1er REC: 5th Squadron becoming SGRC

Take a look at some pictures of the 5th Squadron, 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) performing intelligence tasks for its brigade during the military exercise Griffon 2025.

In recent years, the French Army has been experimenting with a new concept of organizing its operational units. One of the innovations is the Contact Intelligence Subgroup (Sous-groupement de Renseignement de Contact, SGRC), formed by a reconnaissance squadron equipped with VBL cars and several MMP medium-range guided missiles. In addition, radars, drones, and electronic warfare systems provided by other units are usually assigned to the subgroup. The SGRC operates ahead of its brigade, directly subordinate to the brigade commander. Its mission is detecting and profiling of the enemy, and – if necessary – destroying of its high-value targets.

The subgroup typically works alongside an Amphibious Combat Support Group (GAEA), a commando-like formation of the brigade (armored brigades use GAEB armored groups). Both the SGRC and the GAEA are provisional formations set up to perform brigade-level tasks during exercises or military operations.

Therefore, this January, the 5th Squadron 1er REC, serving as a reconnaissance & surveillance squadron (EER) of the regiment, became the SGRC subgroup of the 6th Light Armored Brigade (6e BLB) and took part in the military exercise Griffon 2025 in northeastern France. For the record, the 6e BLB is currently considered the most combat-ready brigade of the French Army, comprising Foreign Legion regiments in the majority.

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