History

The 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP) is the heir to the 2nd Foreign Parachute Battalion (2e BEP), which was created in 1948. Committed from its inception in Indochina, it served there continuously until 1954. Redesignated as a regiment, it fought in Algeria from 1955 to 1962 and was stationed at Bou Sfer after the ceasefire. It gradually moved to Calvi between 1964 (advance elements) and 1967. Continuously deployed since then, it has taken part in all French Army operations to date, mainly in Africa (Chad, Zaire, Congo, Somalia, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali), in the former Yugoslavia, in the Middle East (Lebanon, Iraq), and in Asia with Afghanistan.

Mission

The 2e REP is one of the four infantry regiments of the 11th Parachute Brigade (11e BP). As a quintessential light infantry unit, rapid airborne intervention in emergencies (assault landing with the option to switch to airdrop) is its preferred mode of action. Motorized and equipped with VAB, VBL and PVP vehicles, the regiment is also regularly deployed under armor, as was the case in the former Yugoslavia, in Côte d’Ivoire, and in Afghanistan.

Composition

With a strength of 1,140 officers, NCOs, and legionnaires, it comprises eight companies, plus a reserve unit of around sixty personnel:

• Command and Logistics Company (CCL)
• Administration and Support Company (CAS), which mans the Calvi Defense Base Support Group (GSBdD)
• Regimental Maintenance Company (5th CMR)
• Four combat companies
• Reconnaissance and Support Company (CEA: Milan, STE, SRR, GCP)
• Reserve Intervention Unit (UIR: 6th Company)