1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment
The 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (French: 1er Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes, 1er R.C.P) is the oldest and among the most decorated Airborne forces regiments of the French Army. Established in the French Army in 1943 and formerly part of the French Air Force since 1937, the chasseur distinguished its Regimental Colors during the campaigns of the Liberation of Paris, the First Indochina War in 1947, 1950, 1953, 1954 and the Algerian War. This elite regiment is part of the 11th Parachute Brigade.
| 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment | |
|---|---|
| 1e Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes | |
| Active | 1943–present |
| Country | France |
| Branch | French Army formerly French Air Force (1937–1943) |
| Type | Airborne forces |
| Role | Air assault Anti-tank warfare Artillery observer Bomb disposal CBRN defense Close-quarters combat Counterinsurgency Desert warfare Direct action Forward air control Irregular warfare Jungle warfare Long-range penetration Mountain warfare Parachuting Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Special reconnaissance Urban warfare |
| Size | ~ 1,100 Rapaces |
| Part of | 11th Parachute Brigade 3rd Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Pamiers, France |
| Motto(s) | Vaincre ou mourir (Win or die) |
| Anniversaries | Saint Michael, September 29 |
| Engagements | World War II
Algerian War
Global War on Terrorism
|
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Olivier Vidal |
| Notable commanders | Henri Sauvagnac Jacques Faure Paul Aussaresses |
| Abbreviation | 1er RCP |
The 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment is the only French parachute regiment that traces its roots to the French Air Force, hence the representation of a golden Hawk on the rank insignia and that of uniforms and which originally referred to the 601st Airborne Infantry Group and 602nd Airborne Infantry Group respectively (601e G.I.A, 602e G.I.A).