SOF Pic of the Day: Meet the French Groupement de Commandos de Montagne, Mountain Commandos

The Groupement de Commandos de Montagne (GCM) embodies France’s dedication to specialized mountain warfare. As an elite unit within the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade (27e Brigade d’Infanterie de Montagne), the GCM is renowned for its rigorous training, adaptability, and operational excellence in some of the world’s most challenging terrains.

Origins and Evolution

The lineage of the GCM can be traced back to the 1930s with the establishment of the Sections d’Éclaireurs Skieurs (SES), specialized ski scout sections designed for reconnaissance in alpine environments. These units played pivotal roles during World War II, leveraging their expertise in mountainous terrains. In the 1990s, the SES evolved into the Unités de Recherche Humaine (URH 27), focusing on human intelligence gathering. Recognizing the need for a unit capable of both intelligence and direct action, the GCM was officially formed in 2004, inheriting the traditions and expertise of its predecessors.

Structure and Composition

The GCM operates within a larger framework in the French Army, showcasing its specialized focus on mountain warfare. They are part of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade (27e BIM), a brigade dedicated to operations in challenging alpine environments. This brigade, which includes approximately 6,500 personnel, is subordinated to the 1st Armored Division, reflecting its importance in France’s overall military strategy.

Within this structure, the GCM is specifically aligned with the 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (2e REG), a unit of the renowned French Foreign Legion. In the 2e REG, the GCM plays a critical role, with two GCM groups embedded in the Surveillance and Direct Action Platoon (SRIO). The regiment itself is composed of about 1,000 personnel, with most members being Legionnaires, supplemented by a small number of non-Legion specialists.

As of 2024, the 2e REG’s structure includes several specialized companies. These are the HQ & Logistics Company (CCL), Administration Support Company (CAS), four combat companies (1st through 4th), a Combat Support Company (CA), and a 5th Reserve Company (5e CIE). This diverse composition enables the regiment to handle a wide range of missions, from engineering tasks to direct combat and reconnaissance operations in harsh mountain conditions.

The French Army employs a modular approach in its organizational structure, which likely applies to the GCM as well. Units are organized into combined arms battle groups, known as GTIA (tactical combined arms groups), or smaller sub-groups called SGTIA (tactical combined arms sub-groups). These formations are tailored for specific missions, allowing forces to be efficiently assembled or disbanded depending on the operational requirements. The GCM, as a highly specialized mountain warfare unit, benefits from this flexible system, making it capable of integrating seamlessly into various configurations. This adaptability ensures that the GCM remains mission-ready, whether operating independently or as part of larger, multi-unit deployments.

Training and Expertise

The GCM  is one of the French military’s most elite units, known for its exceptional training and expertise in mountain warfare and special operations. Their training is designed to prepare them for the unique challenges of operating in extreme environments, combining physical endurance, technical skills, and adaptability to diverse combat scenarios.

Physical fitness is the foundation of the GCM’s training. Commandos undergo daily runs lasting over two hours, often through hills and mountainous terrain, to build the stamina required for high-altitude operations. Alongside this, they engage in extensive hand-to-hand combat drills, weight training, and calisthenics to maintain peak physical condition. This grueling routine ensures they can endure the demanding conditions of their missions.

The GCM’s skill set goes far beyond physical fitness. Operators are trained in a variety of specialized techniques, including mountain warfare, urban combat, and hostage rescue. They also receive advanced survival training to prepare them for extreme conditions, whether in the freezing Arctic or dense jungle. Additionally, GCM commandos are adept at human intelligence gathering, a crucial capability for reconnaissance and understanding operational landscapes.

Their training takes place in a variety of locations to expose them to different environments and challenges. While the French Alps serve as their home base, GCM operators also train in Greenland and Norway for arctic survival, in French Guyana for jungle warfare, and in Estonia to adapt to diverse terrains. This broad range of training locations ensures that they are ready to operate effectively in any environment.

Adaptability is a hallmark of the GCM. Drawing from their combat experience in places like Afghanistan and Mali, commandos are trained to modify their tactics to counter modern threats. This includes learning to avoid detection by advanced infrared sensors and adapting to challenging conditions, such as cold and humid environments.

As part of the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade, the GCM specializes in mountain-specific skills. Operators are experts in mountaineering, skiing, and even paragliding, which enables them to insert stealthily into hard-to-reach areas. They also learn advanced risk management techniques to safely navigate the treacherous and unpredictable conditions often found in high-altitude environments.

To prepare for high-intensity combat, the GCM participates in realistic simulations that replicate the chaos of actual warfare. Using systems like CERBERE, they train in both urban and open environments, often alongside other military units to improve their ability to operate in joint operations. This intense preparation hones their skills and ensures they are ready for any mission.

The GCM’s rigorous training produces highly skilled operators capable of tackling some of the most challenging missions in the world. Whether deep behind enemy lines or navigating the harsh conditions of a mountainous battlefield, these commandos embody adaptability, resilience, and expertise. Their dedication and proficiency have solidified their reputation as one of the world’s premier mountain warfare units.

Operational Deployments

The Groupement de Commandos de Montagne has proven its versatility and effectiveness across a wide range of operational theaters, adapting its specialized training to various environments and mission types. From the rugged mountains to dense forests and arid deserts, the GCM consistently demonstrates its ability to excel in diverse and challenging conditions.

One of the GCM’s most notable deployments is in Mali, where they are heavily involved in Operation Barkhane. This operation focused on combating jihadist groups in the Sahel region. GCM operators often work alongside the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4th RHFS), conducting rapid incursions across Mali to disrupt and neutralize armed terrorist groups. Their missions have successfully eliminated jihadist fighters, recovered weapons, and seized ammunition stockpiles, showcasing their effectiveness in counter-terrorism operations.

In Afghanistan, GCM units gained valuable combat experience while participating in various missions. This deployment further honed their skills in adapting to the complexities of modern warfare, enhancing their operational capabilities in hostile and unpredictable environments.

Beyond Mali and Afghanistan, GCM groups, through their affiliation with the 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment, have been deployed to numerous other regions. These include operations in the former Yugoslavia, Ivory Coast, Martinique, and Niger, reflecting their global reach and operational flexibility.

The GCM specializes in missions that demand precision and adaptability. Their primary activities include in-depth reconnaissance in urban areas, combat in forested and desert environments, and deep raids using light vehicles. They are also trained for direct attack missions behind enemy lines, targeting high-value strategic objectives. Their expertise in mountain warfare translates seamlessly to these diverse theaters, allowing them to operate effectively in any terrain.

Through their extensive deployments and operational successes, the GCM has established itself as a vital component of France’s military, capable of taking on high-stakes missions in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

Distinctive Insignia and Traditions

GCM embraces a rich set of insignia and traditions that reflect its unique identity and its ties to both the French Army and the French Foreign Legion. These elements not only honor the unit’s heritage but also foster a deep sense of camaraderie among its members.

One of the most recognizable features of the GCM is its green beret, which is worn as formal headgear with a jacket or combat shirt. The beret includes the unit’s distinctive insignia, proudly displayed as a symbol of their elite status. Their uniforms also feature the diamond-shaped Legion insignia on the left sleeve, along with patches denoting rank, seniority, and regimental or company affiliations. GCM operators who have earned the “Alpiniste et Skieur Militaire” brevet, recognizing their proficiency in mountaineering and skiing, wear this special qualification badge with pride.

The GCM also maintains several unique customs and practices. They use the term “quartier” instead of “caserne” for their barracks and prefer “bleu-cerise” (cherry blue) over the standard term “rouge” (red). Their marching pace is notably faster than other units, taking 140 steps per minute, symbolizing their agility and discipline. Known informally as “Les diables bleus” (The Blue Devils), the GCM lives by its motto, “Rien n’empêche” (Nothing Prevents), which embodies their determination and resilience.

Summation

The Groupement de Commandos de Montagne exemplifies the French Army’s commitment to maintaining specialized units capable of operating in the most demanding environments. Through rigorous training, a storied heritage, and a proven track record in operations, the GCM continues to be a vital asset in France’s military arsenal, ready to face the challenges of modern warfare in mountainous terrains and beyond.