Dated but from Centcom...
Support to the Global War on Terror (Operation Enduring Freedom):
http://www.centcom.mil/sites/uscentc...ce/France.aspx
Historical perspective:
French commitment to OEF has been strong and resolute since the beginning of the operation.
The French liaison team to HQ USCENTCOM was established on 10 October 2001 to coordinate all matters/issues related to the French contribution to OEF.
As soon as United Nations Security Council Resolution 1378 was issued on 18 October 2001, France forces were sent in Afghanistan. French forces arrived on the ground as early as 2 December 2001, securing Mazar-e-Sharif. The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and her escort operated in the Indian Ocean as soon as December 2001 launching air strikes over Afghanistan. Since October 21, French reconnaissance aircraft and air tankers have contributed to the air campaign. They were reinforced at the beginning of 2002 by French air force transport planes and fighters. Indeed, France was the first country, along with the United States, to have flown bombing missions over Afghanistan in direct support of American ground troops. Since then, several tours have been completed by both Air Force and Navy air assets in support of OEF. From 2001 to 2006, special Forces troops fought against the remnants of the Taliban by conducting armed reconnaissance in the south of Afghanistan.
In total, more than 10000 French service members were sent to the region since the beginning of the war.
Today:
Today, some 2150 French service members are involved for Afghanistan in OEF or within the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The French commitment is the following.
• Army: 1100
French ISAF battalion:
In addition to being responsible for security of Warehouse Camp, the French ISAF battalion also helps to maintain a safe and secure environment by conducting daily patrols in Kabul area.
The French battalion also performs Civil Military Operations in its area of operations to help Afghan people to rebuild their local economy and infrastructure (medical help, school building, well drilling etc.).
ISAF and RCC (Regional Command Capital) HQ :
The French Army provides staff officers for ISAF an RCC headquarters. France assumed the RCC command until April 2007.
In 2004, Lt. Gen PY was the ISAF Commander.
Operational Mentoring Liaison Teams:
France has already deployed one OMLT in Wardak and Lowgar provinces, within the 201 ANA corps. Three additional OMLT will be deployed by the end of 2007.
Afghan National Army (ANA) training:
Since the very beginning, France has been a major partner in ANA training. In early 2002, France assumed responsibility for training three initial ANA battalions. In 2003, France specialized in providing officer training for the subsequent battalions. In addition, France has led the General Staff College lead in Kabul since its creation in February 2004. Many classes have already received training from French instructors. Today, France focuses on company commander and Special Forces training.
• Navy: 550
Several French war ships are operating in Combined Task Force 150 along with the allies to fight against illegal maritime activities and to deter terrorism at sea. French contribution, two frigates in minimum, accounts for approximately a quarter of this OEF naval force.
France took command of CTF 150 on September 2003, June 2004, August 2005, Mars 2007 each time for a 4 months tour.
Besides these assets, one Maritime patrol aircraft deployed in Djibouti (ATL2) under national control is participating in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions of the AOR.
Regularly, the French aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" provides aerial support to OEF operations. At this time, French Super Etendard (SEM) and Rafale fighters fly RECCE and CAS missions over Afghanistan from Northern Arabian Sea.
• Air Force: 510
French C-160 planes, based in Dushanbe (Tajikistan), perform regular tactical airlift missions to all airfield in Afghanistan.
French Mirage 2000, Mirage F1 CR and Rafale fighters, also based in Dushanbe, provide daily aerial support to OEF operations with CAS and RECCE missions.
French KC-135 planes operate from Manas (Kyrgystan) for refueling missions. And French helicopters, based in Kabul, conduct support missions to troops on ground.
· Liaison teams:
The French Armed Forces have embedded liaison officers at all HQ levels:
- Office of Military Cooperation (OMC-A) and Combined Forces Command (CFC-A) in Kabul
- Combined Task Force (CTF 76) in Bagram
- Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Mazar-e-Sharif and Konduz
- Combined Task Force Horn Of Africa (CJTF HOA) in Djibouti
- Combined Air Operation Center (CAOC) in Al-Udeid
- US Naval Central (NAVCENT) in Bahrain.