Multinational Force in Lebanon The 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (French: 1er Régiment de Parachutistes d'Infanterie de Marine) or 1er RPIMa is a unit of the French Army Special Forces Command, therefore part of the Special Operations Command.

It is the heir to the first Colonial Parachute Commando Demi-Brigade, whose origins date back to World War II.

On September 15, 1940, General Charles de Gaulle signed the activation order of the 1ère Compagnie d'Infanterie de l'Air (1ère CIA) of the Free French Forces, or 1st Free French Airborne Infantry Company, under the command of Captain Bergé.

From 1942 to 1943, the French SAS roamed the region, ranging as far as Crete hunting down Axis forces and destroying their aircraft and supply dumps.

As the war drew to a close, 52 French SAS "sticks" (705 men) were parachuted into the Netherlands on April 7, 1945, causing major havoc in the rear areas of German occupation forces and easing pressure on the forward thrust of the 2nd Canadian Army Corps.

Between 1945 and 1954 the unit that was later to become the 1er RPIMa after a series of name changes, took part in the war in Indochina, performing several of the more than 160 combat jumps carried out by French paratroopers during that conflict.

After the war, the regiment underwent structural changes and became a training depot for the entire colonial airborne forces.

As the unit was inspired by the British Special Air Service, it has still much in common with them, including missions and capabilities.

This location is also ideal due to its proximity to the Centre d'Entrainement Adaptée (CTA), Europe's largest and most modern Close Quarter Battle (CQB) facility and to the dedicated assets of the French army's Special Forces Aviation Detachment (DAOS) and airborne school (ETAP), both establishments that are essential to its training and operations.

The ARWEN 37 mm grenade launcher is used in CQB work to launch CS gas into buildings.

An armored floor provides anti-landmine protection to the crew and VPS is air transportable by C-160 Transall or C-130 Hercules.

One more 7.62mm machine is mounted on swivel station at the front of the crew compartment which is operated by the vehicle commander.

These include: bodyguard for VIPs in conflict areas, direct action, reconnaissance, sabotage, unconventional warfare and hostage rescue.

They can be divided into several generic fields: Officers and NCOs joining the regiment have to attend the same selection and training as enlisted personnel.

Enlisted soldiers in the French Army can try to join super RPIMA, between their first and third years of active duty.

The anniversary is celebrated of fighting in Bazeilles, a village which was taken and abandoned four consecutive times under orders, on August 31 and September 1, 1870.

« Who dares wins » is the general motto of the British SAS, translated in French to « Qui ose gagne ».

The most decorated French and allied unit of the Second World War The officers and members of this regiment wear one of four Fourragères: