In early March 2025, the 1st Squadron of the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC) successfully concluded its four-month mission within the 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (5e RIAOM) in Djibouti, reinforcing France’s strategic commitment to stability in the Horn of Africa.

Deployed since November 2024, the 1er REC’s 1st Squadron – integrated as the 3rd Squadron of the 5e RIAOM – demonstrated exceptional proficiency in this important theater. Operating AMX 10 RCR wheeled tanks and VBL light armored vehicles, the legionnaires executed intensive training across the region’s demanding desert landscape, achieving exemplary combat readiness and precision in firepower application, notably with the 105 mm cannon. This short-term mission (MCD), completed in March 2025, underlined the squadron’s commitment to the proud traditions and operational excellence of the French Foreign Legion.

Since succeeding the 13e DBLE in 2011, the 5e RIAOM has consistently maintained security and France’s military presence in the region.

At the same time, also a small detachment of legionnaires from the 1er REG departed the 5e RIAOM in Djibouti, returning to France.

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Related posts:
1er REG, 1er REC: Djibouti in 2025
1er REC: 1st Squadron in Djibouti in 2024
1er REC, 2e REI, 1er REG: A new mission in Djibouti from June 2022
1er REC: 5th Squadron becoming SGRC