The Specialized Staff for Overseas and Foreign Affairs (French: État-major spécialisé pour l'outre-mer et l'étranger, EMSOME) was historically dedicated to training the French Army in interculturality and was the maison mere (mother-parent) of the Troupes de marine. It is located at the Ecole militaire in Paris and at Fréjus (the Museum of the Troupes de Marine).
From July 1, 2016, the Overseas and Foreign Specialization Military School was reorganized as the Specialized Overseas and Foreign Staff. While leading the implementation of the land policy overseas and abroad set by the Chief of Staff of the Army is a new role for EMSOME, its historical training missions and local expertise endure.
As of July 1, 2016, the school has evolved into an Overseas Organic Chain Headquarters (OME), under the Commandement des Forces Terrestres (Land Forces Command). EMSOME was transformed but retained its acronym, flag and badge. The staff has organic responsibility for eleven units (9e RIMa, 33e RIMa, 43e BIMa, 6e BIMa, 5e RIAOM, 2e RPIMa, RIMAP-NC, RIMAP-P and 3e REI, DLEM, 5e RC) and guarantees their performance in coordination with the joint commanders and the commands and directorates of the Army. Meeting the needs of the units is also the responsibility of EMSOME. Interface between the regiments, the land forces command (CFT) and the Army staff, the field of action of the staff from 2016 covers the areas of HR and chancellery, logistics, specialized training. EMSOME also contributes to the definition of FT OME policy.
The specialized staff for overseas and foreign countries controls the OME and jungle areas within the Army. During 2018, a command for the operational military partnership of the Army (COM PMO) was created, for which a foreshadowing echelon was inaugurated in October 2017. This structure is backed by EMSOME.
Army forces in the Lesser Antilles and French Guiana:
Army forces in the Southern Indian Ocean:
Army forces in French Polynesia:
Army forces in New Caledonia:
| Unit | Abbreviation | Base | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9th Marine Infantry Regiment | 9e RIMa | Cayenne | |
| 33rd Marine Infantry Regiment | 33e RIMa | Guadeloupe, Martinique | |
| 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion | 43e BIMa | Côte d'Ivoire | |
| 6th Marine Infantry Battalion | 6e BIMa | Camp de Gaulle, Libreville, Gabon | |
| 5e régiment interarmes d'outre-mer | 5e RIAOM | Djibouti | |
| 2nd Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment | 2e RPIMa | La Réunion | |
| Régiment d'infanterie de marine du Pacifique - Nouvelle-Calédonie | RIMAP-NC | Nouvelle-Calédonie | |
| Régiment d'infanterie de marine du Pacifique - Polynésie | RIMAP-P | Polynésie française | |
| 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment | 3e REI | Kourou | |
| Détachement de Légion étrangère de Mayotte | DLEM | Mayotte | |
| 5th Cuirassier Regiment (5e régiment de cuirassiers) | 5e RC | Camp de la Paix, United Arab Emirates |