FORFUSCO is a syllabic abbreviation for the Force maritime des fusiliers marins et commandos, headquartered in Lorient, is the French Navy organisation responsible for and in command of the Fusiliers Marins and Commandos Marine. FORCUSCO is headed by a general officer with the title of Admiral commandant Les fusiliers marins et commandos (ALFUSCO).

This force carries out:

  • Advanced force and reconnaissance operations from the sea
  • Special operations
  • Protection of key sites and vessels of the French Navy
  • Provision of security for elements of the naval forces.

A 2,700-man strong force, the FORFUSCO is the fourth organic force of the French Navy.

Sailor Riflemen

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Battalions and companies of sailors are dedicated to the protection of sensitive naval sites (eg military ports, naval aviation bases, communications transmission stations, ammunition depots). The sailors are also an integral part of buildings as domestic service - called "bidellerie" in navy slang.

There are seven companies of sailors (CIFUSIL), which provide protection for the following sites:

These seven companies send detachments who take turns every four to six months to ensure the protection of the communications centers of Fort-de-France, Mahina Mahina Super and around Papeete, of Ouen Toro in Noumea, and Rufisque near Dakar. They also support operations of the Navy Commandos (Commandos Marine), augment boarding parties and provide military training to the French navy.

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The Commandos Marine are trained to targeted actions in places where it is not feasible or appropriate to deploy a larger force. They are primarily used by the French Special Operations Command (COS) since 1992. They are seven in number: Commando Jaubert, Commando Ponchardier, Commando Trepel, Commando de Montfort, Commando de Penfentenyo, Commando Kieffer, and Commando Hubert, each with their own mission specialism. They have evolved to be broadly comparable to the British SBS.

See also

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