Sailor Riflemen | |
---|---|
Fusiliers marins | |
![]() Insignia of Fusiliers marins | |
Active | 1856 – present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Naval Security Forces |
Role | Force protection Maritime interdiction Master-at-arms Naval boarding |
Size | ~ 1,800 |
Garrison/HQ | BFM "Amyot d'Inville" - Brest BFM "De Morsier" - Île Longue BFM "Détroyat" - Toulon CFM "Le Goffic" - Cherbourg CFM "Bernier" - Lanvéoc CFM "Brière" - Lann-Bihoué CFM "Colmay" - France Sud CFM "Morel" - Sainte-Assise CFM "Le Sant" - Rosnay |
Motto(s) | On ne se rendra jamais ("We shall never surrender") |
Mascot(s) | Neptune (mythology) |
Engagements | Franco-Prussian War World War I World War II First Indochina War Algerian War |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Counter admiral Christophe Lucas |
Notable commanders | CDR. Philippe Kieffer Admiral Pierre Alexis Ronarc'h |
The Fusiliers marins (lit. "Sailor Riflemen") are specialized sailors of the Marine nationale (French Navy). The Fusiliers marins serve primarily as the Navy’s security forces, providing protection for naval vessels and naval installations on land. Created in 1856 and with a modern strength of about 1,800 personnel, the Fusiliers marins should not be confused with the larger Troupes de Marine of the Armée de terre (French Army) whom are often referred to as the French ‘marines.’