5th Overseas Interarms Regiment

The 5th Overseas Interarmes Regiment (in French 5eme Regiment Interarmes d'Outre Mer (or RIOM)) is a troupes de marine regiment stationed in Djibouti. It has been the Djibouti garrison since 1 November 1969.

It is the last combined arms regiment in the French army comprising a mechanised infantry company, a light cavalry squadron, an artillery battery and a command and support company.

Recent commanding officers

1985–1987: Colonel Kelche
1987–1989: Colonel Coste
1989–1991: Colonel Delort
1991–1993: Colonel de Saqui de Sannes
1993–1995: Colonel Bidard
1995–1997: Colonel Boulnois
1997–1999: Colonel Clément-Bollée
1999–2001: Colonel de Bourdoncle de Saint Salvy
2001–2003: Colonel Boubée de Gramont
2003–2005: Colonel Toutous
2005–2007: Colonel Bucquet
2007–2009: Colonel Millot
2009–: Colonel Gauthier

Organisation

Based at Quartier Brière de l'Isle. The Regiment is made up of:

Headquarters Company (CCS)
1st Infantry Company equipped with VAB and missile CA;
2nd Battery, an anti-aircraft unit equipped with MISTRAL and NC1;
3rd Armoured Squadron, equipped with AMX 10 RC;
6th Battery, Artillery unit equipped with 155mm towed cannon Tr-F1 and 120mm mortars.

Since 1 August 2008, the Aviation Battalion Light Djibouti (MNAAvBn) equipped with Puma and Gazelle helicopters has been attached to the 5th RIAOM.

Flag of the regiment

Decorations

Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 three palms (5e RIC)
Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 deux palms and a silver star (battalion Somali)
Croix de guerre 1939–1945 a palm and a silver star (battalion Somali)
Croix de Guerre TOE of a palm (5e RIC/ Light body for action)
Two national orders of Laos – Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol and Order of the Reign, Bronze class

Sources and bibliography

Erwan Bergot, La coloniale du Rif au Tchad 1925–1980, imprimé en France : décembre 1982, n° d'éditeur 7576, n° d'imprimeur 31129, sur les presses de l'imprimerie Hérissey.