Military ranks in French order. French army - history, ranks, troops

The French army consists of the following units: ground forces, navy, air force, foreign legion and national gendarmerie. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is the President of the country, who has the authority to command the launch of a nuclear attack for national security purposes.

The Armed Forces protect the inviolability of the territory of their state, provide its interests abroad, serve as a national guarantor of world, global stability on all continents. The composition of the French army includes not only the citizens of the country from 17 to 40 years old, who are involved in the service, but also citizens of other countries who serve in the corps of the world-famous Foreign Legion.

History of the French Army

The first set of recruits into the army ranks in 1636 was conducted by Cardinal Richelieu, when there was a danger of a foreign invasion of France, the strength of the troops consisted of about 100 thousand infantrymen and cavalrymen. The strength of the French army by the beginning of the 21st century amounted to 131,000 people, including 66,000 thousand in combat units.

The main priority of the national military doctrine is the fundamental concept of its independence as a self-sufficient state, nuclear deterrence and military self-sufficiency. The French army is armed with nuclear warheads (tactical nuclear weapons) and the country is a founding member of NATO, actively working with its partners to adapt the alliance to the Cold War.

At the end of 1995, France announced its intention to increase its participation in the military wing of NATO, including the Military Committee (from which it left in 1966), now the country remains an active supporter of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other joint military actions of the European Union.

How many serve in the French Army? Citizens of the country can serve on a voluntary basis in it, because since 1996 the mandatory conscription has been abolished. The French armed forces are 13th in the world in terms of the number of troops and represent the largest army in the EU. The French army today is a major military nuclear force, after Russia and the United States.

Read important tips for a person who wants to immigrate to France.

Modern French Armed Forces on the world stage

Outside of NATO, the French Republic actively and quite purposefully carries out missionary, unilateral activities related to the maintenance of peace in the countries of Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans. The Armed Forces (AF) of the republic switched to a professional service basis, so the standing Army of France became smaller in size, but its ability to quickly deploy and conduct land, air and sea military operations did not decrease.

The main elements of the restructuring of the army state formations were: the reduction of personnel, bases and barracks, the rational use of equipment and tactical weapons. Outside of its continental territory, the Armed Forces operate promptly, in full cooperation with NATO countries.

France is making its military contribution to the maintenance of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force stationed in Haiti (after the 2004 Haitian crisis). France has sent its special forces to Afghanistan as an ally of the US and NATO to fight the remnants of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.

On the basis of a UN peacekeeping mission, the Armed Forces of the French Republic are conducting Operation Unicorn: several thousand French soldiers are deployed in Côte d'Ivoire, a former colony of the French. Initially, the troops were sent there in accordance with the provisions of the mutual protection pact between France and Côte -d "Ivoire.

In 2001, the country participated in Operation Unified Protector in Libya, the 2011 war against the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, deploying its ships and bombers in the exclusion zone.

Military ranks in the French Army

The highest ranks of military ranks are in the ground forces: General and Admiral in the naval forces, the lowest: soldier and sailor, respectively. French brigade units are distinguished by a heterogeneous composition of military ranks and distinctions, as well as a wide variety of standard weapons. The National Command of the Armed Forces explains such a system as the most mobile, which can quickly form a balanced grouping of forces and assets in any military situation.

Compared to other countries of the world, the modern French Armed Forces have a balanced structure, which includes a powerful Navy. Paramilitary army units have the largest practical experience of conducting independent military operations outside their territory among all EU and NATO countries.

The country's armed forces played an important role in UNIFIL: a special military mission (by decision of the UN Security Council) to maintain peace along the Lebanese-Israeli border, based on a ceasefire agreement. The mission helped end the Lebanese war in 2006.

Currently, more than 2,000 military personnel are serving along the border of Lebanon and Israel, they are equipped with armored vehicles, artillery and air defense systems. The Armed Forces support the sea and air deployed deployment of their units on the shelf.

At the request of the government of the African state of Mali, from 2013 to 2014, the national armed forces carried out the Serval anti-terrorist operation to eliminate all signs of terrorism among the Tuareg of the Sahel. In addition to peacekeeping activities in Africa, the French military is involved in the war against ISIS (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) in Syria and Iraq.

Military ranks of the Air Force and Naval Aviation of France and their approximate analogues in other countries

In the book "French Fighters of the Second World War", for technical reasons, "Appendix 2" was missing, containing a table comparing the military ranks of French aviation with the air forces of other countries. We considered it necessary to atone for our guilt before the readers, therefore we publish the desired table.

It should be noted that in France (unlike, for example, Germany) there was a separate naval aviation as part of the Navy, which used the traditional naval rank system. In the French Air Force, as well as in the Luftwaffe or the Red Army Air Force, the "land" system was adopted. At the same time, a feature of the French system was the presence of the title of graduate student - a candidate for officers, which is absent in Germany and the USSR.

French Air Force	French Naval Aviation	Royal British Air Force	Luftwaffe	BBC PKKA
Colonel	Captain de vesso (Capitaine de vaisseau)	Group Captain (Group Capitan)	Oberst	Colonel
Leutnan-colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)	Captain de frigate (Capitaine de frigate)	Wing Commander	Oberstleutnant	Lieutenant colonel
Commandant	Captain de Corvette	Squadron Leader	Major	Major
Captain	Lieutenant de vaisseau	Flight Lieutenant	Hauptmann	Captain
Lötnan (Lieutenant)	Anseigne de vaisseau de premiere class (Enseigne de vaisseau de premiere classe)	Flying Officer	Oberleutnant (Oberleutnant)	Senior Lieutenant
Su-letnan (Sous-lieutenant)	Enseigne de vaisseau de deuxieme classe	Pilot Officer	Leutnant	Lieutenant
-	-	-	-	Ensign
PhD student	PhD student	Acting Pilot Officer (Acting Pilot Officer)	-	-
Adjudan-chef (Adjudant-chef)	Maitre-principal (MaTtre-principal)	Warrant Officer	-	-
Adjudan (Adjudant)	Premier Maitre	-	-	-
-	-	Flight Sergeant	Headquarters (Stabsfeldwebel)	foreman
-	-	-	Feldwebel (Feldwebel)	Staff Sergeant
Sergeant-Chief (Sergent-chet)	Matre (MaTtre)	Sergeant	Unterfeldwebel (Unterfeldwebel)	Sergeant
Sergeant	Second-maitre (Second-maitre)	Corporal	Unteroffizier	Lance Sergeant
Caporal-chef	Cartier-maitre de premiere class (Quartier-maTtre de premiere classe)	-	Hauptgefreiter	-
Caporal	Cartier-maitre de deuxieme class (Quartier-maTtre de deuxieme classe)	-	Obergefreiter	-
Aviator de premier class	Matelot brevete	Leading Aircraftman	Gefreiter (Gefreiter)	corporal
Aviateur de Desiem class (Aviateur de premiere classe)	Matelot (Matelot)	Aircraftman (Aircraftman)	Flieger	Private

The table below can also serve as an interesting addition to the book:

Part	Armament	Dislocation	Commander	Number of air victories for the period from December 1942 to May 1945
GC 1/2 Cigognes	Spitfire Mk.lX	Skibro	Captain de Borda	-
GC 2/2 Berry	Spitfire Mk.lX	Lingen Drop	Commandan Guizar	1
GC 3/2 Alsace	Spitfire Mk.lX/XVI	Lingen Drop	Captain Andre	32
GC 4/2 Ile-de-France	Spitfire Mk.lX/XVI	Lingen Drop	Captain Obertin	21
GC 1/3 Corse	Spitfire Mk.lX	Stuttgart	Captain Villacek	13
GC 2/3 Dauphine	P-47D	Colmar	Captain Fabre	2
GC 3/3 Ardennes	P-47D	luxury	Commandant Pedrise	-
GC 1/4 Navarre	P-47D	Strasbourg	Captain de Pin	6
GC 1/5 Champagne	P-47D	luxury	Capt. Beck de Foucker	4
GC 2/5 Lafayette	P-47D	Colmar	Captain Tardy de Montravel	10
GC 2/6 Travail	P-39Q	Nis	Captain Lacombe	1
GC 3/6 Roussillon	P-47D	Strasbourg	Commandant Clause	3
GC 1/7 Provence	Spitfire Mk.lX	Stuttgart	Captain Madon	14
GC 2/7 Nice	Spitfire Mk.lX	Stuttgart	Captain Gauthier	30
GC 1/9 Limousin	P-39N	La Regaya	Captain Lançois	-
GC 2/9 Auvergne	P-39Q	Le Vallon	Captain Thierry	-
GCB 1/18 Vendee	D.520, A-24	Cognac	Captain Magnien	-
GCB 2/18 Saintonge	Spitfire Mk.V	Bordeaux-Merignac	Captain Tollon	-
Normandie-Niemen	Yak-3	heiligenbeil	Colonel Delfino	273

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The personal ranks of the French army were divided into generals, officers and non-commissioned officers. Initially, the ranks coincided with the positions held by the persons who wore them, but gradually they acquired an independent meaning, emphasized by external insignia.

LOWER RANKS:

The lowest soldier's rank "private" has always taken into account the type of troops to which the soldier belonged. Ordinary soldiers of various companies in the line infantry were called: grenadier, fusilier, voltiger (ggenadier, fusilier, voltigeur); in light infantry - carabinieri, huntsman, voltigeur (carabinier, chasseur, voltiger). In the cavalry, the soldiers were called: carabinieri, cuirassier, dragyn, huntsman, gycar, chevolezher (carabinier, cuirassier, dragon, chasseur, hussard, chevauleger). In the special troops, they corresponded to: gunner (1st and 2nd class), sapper (lst and 2nd class), pontooner, miner (canonieg, sapeug, pontonieug, mineug), etc.
Non-commissioned officers (junior commanders) in the infantry, foot artillery and engineering troops wore the ranks: corporal (caporal; in the infantry from 8 to 10 per company, in the engineer battalions there were 1st and 2nd corporals), sergeant (sergent; in infantry, 4 per company), senior sergeant (sergent-major; in infantry, 1 per company). In cavalry, horse artillery and convoy units, they corresponded to the ranks: brigadier (brigadier; in cavalry from 4 to 8 per company), sergeant major (marechal-des-logis; in cavalry from 2 to 4 per company), senior sergeant major (marechal-des -logis chef; in the cavalry, 1 per company). The rank of senior non-commissioned officer (adjudant-sous-officier) was intermediate between non-commissioned officers and officers. As a rule, non-commissioned officers who wore this rank were at the disposal of regimental adjutants and performed technical staff work.

Insignia of soldiers and non-commissioned officers

Ordinary soldiers of selected infantry companies (grenadiers, carabinieri and voltigeurs) and selected regiments (cuirassiers, mounted carabinieri and part of the regiments of the Imperial Guard) had epaulettes (usually woolen) of various colors instead of shoulder straps, which distinguished the elite among ordinary soldiers. In addition, veterans of all regiments were distinguished by chevrons for long service; these chevrons were sewn on the left sleeve above the elbow. The color of the stripes was usually red or auroral (golden yellow).

The junior command staff differed from the rank and file by cloth or galloon stripes over the cuffs of both sleeves. In the linear parts, these stripes (usually with pimples along the edges) were placed obliquely; in light infantry units and in cavalry, where the cuffs of the sleeves were sharp, the stripes looked like inverted chevrons with the points up.
In light infantry and cavalry, the brigadier (corporal) wore two cloth stripes. The brigadier-furier had the insignia of a brigadier, but above the elbow he wore an additional stripe of gold (or silver) galloon with edging. The sergeant (in the cavalry - mareschal-de-logi) wore one on both sleeves above the cuffs of his uniform, the senior sergeant (in the cavalry - mareschal-de-logi chief) - two stripes, and the ajudan-sous-officer (senior non-commissioned officer of the regimental headquarters , the first pre-officer rank) - three galloon stripes in the color of the buttons with edging along the edges. Non-commissioned officers had long service chevrons made of galloon on the instrument with colored piping.

OFFICER RANKS:

Persons who bore the first officer rank of sous-lieutenant (sous-lieutenant) performed, as a rule, the duties of a junior assistant to the unit commander (fr. lieutenant - literally “deputy”), usually a captain in a company. The lieutenant (lieutenant) was also an assistant to the company commander (captain). The captain (capitaine), as a rule, commanded a company (in a cavalry squadron). The battalion chief (chef-de-bataillon) in the infantry usually commanded a battalion (this rank also existed in foot artillery and engineering troops); the squadron chief, similar to him in the cavalry (chef-d "escadron), as a rule, commanded two squadrons of the cavalry regiment (this rank also existed in horse artillery). Major (major) - deputy regiment commander - headed the regimental depot, sometimes he could command several battalions The colonel (colone1) usually commanded the regiment.In addition, in the artillery and engineering troops there were ranks of 1st captain, 2nd captain, 1st lieutenant and 2nd lieutenant.Special ranks were worn by staff officers: adjoint and l "etat-major - captain of the headquarters service, adjudant-commandant - colonel of the headquarters service (staff colonel).

Officer insignia

The main insignia of the officers were epaulets embroidered with silver or gold galloon, which corresponded to the military rank and were worn on the shoulders of the uniform and frock coat. The color of the epaulette was determined by the color of the regiment's instrument: silver with white and gold with yellow buttons. Chief officers wore an epaulette with a thin fringe on their left shoulder, and a counter-epaulette without fringe on their right; the staff officers had epaulettes with thick fringe on both shoulders. The epaulette and counter-epaulette of the sous-lieutenant had two strips of red silk along the field; the lieutenant was distinguished by one stripe on the field, and the captain had a field that was clean in the color of the device. The chief (commander) of a battalion or squadron - had an epaulette and a counter-epaulette like a captain, but the fringe on the left epaulette was threaded (twisted thick). The major wore two epaulettes with a fringe fringe, but the field of epaulettes was the color opposite to the regiment's device (with white buttons - gold, with yellow - silver). The Colonel had two one-coloured epaulettes with a fringed fringe.

The officers of the regiments of the line and light infantry, as well as foot artillery, wore metal officer badges on their chests, hung around their necks on cords in the color of the regiment's device. The officer badges were the same for all ranks, differing only from regiment to regiment (sometimes the regiment number and the emblem of the regiment type were placed on the badges). The officers had gold-plated or silver-plated buttons, equipment belts and the lid of the casket (if it was supposed to) were often sheathed with galloons according to the device. The saddlebags and saddlecloths of officers were sheathed with galloon, and the width of the galloon corresponded to the rank of officer, and the major and colonel had two galloons - wide and narrow. Adjutants and staff officers differed in the form of clothing, types of sewing and features of epaulettes.

Colonel of the 9th Hussars in full dress uniform and captain of the 12th Hussars in dress coat - an example of a different type of insignia in the cavalry

The insignia of the hussars differed markedly from the insignia of the rest of the military branches. The hussars wore epaulettes only on weekend frock coats; on the ceremonial hussar uniform, the ranks of officers were indicated in a completely different way: only with galloons in the form of inverted chevrons over the cuffs of a dolman and mentic, as well as in the form of a “peak” on chikchirs. Thus, the sous-lieutenant had chevrons on his sleeves and a pike on chikchirs from one galloon (the color of buttons), a lieutenant - from two galloons, a captain - from three galloons. The chief (commander) of the squadron wore chevrons and "pikes" of four galloons, the major - of five galloons, two of which were the color opposite to the color of the buttons of the regiment, the colonel - of five galloons according to the color of the buttons. The width of the galloons could vary depending on the rank: narrow for junior officers and wide for senior officers. Officers' shakos were trimmed with lace on the top according to the color of the device, the width and number of lace corresponded to the rank of officer. Tassels in the corners of hats, at the etiquettes of shakos and fur hats, as well as on lanyards and hussar boots, were worn by junior officers with a thin fringe, and by senior officers - with a thread or twisted fringe. Junior officers had sultans according to the color of the sultans of their companies, and senior officers - major and colonel - by rank (usually a white colonel, and a major - white and red).

GENERALS AND MARSHALS:

Brigadier general (general de brigade) commanded a brigade, but could head the headquarters of the corps, or hold high military administrative posts (for example, the military commandant of the department). The divisional general (general de division) commanded a division, but could lead a corps or hold senior military administrative posts (for example, command a military district).
The highest military rank was the rank of Marshal of France, introduced by Napoleon in 1804. Already on the day of the introduction of this title (May 19), Napoleon made 14 of his comrades-in-arms marshals, who helped Bonaparte to ascend to the very pinnacle of power. Subsequently, 12 more generals became marshals. Marshals of France occupied the highest posts in the empire and commanded the largest military formations - infantry and cavalry corps.

General insignia

The generals of the French army wore a special uniform introduced in 1803. Differences in ranks came down to epaulettes, sewing on uniforms, scarves and lanyards. The brigadier general wore two silver stars on epaulettes with twisted thick fringes, a belt of blue leather, and a gold weave waist scarf with blue flecks. A general's valve was attached to the hat, but the top of the hat was not sheathed with galloon.
The divisional general wore three silver stars on epaulettes, a red leather belt and a general's scarf with red splashes; the sewing on the collar and cuffs was double. A hat with a general flap was sheathed on top with gold galloon.

The marshal of the empire wore silver wands on epaulettes surrounded by 5 silver stars and silver wands on lanyards and a scarf column, a white leather belt and a general's scarf with white splashes; the uniforms had additional sewing at the seams, wider than those of the generals.
Generals and marshals relied on crimson-red saddles and saddles with pigs. The general's stars were sewn onto various elements of the uniform (tashki, "nuts" of the mentishket, belts of the carcasses, etc.). In addition, in the hussar uniform, the generals usually wore stripes on mentics, dolmans and chikchirs like officers, but out of 6 galloons for a brigadier general, 7 for a divisional general and 8 for a marshal of the empire. Regimental uniforms with generals' insignia were worn only by generals who commanded regiments of the Imperial Guard. The French rank system was adopted in the armies of other countries (Italy, the Duchy of Warsaw, most of the states of the Confederation of the Rhine).

PRODUCTION:

A non-commissioned officer could be promoted to the first officer rank of lieutenant only after 6 years of service. Su-lieutenant for promotion to lieutenant had to serve at least 4 years. To receive a captain's epaulette, an officer had to have at least 8 years of service (including at least 4 years in the rank of lieutenant), etc. But during hostilities, the production of rank was usually significantly accelerated. Vacancies vacated due to the death of commanders in battle were filled by officers who distinguished themselves in the course of campaigns and received regular ranks, regardless of the length of service. Senior military commanders who commanded an independent group in a remote theater of operations or led the garrisons of besieged fortresses were given the right to assign temporary ranks (officers), which were subsequently approved in the prescribed manner.

IMPERIAL GUARD

sergeant major (senior sergeant), grenadier and captain of the regiment of foot grenadiers of the Old Guard in marching uniform

A special system of ranks and rank production existed in the Imperial Guard. The guard ranks had seniority over the army: officers who were listed in the Old and Middle Guards, and senior officers of the Young Guard had an advantage of one rank (for example, the captain of the Imperial Guard was equated with the army chief of a battalion or squadron). Non-commissioned officers of the Old Guard had a seniority of two ranks.
Soldiers who wore guards ranks received an increased (at least one and a half) salary. The names of the soldier ranks of the Imperial Guard were associated with the variety of names of the guards units: foot grenadier, foot huntsman, horse grenadier, horse huntsman, velit, tyralier, mameluke, chevolezher lancer, veteran, etc. The names of non-commissioned officer ranks generally corresponded to those of the army.
In the guard, the 2nd and 1st lieutenants (1ieutenant en second, lieutenant en premier) were junior officers in companies, but could be appointed to the posts of regimental eagle bearers (standard bearers) or staff officers. The captain, as in the army, commanded a company or served in the headquarters. The rank of the chief of the battalion corresponded to that of the army, and the chief of the guards cavalry squadron actually commanded the squadron. In addition, these officers could hold staff positions. The major of the guard (major de la Garde) was equated with an army colonel. Officers in this rank were appointed commanders of infantry regiments of the Middle and Young Guards. In the infantry of the Old Guard, the major (in most cases) also had the general army rank of brigadier general, and therefore could command an infantry regiment or hold the position of deputy commander of a weapon in the Imperial Guard (colonel en second). In the guards cavalry, the major was the deputy regimental commander. The Colonel of the Imperial Guard (colonel de la Garde imperiale) also held the rank of an army divisional (rarely brigadier) general, and usually held the post of commander of the weapons of the Imperial Guard troops (foot rangers, foot grenadiers). In the course of hostilities, such an officer, as a rule, commanded a separate guard formation - an infantry or cavalry division. In addition, the colonels of the guard held the positions of commanders of the guards regiments or their first deputies (colonel en second). The highest rank of guard officers is Colonel General of the Imperial Guard (colonel general de la Garde Imperiale). This honorary title was awarded to the marshals of the empire, who were the commanders-in-chief of the arms and arms of the Imperial Guard (foot grenadiers, foot rangers, guards cavalry, artillery, sailors and engineers of the guard). Some colonel-generals commanded guard formations during campaigns. The title of marshal (le marechal de l "Empire) was not another military rank and stood outside the military hierarchy; this title was personally awarded by the emperor for special merits.

The text is from the Encyclopedia "Patriotic War of 1812". Moscow, ROSSPEN, 2004

The modern French army amazes the whole world with its power. Being one of the Great States, France often proved its superiority militarily. The foot army and navy have become a model for many countries. But has it always been like this? Studying the history of France, we are talking about great figures, brilliant domestic politics, but not about the army. For a long time, this country could not boast of an excellent fighting spirit.

History of the French Army

Everything changed at the beginning of the 19th century. It was then that Napoleon Bonaparte came to power. One day, he was passing by one of the patrol posts.

Noticing that the duty officer was sleeping, he calmly took his weapon and continued the watch for him. When it was time to change duty, another soldier saw Napoleon standing guard.

This incident proved the loyalty of Bonaparte. Since that time, the French army has become a single force, ready at any moment to stand up for its commander in chief.

Uniform and ranks in the army

A characteristic feature of the French army are epaulettes. These are special signs that indicate military rank. To date, few people use them. But in France they have not lost their significance.

Military academies introduced epaulettes as the main uniform. They are also used in parades.

Another interesting attribute is sash. This is a belt made of fabric, lace or rope, knitted around the waist. Its main significance is the maintenance of a neat military appearance. The sash holds the pants tightly and does not allow outerwear to swing open.

Belts make different colors and sizes. This helps separate the shelves. The entire uniform of the modern French army consists of many traditional details.

Most of them have never been used in other countries.

Among the titles can be mentioned Admiral of France. This is the highest military rank in France. Although recently it has not been assigned.

From him came the title Marshal of France. Next is army general. This rank refers to divisional generals who, for example, hold the position of Chief of Army Staff. They have five stars on their shoulder straps.

Another unique title Chief Marshal of France. It can also be called generalissimo. If there can be several Marshals of France at once, then only one person can hold this post.

French soldiers

Speaking of any army, we constantly dwell on famous commanders-in-chief, forgetting about ordinary soldiers. The French infantry has all the qualities to be called one of the best in the world.

A soldier in France is called legionnaires. This position is truly an honor.

To date, France does not see an external threat, so it is simply working to improve its professional qualities.

Types of French troops

France is ready to attack from any direction: land, air or water.

Men are recruited into the army from 17 to 40 years old. But there are no large-scale or regular appeals. All legionnaires serve their homeland honestly and naturally.

All troops are divided into the following types:

land;
naval;
military air;
National Gendarmerie of France;
medical service of the French armed forces.

For foreigners in France there is an opportunity to enter: for this you need to have a valid passport and pass a series of tests.

military parades

Parades are always an amazing sight. At such moments, you are much better aware of the full power of your native country. France is famous for its military parades.

Military parade on Bastille Day

Starting from a bright uniform, rich in its traditional attributes, and ending with a display of military equipment and its power, France shows strength and majesty to its people.

All types of troops perform at the parade. Ground troops come out first. Their march fills the entire square, so it is impossible to break away from this procession.

The following are different types of military equipment. The highlight of every parade is the Air Force. When several professional military fighter jets appear in the sky, all the citizens applaud enthusiastically.

France is a country that is rightfully included in the list of the most powerful countries in the world. its army has more than 75 thousand people.

Despite the calm state, she continues to develop military equipment and weapons. French parades only confirm the importance of military affairs for this state.

French army - history, ranks, troops - VIDEO

Watch a video about the everyday life of various troops of the French army

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Armed Forces of the French Republic- the formation of the French Republic, created for the armed protection of its interests and territories, including overseas ones.

In general, France is one of the few countries whose armed forces have an almost complete range of modern weapons and military equipment of their own production - from small arms to strike nuclear aircraft carriers (which, apart from France, only the United States has).

In July 1966, France withdrew from NATO, remaining a member of the political structure of the North Atlantic Treaty. In 2009, she returned to military structures. France is also a member of the Nuclear Club.

In 2003, France completed the second part of the reform of the armed forces, which began in 1996. As part of this reform, conscription was canceled and a transition took place to a mercenary (recruitment), a less numerous, but more effective (according to some) army, air force and navy. The reform should last until 2015. The total strength of the French military has declined from 550,000 in 1989 to 499,000 in 1996 and 256,000 in the early 2000s (another 82,000 were civilian personnel in the early 2000s).

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Types of the French Armed Forces

White paper

The 1994 White Paper marked a major change in French military policy and was a timely response to the changing strategic environment since the end of the Cold War. Its provisions were aimed mainly at supporting those forces that would contribute to the activity of the French armed forces in regional conflicts. But, undoubtedly, such a change in military doctrine required the modernization of the armed forces themselves. The French army was given 3 priorities: "the ability to quickly collect and analyze information, effective command and the ability to project (transfer and provide the armed forces) forces" . This was the aim of the military reform of 1996, the basis of which was the White Paper of 1994.

The latest White Paper was published by Nicolas Sarkozy on June 17, 2008, replacing the 1994 doctrine. According to the new doctrine, the number of military personnel and civilian employees of defense enterprises will be reduced by 54,000 in the next 6-7 years. The funds saved due to such significant staff reductions will be used to purchase new weapons and equipment. The new book proceeds from the need to fight against the new dangers that have appeared in the world since 1994. Among these threats are cyber attacks, terrorism, epidemics, climate disasters. The new French security strategy involves strengthening the role of the European Union in defense matters.

In the spirit of old traditions, the White Paper of 2008 prioritizes in the field of national security policy "defense and foreign policy that contribute directly to national security", but "in order to better ensure the protection of France's interests and the mission to protect her of the population, the new concept of French national security also refers to internal security policy, on all issues except those that are not directly related to the personal security of people and their property, violation of law and order.

The main feature of the 2008 White Paper is that "for the first time in a century, France bases its rather revolutionary national security doctrine not on a hypothetical general military confrontation in Europe, but combines defense and ensuring its own national security." If the core of the 1972 White Paper was "containment", in 1994 - "power projection", then in the "White Paper on Defense and National Security" in 2008 it is "knowledge and forecasting", which is a new strategic function that has become a priority task. Also, one of the important innovations proposed in the White Paper on Defense and National Security in 2008 is the need to create a National Defense and Security Council headed by the President of the country, which should also include the Prime Minister, ministers Defense and Home Affairs, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Ministers of Economy and Budgetary Planning.

The problem of France's reintegration into NATO

France is ranked 4th in terms of NATO funding, with troops representing 7% of the contingent participating in operations. This is about 4,650 soldiers operating under the NATO flag. In addition, France does not have a major command and cannot influence the strategic decisions of the alliance. NATO is the only organization where France does not have the opportunity to participate and influence. Reintegration into command structures means for a country the opportunity to act rather than be passive.

The principles of independence laid down in 1966 by General de Gaulle remain unshakable: France, under any circumstances, retains complete freedom to decide on sending troops to participate in the operation. The country will not send any military contingent to the permanent disposal of the NATO command in peacetime. With regard to nuclear deterrence, complete independence will be maintained, unlike the British, with the goal that nuclear deterrence serves both the defense of Europe and NATO. It is on the basis of these principles that France's relations with NATO are being renewed. The first step was the summit in Strasbourg-Kehl on 3 and 4 April 2009.

A characteristic and very recognizable look of a French soldier is army boots - "Rangers", or, as they are also called, "Range" ("Rangeos" or "Rangeots"), easily recognizable among many other military boots and complement the picture of the appearance of a French soldier with late 1950s. In the French Foreign Legion, everyone, from an ordinary legionnaire to a general, wears Rangers boots. The French lace up white laces for the parade.