Special Operations Command (France)

The Commandement des Opérations Spéciales (English: Special Operations Command) or COS is a joint staff charged with overseeing the various special forces of the French Army, Navy and Air and Space Force, bringing them all under a single operational authority. The command is placed under the orders of the Chief of Defence Staff and under the direct authority of the President of the French Republic.

Special Operations Command
Commandement des opérations spéciales (COS)
Founded24 June 1992
Country France
TypeOperational command
RoleSpecial operations
Size3,746 authorized personnel
  • 307 general staff
  • 3,439 operatives
Part ofMinistry of Armed Forces
HeadquartersHexagone Balard, Paris, France
Nickname(s)COS
Commanders
Current
commander
Major General Éric Vidaud

Similar in purpose to the USSOCOM or UKSF, the COS was created on June 24, 1992. The need for such a federation became apparent after France's participation in the First Gulf War.

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