Mobile Gendarmerie - GM Squadrons

GM Squadrons

A mobile squadron of gendarmes (EGM) is composed of:

• 121 personnel members.
• Four ranked platoons including one Intervention Platoon and three regular platoons.
  • The Intervention Platoon (Peloton d'Intervention) unit is an organ by itself, independent of the three other groups of a squadron. It takes part in riot control and also reinforces the departmental Gendarmerie. It is formed of 18 soldiers, whose particular missions (arrest, escort…) require specialised training.
  • Some GM squadrons form part of the new Second Generation Intervention Group (Peloton d’intervention de deuxième génération) (PI2G), a structure constituting an intermediate force between the Intervention Group and the GIGN. It must be operational and able to intervene within very short notice. The PI2G intervenes to help resolve particularly serious problems, or to assist the GIGN. The first PI2G was created in Toulouse, other units of this type are to be created soon.
• One Platoon "Hors rang" (logistics and administration).

There are two types of GM squadrons: motorised squadrons carried in trucks or buses, and armoured squadrons in VBRG (Véhicule Blindé de Reconnaissance de la Gendarmerie). The VBC-90 (light armoured vehicles with 90mm guns) were adapted for this purpose.