unload their transport plane moments after arriving at the international airport in Port-Au-Prince 01 March 2004. The arrival of a multi-national force is expected to be completed in the next few days as the international community makes an effort to restore stability to Haiti. AFP PHOTO/Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030500.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77A62CC4E2CB270D0A

PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI: Members of a newly arrived French army troops (L) watch a US marine at the international airport in Port-Au-Prince 01 March 2004. The arrival of a multi-national force is expected to be completed in the next few days as the International community makes an effort to restore stability to the region. AFP PHOTO/ Roberto SCHMIDT (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/***** Images)

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030506.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77776DB5E187526A1E

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030503.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77B85F689651CD0C0B

[fantassin]

The porky individual with the light blue beret is from the ALAT (Army aviation) and the one with the "tarte" ("pie", traditional name of the beret of the alpine units because of its large size meant to protect from the snow and sun in the mountains) belong to the Chasseurs Alpins.

This could mean two things:

-either they are staff officers and technical liaison officers who've kept the headgear of their parent units
-or a reinforcement company on a four month tour of duty in nearby Martinique belongs to the Chasseurs Alpins and they'll soon join in.

[IDFM203]

Nice pics in general :D

While perhaps I am no big fan of France politically, Its good to see pics of other forces in action other then seeing all the time pics of the U.S. Britain, Israel, etc etc..

Again nice pics there :D


Nice photos. Let´s see how long it takes before the 15 year olds
start the "WHERE ARE THE WHITE FLAGS???!?!?!??" etc.

Wow the irony and hypocrisy of you saying this is stunning!! :roll:

How about you follow your own advice on other threads and start restraining yourself from constantly making your "15 year old" comments against Israel or the U.S. in almost every thread there is.

Shalom :D

[marktigger]

Some nice back Grounds of the Transall.

Think the Idea of an airborne paramilitary police is a great idea especially with Frances former colonies across the world. Though seem to remember a GIGN team being held hostage in the Pacfic.

[fantassin]

That was in New Caledonia in the Ouvéa caves in May 1988; in fact, some GIGN members volunteered to be taken as hostages by Kanak independantists of the FLNKS in a series of caves in order to get to a first batch of hostages taken a few days before.

They managed to get to the other hostages with a Smith&Wesson type 60 ultra lightweight 38 Special revolver.

When the assault on the cave was launched by a mix of GIGN, combat swimmers of the Hubert Commando and members of the 11°Choc DGSE covert unit, those "armed hostages" proved critical in organizing and protecting the other hostages.

2 DGSE members were KIA during the assault as well as 19 Kanak hostage takers.

It's interesting to know that a flame thrower was used in this mission, quite a rare occurence in an hostage rescue operation...

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Cool pics, theres a couple reasons why they are not wearing body protection n flak vests.

A: this is a stabilization thing, normally seeing soldiers in flak vests n helmets and sunglasses scares the crap outta the local population.

B: this isnt war zone

C: they are there to help, much like the members of our "Canadian Ski Team" thats are postively not in Haiti ;)

[budanski]

So, do they issue helmets to these guys or what?

[lvlai]

French Marines ,I'm affirmed.

[usa320]

This is proof that French troops are bad ass.

Its not their fault they always loose- its the politicians.

[Dave the Dawg]

usa320, you may think you're being nice, but "they always loose[sic]"? Do you know anything about French military history beyond some idiotic Internet and e-mail joke that went around a while back? Consider your words as you type them.

Back on topic:

The Chasseurs Alpins officer looks familiar. I can't see any rank but he looks like a colonel I had seen in Afghanistan. Perhaps although the main unit is RIMa, he is a brigade commander and the overall commander of this contingent?

[Operation Ivy]

hope they get a long :hug:

[Vintendo]

Is it just me, or do the French wear tight fitting pants? Well maybe not tight, but close fitting is what i mean. Just an observation.
Also, why bring the bazooka? what are the chances of using it against Haitian armor?

[thatguy96]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030500.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77A62CC4E2CB270D0A
Someone get their berets mixed up?

[fantassin]

-No, the berets are not mixed up, they are just members of this detachment staff so they were the berets of their units of origin, ie ALAT (army Avn) and Chasseurs Alpins

-The Chasseur Alpin with the large beret is apparently a major or a lieutenant-colonel from what I can make out of his low viz rank insignia on the middle of his chest on a little velcro patch; could well be your man as the Chasseurs Alpins were in Afghanistan last year. I doubt he his the det commander, probably the ops offr or liaison offr

-Yes, the French army issues uniforms that are way too tight, especially the trousers; it dates back to the war in Algeria when uniforms were way too large; the elite units had them retailored at unit level for a sharper appearance; it then "contaminated" the rest of the army and now they are made this way.

Funnily, the elite units now wear british made "windproofs" SAS-type smocks and trousers in French camo that are very large...

[Pégase]

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040301/i/r780852293.jpg

[fantassin]

From a glimpse on the French TV news today, it looks like a few Panhard VBL armoured cars have arrived in Haïti with the French contingent.

[Guttorm]

Also, why bring the bazooka? what are the chances of using it against Haitian armor?

Better to be prepared non? :)

I've been getting more and more interested in the French armed forces since I started looking into the French foreign Legion.

And I do love the FAMAS. :)

[gilgoul]

Nice photos. Let´s see how long it takes before the 15 year olds
start the "WHERE ARE THE WHITE FLAGS???!?!?!??" etc.

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3029609.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=18D4FCD9EB7D70EF63D13649ED8EA516

What is that tube on the left? 84 mm? Hm?

LARC 89 mm
pretty old, but still some punch against improvized fortification, with a range up to 500 m

[gilgoul]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030500.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77A62CC4E2CB270D0A
Someone get their berets mixed up?

No, the large one is form the Alpine units, usually called "galette" because of it`s size.
We usually made fun of their rather dorky looking berets, but the guys wearing them are some fine soldier (my dad served in the 22 BCA during algeria war)

[gilgoul]

nice pics. Good to see the French being rehabilitated.

Are the French marines volunteers or conscripts?
and is France still using conscription?

I see the Minimi para model being carried have the French military replaced the AA52 with it or is it to provide more firepower in a section. Mind you FAMAS has a good rate of fire.Was quite impressed with the FAMAS its certainly the best of a bad concept(bullpups).


Those guys are all pros, since the re no conscription anymore due to the decision of JAcque Chirac.
As for the AA52/ANF1, i`ts far from being replaced but the minimi is issued more and more.

[fantassin]

Altogether, about 1,500 members of the French armed forces (army, navy, air force and gendarmerie) should take part in this ops called "carbet" in France.

(Carbet is the local name for a hut)

Today, a French navy ship should unload more vehicles and a Foreign Legion infantry company belonging to the 3rd REI from Kourou in French Guyana should also join in pretty soon.

[Parzival]

Nice pics, Love the french army. But why haven't the body armour on Haiti, I mean it is a dangers situation, I Hope they will unpack there body armour and helmets.

[Ralf174978]

In the meantime the 2° CIE of the 3° REI is on the way to Haiti. The legionnaires left French-Guyana today at 8 A.M. Guyana-time.

God bless them!

[Marsuitor]

It's interesting to know that a flame thrower was used in this mission, quite a rare occurence in an hostage rescue operation...

Hmm.. very interesting. Care to elaborate some more?
Also somewhat offtopic, but what is the stance on flame throwers today? Are they banned by the Geneva Convention? Reason i'm asking is that I was reading a Norwegian FM dated 2001 some time ago, and it listed the safety requirements for the use of flame throwers and napalm, so atleast here they're still around, although buried deep inside storage depots.

[ibstolidude]

- if you wear a helmet and frag jacket, it means you are "afraid" that something's going to happen.

BTW, I am not implying the US or Canucks are afraid, for them it is more, I think, a matter of regulations stating that if you are wounded on an ops while not wearing a frag jacket, your pension could be reduced; I could be wrong but that was explained to me by a US Marine several years ago.
- wearing protective equipment has nothing to do with being afraid that something will happen. It has everything to do with being prepared should something happen. - And that from someone you almost NEVER wears BA.

And the portion about the US service getting a reduced pension is just silly.

[fantassin]

Tell this to the Brits who apply exactly the same policies (on helmets and BA).

If you wear berets and BA even when nothing is happening, you can't "escalate" when the need arises.

Landing on a secured airport when no lead is flying does not warrant full BA and helmets. The BA were carried in OD bags you can see on some pics.

[Inconnu]

very good pics woot

[Some Guy]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/3030500.jpg?x=x&dasite=MS_GINS&ef=2&ev=1&dareq=4A09EECE79FCFE77A62CC4E2CB270D0A


gros porc :)

[Galileo]

It's interesting to know that a flame thrower was used in this mission, quite a rare occurence in an hostage rescue operation...

Hmm.. very interesting. Care to elaborate some more?
Also somewhat offtopic, but what is the stance on flame throwers today? Are they banned by the Geneva Convention? Reason i'm asking is that I was reading a Norwegian FM dated 2001 some time ago, and it listed the safety requirements for the use of flame throwers and napalm, so atleast here they're still around, although buried deep inside storage depots.

During the assault, there were an machine gun (AA52 type) hidden in a "bunker" that denie the approch of the caves. 2 Members of the 11 RCP used a flame thrower to clear this menace (the AA52 servants were not burn but died by suffocation, the oxygen was consumed by the flames).

Two of the 11RCP members (Adjudant Pedrazza and soldier Voiron) died hit in head by bullets, one after the other trying to detect the empalcemtn were the gunner was.

Note that the adjudant have to get married some days after the assault, his wife get the right to be married with him after his death by the president.

One of the GIGN memebr receive a bullet in head but didn't die, he was evacuated in new zeland and recover some weeks after with no sequels.