Role motorised infantry | Type Light Armour Brigade | |
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Active 31st Brigade1981–19846th Light Armoured Division1990-19916th Light Armoured Brigade1 July 1999 – present Size 7500 personnel and Legionnaires1 R.S1 R.E.C2 R.E.I13 D.B.L.E21 R.I.Ma3 R.A.Ma1 R.E.G | ||
The 6th Light Armoured Brigade (French: 6e Brigade Légère Blindée, 6e BLB) one of the eight inter-arm brigades which are at the disposition of the Commandement de la force d'action terrestre. The brigade is very similar to the constitution, material, and operation of the 9th Marine Infantry Brigade (9e BIMa). The headquarters of the brigade is situated in Nîmes. The brigade is capable of deploying to any exterior theatre of operation while delivering fire power, agility, and mobility.
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History
The brigade is heir to the 6th Cavalry Division (French: 6e Division de cavalerie ) of 1914, the 6th Light Cavalry Division of 1940 (French: 6e Division Légère de Cavalerie), the 6th Armoured Division of Compiègne (1951-1957) (French: 6e Division Blindée de Compiègne) and the 6th Armoured Division of Strasbourg (1977-1984) (French: 6e Division Blindée de Strasbourg).
The 31st Brigade then took part in peacekeeping combat operations in Lebanon in 1983 within the ranks of the Multinational Force in Lebanon. The Brigade was considered an inter-arm French Foreign Legion and French Army brigade, dominated by the legion including the Troupes de Marine and commanded by the Foreign Legion Groupment.
The brigade was then dissolved in 1984 and replaced with the 6th Light Armoured Division (French: 6e Division Légère Blindée, 6e D.L.B) which partook in the Gulf War engaged as Division Daguet during Opération Daguet.
Following the reforms of the French Army in 1999, the division was renamed the 6th Light Armoured Brigade (French: 6e Brigade Légère Blindée, 6e B.L.B).
Organization in 1984
In 1984, the unit was named 6th Light Armoured Division and was part of the Rapid Reaction Force. The division then was formed of 7 regiments, 5 professionals out which 3 are part of the French Foreign Legion:
Organization in 2007
Strong with the French Foreign Legion and Troupes de Marine consisting of 6000 service personnel with 2100 wheeled vehicles, this brigade is composed of the following 6 regiments and one transmission company:
Organization in 2009
Strong with 6000 service personnel, legionnaires and Troupes de Marine the brigade is composed of:
Organization in 2016
Mostly manned with troops from the French Foreign Legion and Troupes de Marine, the brigade is composed of: