Page 114 - RSDG Year of 2023

112 EAGLE AND CARBINE
In the springtime, a new commanding officer was promoted at the commanding officer of the 1st RIMa. Colonel Philippe BIGNON succeeded to Colonel Jobic LE GOUVELLO. Quickly after, the regiment has been engaged on its tour of duty... after 200 years at the heart of history, the regiment lived 200 days at the heart of breaking news!
The regiment headed toward Lebanon to take the lead of the French contingent engaged in in UNIFIL mission. Deployed at the Israeli border, from July to October, the regiment witnessed the degradation of the situation between those two countries, officially still at war, and in the whole Middle East. On site, French marines actively participated in the UN mission by leading numerous patrols, conducting joint trainings with Lebanese forces and monitoring the Lebanese airspace.
Meanwhile, one squadron was also deployed in Niger as part of the French Forces mission in Sahel. Due to the volatile situation in this sensitive region, the unit partici- pated in the redeployment of French soldiers in Chad. Simultaneously, another squadron spent four months in Ivory Coast. Finally, during the summer time, one platoon was involved in the NATO mission in Bosnia.
Also present on the national territory, the porpoises (historical nickname given to the French Marines) actively participated in securing sensitive places as part of the “Sentinel” mission. In short, a very busy year and the rhythm will not slow down in 2024.
Pre-deployment traninig in La Courtine, Feb 23
Indeed, the regiment prepares 2024, which promises to be challenging. First, the 1st RIMa, created in 1822, will celebrate its 40 years in Angoulême, its current garrison town
Then, in addition to regular combat training, the marines will also secure the Olympic Games taking place in Paris. Finally, some units should be sent again on abroad missions... and overall, we will start our transformation on our new combat vehicles, including the Jaguar and the Griffon.
Scots Dragoon Guards are welcome to participate to those activities.
Unifil, June to October 23
2024