The Army Special Actions Command () regroups the various special operations forces units of the French Army and is the command charged with overseeing them. It is based in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
History The CAST is the heir of the Independent Special Grouping () created in 1997 and then commanded the 1er RPIMa and a special operations flight belonging to the 4th command and manoeuvre helicopters regiment () of the ALAT.
In 1998, the (DAOS, ALAT detachment for special operations) was created.
The (BFST) was activated on 1 July 2002 and included the 13e RDP. The BFST conduct an annual exercise called Gorgones (gorgons) to ensure interoperability of the three units. The name Gorgones refers to the three units, as the three mythological figures.
The BFST has supported the peacekeeping operation in Côte d'Ivoire (Opération Licorne) and Afghanistan (Mission Héraclès).
The became the (COM FST, division level) on 1 July 2016. It became the (CAST) as of January 2024.
Structure Army Special Actions Command Special Forces Command and Signals Company, in Pau () 1st Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment, in Bayonne () 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment, in Martignas-sur-Jalle () 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment, in Pau () Special Operations Support Group, in Pau () Special Forces Academy, in Pau ()
See also List of French paratrooper units
References
External links ShadowSpear Special Operations Community Website France runs secret special forces drill in event of deployment to Ukraine, Intelligence Online, January 15, 2025 (requires free registration)