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The Fusiliers Marins and Commandos Marine units are under command of the Force maritime des fusiliers marins et commandos (FORFUSCO) in Lorient. It is headed by a general officer with the title of Admiral commandant Les fusiliers marins et commandos (ALFUSCO).
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This force carries out:
A 2,500-man strong force, the FORFUSCO is the fourth organic force of the French Navy.
Naval Fusiliers
Groups and companies of marines are dedicated to the protection of sensitive Naval sites (military port, naval aviation base, communications transmission stations, ammunition depot). The marines are also an integral part of buildings as domestic service - called "bidellerie" in navy slang. There are seven companies of marines (CIFUSIL), which provide protection for the following sites:
These seven companies send detachments who take turns every four to six months to ensure the protection of the communications centers of Fort-de-France, Mahina Mahina Super and around Papeete, of Ouen Toro in Noumea, and Rufisque near Dakar . They also support operations of the Naval Commandos (Commandos Marine), augment boarding and landing parties and provide military training to the French navy.
Naval Commandos
Marine Commandos are trained to targeted actions in places where it is not feasible or appropriate to deploy a larger force. They are primarily used by the French Special Operations Command (COS) since 1992. They are seven in number: Commando Jaubert, Commando Ponchardier, Commando Trepel, Commando de Montfort, Commando de Penfentenyo, Commando Kieffer, and Commando Hubert, each with their own mission specialism. They have evolved to be broadly comparable to the British SBS.