[citation needed] Now, initial training, which involves parachuting, weapons handling, close combat techniques, and shooting from helicopters, is held at the Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air in Mechria.

These spearheaded the Air Force and were heavily involved in the fight against terrorism during the Black Decade, particularly in the mountains.

Air commando rifle regiments generally work on reconnaissance missions, human intelligence, air support, search and rescue operations, helicopter-borne shooting, hostage release, neutralization, sabotage, seizure and reinstatement of airport areas, recognition or destruction of targets, and combat search and rescue.

[citation needed] Air commando rifle regiments use a number of guns and assault weapons, including handguns (Glock 17s and Caracal pistols), assault rifles (AKMs and AKMS), machine guns (RPD machine guns, RPKs, and PK machine guns), precision rifles (Zastava M93 Black Arrow and Dragunov sniper rifles), shotguns (SR202Ps), and grenade launchers (RPG-7s).

They are issued a SPECTRA helmet, protection glasses, an Algerian Army lattice, an Algerian Air Force lattice sata, gloves, knee and elbow pads, a bullet-proof vest, a tactical vest, a thigh or hip holster, and a balaclava.