[3] Having become out of date after the end of the Cold War and globalization, this system was reformed and strengthened in December 1998 [3] with the creation of the Department of Military and defense cooperation (DCMD), which unified these outdated structures under the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As a tool for diplomatic influence, the DCSD is responsible for implementing training, advice, and expertise for which it ensures strategic leadership and comprehensive management within the realms of security and defense via cooperative bilateral or multilateral projects.
The objectives of the DCSD are part of a global framework that aims to maintain peace, uphold the Rule of law and Human Rights, and ensure internal security and stability for their partners in a relationship based on equality.
To implement its training and advice actions, the DCSD has about 350 cooperation volunteers (military, gendarmes, police and firefighters)posted to the French embassies' defense attached or Homeland Security in 56 beneficiary countries, or line item within major sub-regional organizations (ECCAS, ECOWAS, EASFCOM, IOC ...).
They are divided into offices and sub-directions following: Sub-Saharan Africa; World; Multilateral and sectoral issues; Means; Conferences and agreements; Overflights and naval stops.
A safe continuum that allows both to protect populations, territory, wealth and areas of partner countries while countering threats from terrorism, illegal trafficking or socio-economic difficulties they may encounter.
[10] The same year was realized the project "Support to the Formation of Internal Security Forces in Africa" (AFORMA) which combines the police, gendarmerie and the national guards from 10 African countries.
[10] Finally, to support partner countries facing emerging issues, the DCSD has continued its commitment to the development of the State action at sea using the FSP ASCEMAR, including Cameroon.
[9] End of 2013, the DCSD was associated with the development of the project "Support for the fight against trafficking in human beings" (THB) in the Gulf of Guinea, which combines internal capacity building and structuring regional cooperation.
Formerly "Brothers of weapons", the magazine changed its name in June 2011 in line with the reform which includes defense cooperation, police, gendarmerie and civil protection within a single entity.