27th Mountain Infantry Brigade (France)

27th Mountain Infantry Brigade (France). The 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade is a major formation of the French Army specializing in mountain warfare and cold-weather operations. Formed in 1999 from the historic 27th Alpine Division, it is headquartered in Grenoble in the heart of the French Alps. The brigade, often called the "Brigade des Alpes," is a key component of the 1st Armored Division and trains for combat in extreme environments.

History

The brigade's lineage traces directly to the famed 27th Alpine Division, a unit of Chasseurs Alpins with origins in the late 19th century that fought valiantly in both World War I and World War II, notably during the Battle of France and in the Italian campaign. Following post-Cold War army reorganizations under the "Armée de Terre 2000" plan, the division was downsized and reactivated as the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade on 1 July 1999. This restructuring aimed to create a more deployable, modern force while preserving the elite mountain infantry traditions of the Chasseurs Alpins and the 7th Alpine Battalion.

Organization

The brigade is composed of several regiments, each with specialized roles, primarily based in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its core combat units include the 7th Alpine Battalion in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and the 13th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins in Chambéry, which provide the main infantry force. Fire support is delivered by the 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment in Varces-Allières-et-Risset, while the 4th Chasseurs Regiment in Gap furnishes reconnaissance capabilities. Combat support and service support are provided by the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade Signal Company and the 27th Brigade Maintenance and Logistics Regiment, both headquartered in Grenoble.

Equipment

The brigade is equipped for mobility and firepower in rugged terrain, utilizing the lightweight Véhicule Blindé Léger for transport and reconnaissance. Its infantry employs the FAMAS assault rifle, now being replaced by the HK416F, and the Minimi light machine gun. The 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment is equipped with the MO-120-RT-61 towed mortar and the CAESAR self-propelled howitzer for fire support. For mobility in snow, soldiers use skis, snowshoes, and the specialized Kässbohrer tracked over-snow vehicles.

Deployments and operations

The brigade has seen extensive operational service in the 21st century. Its units were heavily deployed to the War in Afghanistan, particularly in the rugged terrain of Kapisa Province and Surobi District as part of the International Security Assistance Force. In Africa, it has contributed to counter-terrorism operations like Opération Barkhane in the Sahel region of Mali and Niger. Domestically, the brigade regularly participates in Opération Sentinelle, providing security on French soil, and leads the army's high-mountain rescue and training mission, known as the Mission Montagne.

Traditions and insignia

The brigade inherits the proud traditions of the Chasseurs Alpins, including the distinctive "tarte" beret and the large "anorak" smock. Its motto, « On ne passe pas » ("They shall not pass"), echoes the defiant stand of its forebears at Verdun. The brigade insignia features a silver edelweiss on a blue mountain silhouette, set against a gold-edged red shield, symbolizing its alpine heritage. The edelweiss is also worn as a metal badge on the uniform.

Commanders

Notable commanders of the brigade have included Général de brigade Benoît Houssay, Général de brigade Hervé Gomart, and Général de brigade Pierre-Joseph Givre. Each commander has typically been a seasoned officer with extensive experience in mountain troops and joint operations, often having served with the Chasseurs Alpins or within the French Foreign Legion's mountain units prior to their appointment.