Ancient history

Pacific Marine Infantry Regiment (Polynesia)

The missions of RIMaP-P:

RIMaP-P is the only land force available to COMSUP to enable it to explicitly demonstrate the national desire for sovereignty over the whole of French Polynesia. Its area of ​​action extends to the entire territory, from the Marquesas to the Austral Islands, from the Tuamotu-Gambier to the Society Islands. The regiment fulfills four major missions:

* it is regularly deployed in the archipelagos on the occasion of presence missions and exercises at regiment or company level, thanks to the projection means implemented by the navy or the air force;
* the regiment is also called upon to intervene for the benefit of populations following accidents or natural disasters (floods, cyclones, etc.);
* it resumed its takes into account the missions previously devolved to the 5°RE:guarding the atoll of Moruroa and pursuing major cooperation projects;
* finally, the RIMaP-P administers and supports all the personnel of the army present in French Polynesia (excluding GSMA).

Regimental Articulation:

Fully professionalized since July 1, 2000 and with around 650 men, to which should be added a hundred reserve soldiers and more than 130 local recruitment personnel, the RIMaP-P is articulated in six companies:

A company based in Taravao:

the 1st combat company ("the savages"):permanent company which constitutes the bulk of the land operational reserve of Polynesia. It is capable of fulfilling all types of combat missions.
Five companies based in Arue in the "Lieutenant-Colonel Broche" barracks:

* the 2nd rotating company:this company relieved every four months by units from mainland France, is able to fulfill security missions.
* The 3rd reserve company:this unit is entirely Polynesian army armed by reserve soldiers mainly from the RIMaP-P.
* The Command and Logistics Company (CCL):this unit is responsible for arming the command post and to ensure the logistics of the regiment.
* The Regimental Maintenance Company (CMR):this unit is responsible for supporting the entire fleet of corps equipment.
* The Headquarters Company (CQG):this unit is responsible for the administration of army personnel serving in French Polynesia.
* Finally two rotating engineering sections - works:they will be responsible for major cooperation projects carried out previously p ar the 5th RE dissolved since June 2000. They have been in place since January 1, 2001.

Attached to the CCL is the Overseas Battle Hardening Center (CAOM), which includes:

1. the Instruction Center for Crossing Techniques (CITF) in Fare Rau Ape
2. the Nautical Instruction Center (CIN) in Tautira.

Finally, are placed under the responsibility of RIMaP-P:

* the Faaone shooting range,
* the ammunition depot and the canine group of Papeari.

History

* 1916-1918:1.80 Polynesians make up the Mixed Pacific Battalion
* 1941:Creation of the Pacific Battalion. 300 volunteers join Free France
* 1942:African campaign. Battles of Bir-Hakeim. Creation of the Pacific Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMP)
* 1944:Italian Campaign and French Campaign
* 1948:Creation of the Mixed Battalion of 'colonial infantry of the Pacific (BMICP)
* 1963:Creation of the Marine Infantry Battalion of Tahiti (BIMaT)
* 1981:Creation of the Regiment of Pacific/Polynesia Marine Infatery (RIMaP/P)

Badge of the Tahitian Marine Infantry Battalion

Decorations

He is the heir with the RIMa P/NC of the Pacific Battalion which belonged to the 4th Brigade of the 1st Division of Free France (1st DFL).

Quotes:
Marine Infantry Battalion
" After several previous engagements at the outposts, this battalion, under the command of Commander Lorotte, brilliantly attacked the Italian positions in the region of Sidi-Barani and achieved its objective, taking many prisoners and capturing important equipment. "
The 3rd company of the B.I.M. was included in a citation granted to the 13° D.B.L.E. for the capture of Mas-saouah.
The 1st anti-tank company of the 11th F.F.C. constituted with elements of the 1st B.I.M. and under the command of Captain Jacquin was cited for the battle of Bir-Hakeim.
The Marine and Pacific Infantry Battalion
"Elite battalion with a glorious past which, after having fought on all the battlefields of the Free French Forces in Libya, Eritrea, Bir-Hakeim, El-Alamein and Tunisia, has just provided in Italy new proofs of its value. May 12, 1944 gave on the eastern slopes of the Girofano one of the decisive blows of the battle of rupture. On June 19, finished at the forefront of the expeditionary force, reaching its objective in unforeseen delays. Lost 68 killed, including Major Magny, corps commander, and two company commanders as well as 189 wounded. To be cited as an example to the colonial troops for his dynamism and bravery." (July 22, 1944.)
The Marine and Pacific Infantry Battalion
" Ba elite battalion formed by the merger of the 1st Marine Infantry Battalion and the Pacific Battalion, under the leadership of its leader, Battalion Commander Bouillon, confirmed the good reputation acquired by these two units during the campaigns. of 1940, 1941, 1942 in the Middle East. Brilliantly took part in all the operations of the British VIII Army in Libya, Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Tunisia and worthily represents the French combatant Forces. " (July 29, 1948.)
Recipient of the Cross of Liberation
" Veteran of 1940, trained by the colonials of Cyprus and the volunteers of the Pacific. Fought in Libya, Cheren, Massaouah, Bir-Hakeim, Italy, Toulon, Belfort and Alsace. After having had two companies cited at the order of the Army, he himself obtained two citations of the same order. Corps commanders killed by the enemy:Lieutenant-Colonel Broche, battalion commander Savey, battalion commander Magny. Will keep in history the glory of having represented the colonial infantry on the battlefields where the Free French Forces were the first to regain honor. "