The regiment was the armoured component of the 1st Mechanised Brigade.

The regiment has participated in numerous combat engagements: the relief missions in Kosovo and the former Yugoslavia, and was found on all exterior theatres of intervention (Chad, Lebanon, Kuwait, Central African Republic, as well as Senegal, the Ivory Coast and Afghanistan).

The regiment was divided into two groups of 40 Leclerc tanks, each supported by two squadrons: one of general means and the other of maintenance.

Each group of squadron can be projected in exterior theatres of operations.

The 501e-503e RCC in a complete count was constituted of 80 tanks, 500 armor and diverse vehicles articulated by 1300 men.