These pathfinders are paratroopers drawn from the various regiments of the brigade who then undertake GCP training and must pass various requirements.

While the GCP members are exclusively selected from airborne regiments, GCM commandos are drawn from the French mountain units, notably from the Alpine Hunter battalions.

On January 1, 1982; the unit was renamed (C)ommandos de (R)enseignement et d'(A)ction dans la (P)rofondeur, CRAP (Reconnaissance and Deep Action Commandos), a designation nomination which was conserved till 1999.

In 1969, the Deep Action and Reconnaissance Commandos (CRAP) of the 2e REP participate for the first time in Chad.

In 2007, the GCP aligns under their command 19 Teams of paratroopers commandos constituted of a dozen members.