5th Overseas Interarms Regiment explained

Unit Name:	5th Overseas Interarms Regiment
Native Name:	5 régiment interarmes d’outre-mer
Dates:	1890–present
Country:	France
Allegiance:	France
Branch:	French Army
Type:	Marine Troops
Role:	Desert warfare Amphibious warfare
Garrison:	Djibouti
Motto:	"Proud and Strong"
Colors:	Red and blue
Anniversaries:	1 September (Battle of Bazeilles)
Identification Symbol Label:	Beret badge of the Troupes de Marine
Identification Symbol 2:	RIOM
Identification Symbol 2 Label:	Abbreviation

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.

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.