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{{Short description|French National Gendarmerie unit}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Use Oxford spelling|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox law enforcement unit
| unit_name         = National Gendarmerie Intervention Group
| native_name       = {{lang|fr|Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale}}
| native_namea      = <!-- Use {{native name|language code|name}} -->
| native_namer      = <!-- Use {{native name|language code|name}} -->
| image             = Écusson région gendarmerie GIGN.svg
| image_size        = 
| alt               = 
| caption           = Official insignia (2021)
| dates             = 1973–present
| country           = {{flag|France}}
| agency            = [[National Gendarmerie]]
| type              = [[Police tactical unit]]
| role              = {{Unbulletedlist|[[Counterterrorism|Counter-terrorism]]|[[Hostage|Hostage rescue]]|Protection of VIPs and important sites}}
| ops_juris         = {{Plainlist|
* National
* International
}}
| command_structure = 
| headquarters_label = Headquarters
| headquarters      = [[Satory]], [[Yvelines]], France
| coordinates       = {{Coord|48|47|6.59|N|2|06|25.80|E|region:FR-D:landmark|display=inline}}
| motto             = {{lang|fr|S'engager pour la vie}}<ref name="Gendinfo">''Gend'info'' magazine (Official Gendarmerie information magazine in French). GIGN's 40th anniversary issue. December 2014.</ref>
| motto_translated  = ({{translation|"Commitment for life"}})<ref group=note name="motto">''S'engager'' in French can mean ''to commit'' (to do something) but also ''to enlist'' (in the army)</ref>
| common_name       = 
| abbreviation      = GIGN
<!-- Structure -->| sworn_type_label  = Operators
| sworn             = {{circa|1,000}} (400 in Satory)<ref name="GIGN 3.0 l'Essor">New organization for GIGN with full integration of Regional Branches - L'Essor de la Gendarmerie nationale: ''Nouvelle organisation pour le GIGN avec le rattachement intégral des antennes''  https://lessor.org/vie-des-personnels/nouvelle-organisation-pour-le-gign-avec-le-rattachement-des-antennes-gign</ref>
| unsworn_type_label = 
| unsworn           = 
| subunit_type_label = 
| subunits          = 
| station_type_label = 
| stations          = <!-- Commanders -->
| current_commander = [[Colonel]] <br> Benoît Villeminoz<ref name="Villeminoz">French national gendarmerie site : ''Le colonel Benoît Villeminoz prend le commandement du GIGN''  https://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/gendinfo/actualites/2025/le-colonel-benoit-villeminoz-prend-le-commandement-du-gign. Retrieved on 1 November 2025</ref>
| notable_commanders = {{unbulletedlist|[[File:Legion Honneur Officier ribbon.svg|30px|alt=Officer of the Legion of Honour|link=Legion of Honour]] [[Christian Prouteau]]|[[File:Legion Honneur Commandeur ribbon.svg|30px|alt=Commander of the Legion of Honour|link=Legion of Honour]] [[Denis Favier]]}}
<!-- Notables -->| programs          = <!-- or | programmes = -->
| significant_operations = {{Collapsible list
| title = {{nobold|''See list:''}}
| [[Loyada#History and politics|Loyada hostage crisis]] (1976)
| [[Grand Mosque seizure]] (1979)
| [[Ouvéa cave hostage taking|Ouvéa hostage crisis]] (1988)
| [[Air France Flight 8969|Air France Flight 8969 hijacking]] (1994)
| [[January 2015 Île-de-France attacks|Île-de-France attacks]] (2015)
| [[November 2015 Paris attacks|November 13 Paris Attacks]] (2015)
}}
| anniversaries     = 
| awards            = [[File:Croix de la Valeur Militaire ribbon.svg|30px|alt=|link=]] {{lang|fr|[[Cross for Military Valour|Croix de la Valeur Militaire]]}}
<!-- Equipment -->| vehicles          = 
| boats             = 
| aircraft          = 
| animals           = <!--Website -->
| website           = 
}}

The '''GIGN''' ({{Langx|fr|Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale}} {{Audio|GIGN_2.ogg|pronunciation}}; {{Translation|"National Gendarmerie Intervention Group"}}) is the elite [[police tactical unit|tactical unit]] of the [[National Gendarmerie|French National Gendarmerie]]. Among its missions are [[counterterrorism]], [[Hostage|hostage rescue]], [[surveillance]] of national threats, protection of government officials, critical site protection (such as [[List of diplomatic missions of France|French embassies]] in war-torn countries), and targeting [[Milieu (organized crime in France)|organized crime]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Peachy|first1=Paul|title=Who are GIGN? Elite police force formed after 1972 Olympics attack on Israelis|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/who-are-gign-elite-police-force-formed-after-1972-olympics-attack-on-israelis-9969163.html|work=The Independent|date=9 January 2015|access-date=27 April 2016}}</ref> 

Established in 1973 and becoming operational in 1974, the GIGN was initially created as a relatively small tactical unit specialized in sensitive hostage situations, but has since grown into a larger force with expanded responsibilities and capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=40 ans, la naissance |url=https://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/gign/actus/40-ans-la-naissance |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Special Training for a SWAT Team: The French Curriculum {{!}} Office of Justice Programs |url=https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/special-training-swat-team-french-curriculum |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=www.ojp.gov}}</ref> It is now composed of nearly 1,000 operators. The main unit comprises around 400 operators based in [[Satory]], near [[Versailles, Yvelines|Versailles]] in the [[Paris Region]]. Approximately 600 additional operators make up fourteen regional GIGN branches called AGIGNs ({{langx|fr|Antennes du GIGN}}), seven of which are also located in [[metropolitan France]] and the remaining seven, in [[Overseas France|French overseas territories]].<ref name="GIGN 3.0 l'Essor" /> The unit shares jurisdiction of French sovereign territory with the special response units of the [[National Police (France)|National Police]],<ref group="note">Each of the two French National Police forces, the [[National Police (France)|National Police]] and the National Gendarmerie, has primary responsibility for a part of the territory: large cities and urban areas for the National Police, smaller cities and rural areas for the National Gendarmerie. There are two National Police units specialised in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue: the Paris [[Research and Intervention Brigade|BRI]] and [[Recherche Assistance Intervention Dissuasion|RAID]]. If needed, they can form a joint task force called [[National Police Intervention Force]] ({{langx|fr|Force d'intervention de la Police nationale or FIPN}}). GIGN and FIPN (or its components) can be engaged together – or in the other force's area of responsibility – in an emergency.</ref> and its training centre is located in [[Beynes, Yvelines|Beynes]].<ref>Aleksander Olech, French and Polish fight against terrorism, Poznan 2022, p. 102; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359135918_French_and_Polish_fight_against_terrorism</ref>

Although most of its operations take place in France, the GIGN (as a component of the [[French Armed Forces]]) can operate anywhere in the world. Many of its missions are secret, and GIGN operators are not allowed to be publicly photographed. Since its formation, the GIGN has been involved in over 1,800 missions and has also rescued more than 600 hostages, making it one of the most experienced counter-terrorism units in the world.<ref name="Gendinfo" />

In December 1994, the GIGN rose to worldwide prominence after its operatives successfully stormed and rescued the passengers of [[Air France Flight 8969]], which had been hijacked by the [[Armed Islamic Group of Algeria]], at [[Marseille Provence Airport]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Atlamazoglou |first=Stavros |title=An elite French counterterrorism unit gained worldwide fame for a daring raid on a hijacked plane 28 years ago |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/french-gign-raid-freed-hijacked-air-france-flight-2022-4 |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Positionnement des unités d'intervention.svg|thumb|Location of [[Research and Intervention Brigade|BRI-BAC]], GIGN and [[RAID (French police unit)|RAID]] (2021).]]
GIGN was formed in {{lang|fr|[[Maisons-Alfort]]|italic=no}}, near Paris, in 1973, shortly after the [[Munich massacre]] at the [[1972 Summer Olympics]] and other less-known incidents in France exposed a need for dedicated counterterrorist units. 

Initially named ECRI ({{Langx|fr|Équipe commando régionale d’intervention|4=Regional Commando Intervention Team}}), it became operational in March 1974, under the command of then-lieutenant {{lang|fr|[[Christian Prouteau]]|italic=no}}, and executed its first mission ten days later. 

Another unit, named GIGN, was created simultaneously within the [[Mobile Gendarmerie]] parachute squadron in {{lang|fr|[[Mont-de-Marsan]]|italic=no}} in southwest France, but the two units were merged under {{lang|fr|Prouteau|italic=no}}'s command in 1976, and adopted the GIGN designation.<ref>From 1974 to 1976, the {{lang|fr|Maisons-Alfort|italic=no}} unit was named GIGN 1, and the {{lang|fr|Mont-de-Marsan|italic=no}} unit GIGN 4, the numbering (1 or 4) being that of the military region. {{lang|fr|''Histoire de la gendarmerie mobile d'Ile-de-France'', 3 volumes, Éditions SPE-Barthelemy, Paris, 2007, {{ISBN|2-912838-31-2}} — tome III p 160|italic=unset}}</ref> 

GIGNs initial complement was 15, later increased to 32 in 1976, 78 by 1986, and 120 by 2005.<ref>{{lang|fr|''Encyclopédie de la Gendarmerie Nationale'', tome III p 160-166|italic=unset}}</ref> GIGN moved to {{lang|fr|Versailles-Satory|italic=unset}} in 1982.

In 1984, it became a part of a larger organisation called GSIGN ({{Langx|fr|Groupement de sécurité et d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale}}),<ref group="note">In the French Gendarmerie, a ''groupement'' (grouping) is typically a battalion- or regiment-size unit but while infantry regiments in the French Army share a common format (ie same number of companies) this is not mandatory for a Gendarmerie groupement</ref> together with [[Parachute Intervention Squadron of the National Gendarmerie|EPIGN]] ({{Langx|fr|Escadron parachutiste d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale}}),<ref group="note">A French escadron is equivalent to a British squadron and to either a troop or a company in the US armed forces.</ref> [[Groupe de sécurité de la présidence de la République|GSPR]] ({{Langx|fr|Groupe de sécurité de la présidence de la République}}), the Presidential Security group and GISA ({{Langx|fr|Groupe d'instruction et de sécurité des activités}}), a specialized training center.

On 1 September 2007, a major reorganization took place. GSIGN was disbanded and replaced by a new unit also named GIGN. The former GSIGN components (the original GIGN, EPIGN, GSPR and GISA) became "forces" of the new GIGN which now reached a total complement of 380 operators.<ref group=note>The reorganization was conducted by general {{lang|fr|Denis Favier|italic=no}}, who had personally led the [[Air France Flight 8969|Marignane assault]] in 1994 as GIGN's commander and assumed command of the "new" GIGN in 2007. He later became Director-general of the {{lang|fr|Gendarmerie Nationale|italic=no}} (DGGN) from 2013 to 2016.</ref>

The change from GSIGN to the new GIGN, an organization reporting directly to the Director-general of the Gendarmerie, was not a simple name swap. It was done in order to reinforce command and control functions; provide better integration through common selection, common training and stronger support; and improve the unit's capability to handle complex situations such as mass hostage-takings similar to the [[Beslan school siege]].<ref name="Gendinfo" /><ref>Société nationale de L'Histoire et du Patrimoine de la Gendarmerie / Société des amis du musée de la gendarmerie https://www.force-publique.net/2007/09/01/1er-septembre-2007-creation-du-gign-2-0/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610104100/https://www.force-publique.net/2007/09/01/1er-septembre-2007-creation-du-gign-2-0/ |date=10 June 2023 }}</ref>

In 2009, the Gendarmerie, while remaining part of the [[French Armed Forces]], was attached to the [[Minister of the Interior (France)|Ministry of the Interior]], which already supervised the [[National Police (France)|National Police]]. The respective areas of responsibility of each force did not change however, as the Police already had primary responsibility for major cities and large urban areas, while the Gendarmerie was in charge of smaller towns and rural areas (in addition to its specific military missions). Under the new command structure, GIGN gendarmes can still be engaged in operations outside of France due to their military status.

In January 2015, GIGN was engaged for the very first time simultaneously with [[RAID (French police unit)|RAID]], the National Police tactical unit, during the [[January 2015 Île-de-France attacks]].<ref group=note>The two actions were distinct but coordinated</ref>

On 1 August 2021, the 14 regional GIGN branches were fully integrated in the group's organization as part of a new ''Force Antennes''. Prior to this reorganization, these regional branches, established in 2004, had been administratively attached to the seven domestic "Zonal Gendarmerie Regions" for seven of them and to the Overseas Gendarmerie Command ({{langx|fr|Commandement de la Gendarmerie outre-mer}}) for the remaining seven but they were independent units that only came under GIGN operational control when a crisis occurred. Sometimes referred to as "GIGN 3.0",<ref group=note>The new GIGN which replaced GSIGN in 2007 was often dubbed GIGN 2.0</ref> the new organization also emphasizes the group's role in training and in operational support.<ref name="arrêté 26/07/2021"> Ministerial decree of 26 July 2021. Arrêté du 26 juillet 2021 relatif aux attributions et à l'organisation du groupe d'intervention de la gendarmerie nationale NOR : INTJ2120405A https://media.interieur.gouv.fr/bomi/BOMI2021-8-2/textes/I40_20210726_INTJ2120405A.pdf</ref>

A new common insignia was adopted as a result of the 2021 reorganization. Shaped as a shield, it worn on the left sleeve by every GIGN gendarme. A circular badge is worn on the right sleeve: the traditional round GIGN patch for Satory-based operators and a different patch for members of the AGIGNs. The AGIGN patch replaces the parachute with a thunderbolt, as AGIGNs are not parachute units.<ref name="GIGN 3.0">GIGN 3.0 ''Gend'Info'' (Official Gendarmerie information magazine in French), Issue 417 1st Semester 2022</ref>

Since its creation, the group has taken part in over 1,800 operations, rescued over 600 hostages and arrested over 1,500 suspects,<ref name="Gendinfo"/> losing four members killed in action and ten in training.<ref group=note>Two of the four fatalities involved AGIGN members, the first one occurred in May 2016 at a time when AGIGN's were not yet fully integrated into GIGN which explains why some publications mention "only" three operators killed in action.</ref> Three of the four fatalities in action were sustained when dealing with armed deranged persons. The fourth one occurred during an operation against illegal gold-mining in French Guiana in March 2023.<ref>Elite French gendarme shot dead in Guiana operation https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230325-elite-french-gendarme-shot-dead-in-guiana-operation</ref>

==Structure==
[[File:GIGN57 Domenjod 170322.jpg|thumb|Intervention Force demo]]
[[File:GIGN35 Domenjod 270918.jpg|thumb|Security & Protection Force demo]]
GIGN is currently organized in four "''forces''", a "détachement", an Engineering and Support division, a National Training Center for Specialized Intervention<ref group=note>''Intervention Spécialisée'' is the top tier of the Intervention spectrum. The first tier is "operational intervention" (also called ''basic intervention'') and is taught to every gendarme. The next tier, "intermediate intervention" is for special "Surveillance and intervention" or "Intervention" platoons called "PSIG Sabre" in the [[Departmental Gendarmerie]]), PIGM in the [[Mobile Gendarmerie]] and PIGR in the [[Republican Guard (France)|Republican Guard]].</ref> and a Human Resources bureau, under two headquarters (administrative and operational):<ref name="GIGN 3.0 l'Essor" /><ref name="arrêté 26/07/2021"/>

=== Intervention Force ===
Also known as the original GIGN, the Intervention Force ({{langx|fr|Force Intervention}}) has approximately 100 operators, serving as GIGN's main assault unit. 
It is divided into four platoons ({{Langx|fr|sections}}), two of which are on alert at all times. These ''sections'' are further divided into individual teams of operators. Two of the intervention ''sections'' specialize in high altitude jumps; the other two specialize in diving.

=== Observation & Search Force ===
Approximately 40 operators, the Observation & Search Force ({{langx|fr|Force Observation/Recherche (FOR)}}) specialises in reconnaissance in relation with [[Central Directorate of the Judicial Police|judiciary police]] work, and counterterrorism. Formed from the EPIGN.

=== Security & Protection Force ===
Approximately 65 operators, the Security & Protection Force ({{langx|fr|Force Sécurité/Protection}}) specialises in executive and sensitive site protection. Formed from the EPIGN.

=== Regional Branches Force ===
The Regional Branches Force ({{langx|fr|Force Antennes}}) serves as the headquarters for the fourteen regional GIGN branches.

=== Gendarmerie Detachment of the GSPR Presidential Security Group ===
The Gendarmerie Detachment of the GSPR Presidential Security Group ({{langx|fr|Détachement GSPR}}) is tasked with protecting the [[President of France]]. Originally a Gendarmerie unit, the [[Groupe de sécurité de la présidence de la République|GSPR]] is now jointly operated by the Gendarmerie and the National Police.

=== Engineering and Support Division ===
The Engineering and Support Division ({{langx|fr|Division technique}}) is a support force with cells specializing in long-range sniping, breaching, assault engineering, special devices, and other specializations.

=== National Training Center for Specialized Intervention ===
The National Training Center for Specialized Intervention ({{langx|fr|Centre national de formation à l'intervention spécialisée}}) is tasked with selection, training and retraining (called recycling) not only of GIGN operators, but also of selected Gendarmerie or foreign personnel.

=== Regional and overseas branches ===
Although GIGN, as part of the French military, has been deployed to external combat zones, it is primarily centered in France, engaging in peacetime operations as a special police force. 

The fourteen regional GIGN branches,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/normandie/caen-14000/le-gign-officialise-son-arrivee-a-caen-7142912 | title=Normandie. Le GIGN officialise son arrivée à Caen | date=4 February 2021 }}</ref> initially known as PI2Gs ({{langx|fr|Pelotons d'intervention interrégionaux de la Gendarmerie}}) for the domestic units and GPIs ({{langx|fr|Groupes de pelotons d'intervention}}) for the overseas units, were respectively redesignated as GIGN branches in April and July 2016<ref>Gendarmerie memorandum 61050 dated 26 July 2016.</ref> and fully integrated into GIGN in 2021. 

As of 2021, the seven metropolitan GIGN branches are located in [[Caen]], [[Dijon]], [[Nantes]], [[Orange, Vaucluse|Orange]], [[Reims]], [[Toulouse]] and [[Tours]], while the seven overseas branches are based in [[Guadeloupe]], [[Martinique]], [[French Guiana]], [[Réunion]], [[Mayotte]], [[French Polynesia]] and [[New Caledonia]]. 

The twenty nuclear protection units, called PSPGs ({{langx|fr|Pelotons spécialisés de protection de la Gendarmerie}}), located on site at each one of the French nuclear power plants, are not a part of GIGN, but operate under its operational control.

==Operations==
[[File:Pascal paoli.jpg|thumb|Boarding of the ''[[MS Pascal Paoli|Pascal Paoli]]'' by GIGN, on 28 September 2005. The ship had been occupied by the Corsican trade union STC.]]
[[File:GIGN51 Domenjod 011021.jpg|thumb|A GIGN Security & Protection Force team extracting via helicopter during a demo in 2021]]
GIGN reports directly to the Director General of the Gendarmerie Nationale (DGGN), i.e., the chief of staff of the Gendarmerie, who in turn reports directly to the [[Minister of the Interior (France)|Ministry of the Interior]]. 

The DGGN or his Deputy for Operations can take charge in a major crisis; however, most of the day-to-day missions are conducted in support of local units of the [[Departmental Gendarmerie]]. GIGN is also a member of the European [[ATLAS Network]], an informal association consisting of the special police units of the 27 states of the [[European Union]].

=== Known operations ===
Known GIGN operations include:
* Rescue of 30 French pupils from a [[school bus]] captured by the ''[[Front de Libération de la Côte des Somalis]]'' in [[Loyada]], [[Djibouti]] in 1976. GIGN snipers and [[French Foreign Legion]] troops killed the hostage-takers in an operation that was only partially successful, as two children were killed.
* Planning the rescue of diplomats from the French Embassy in [[San Salvador]] in 1979; the hostage-takers surrendered before the assault was conducted.
* Advising Saudi authorities during the [[Grand Mosque Seizure]] in [[Mecca]], [[Saudi Arabia]], in November and December 1979.
* Arrest of several [[Corsica]]n terrorists of the [[National Liberation Front of Corsica]] at the Fesch Hostel in 1980.
* Arrest of suspected Irish terrorists in the [[Irish of Vincennes]] affair, in August 1982.
* Rescue of hostages during the [[Ouvéa cave hostage taking]] in [[Ouvéa|Ouvea]], [[New Caledonia]] in May 1988.
* Protection of the [[1992 Winter Olympics|1992 Olympic Winter Games]] in [[Albertville]].
* Rescue of 229 passengers and crew from [[Air France Flight 8969]] in [[Marseille]] in December 1994. Nine GIGN operators were wounded during the operation, but all four hijackers were killed. The mission was broadcast live by news channels, increasing awareness of GIGN's existence.
* Arrest of the mercenary [[Bob Denard]] and his group during a coup attempt in 1995 in [[Comoros]] ([[Operation Azalee]]).
* Operations in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]] to arrest persons indicted for war crimes.
* Capture of 6 [[Somali people|Somali]] pirates, and recovery of part of the ransom, after ensuring that ''Le Ponant'' luxury yacht hostages were freed off the coast of [[Puntland]], [[Somalia]] in the [[Gulf of Aden]], in conjunction with French [[Commandos Marine]] in April 2008.
* Deployment of tactical teams in Afghanistan in support of French Gendarmerie POMLT (Police Operational Mentoring Liaison Team) detachments from 2009 to 2011.
* Deployment in Libya during [[Operation Harmattan]] in 2011.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/gign/Actus/La-croix-de-la-Valeur-militaire-pour-le-GIGN|title = La croix de la Valeur militaire pour le GIGN}}</ref>
* Neutralization of the two terrorists involved in the Paris [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|''Charlie Hebdo'' shooting]] on 7 January 2015.
* Deployment to the [[2015 Bamako hotel attack]], although the situation had already been taken care of by local police, with assistance from American and French special forces, by the time the GIGN team arrived.
* Neutralization of the terrorist responsible for the [[Carcassonne and Trèbes attack]] in March 2018 (a former EPIGN officer, [[Arnaud Beltrame]], voluntarily swapped places with a hostage and was killed trying to disarm the terrorist). This operation was conducted by an AGIGN unit based in Toulouse under GIGN supervision, while operatives sent from Satory were still underway.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
* Several deployments in Ukraine in 2022 to protect various French or International missions during the Russian invasion.<ref name="GIGN 3.0"/>
* Deployment to counter [[2024 New Caledonia unrest|unrest in New Caledonia in 2024]]
GIGN was selected by the [[International Civil Aviation Organization|International Civil Aviation Organisation]] (ICAO) to organise hostage-rescue exercises aboard planes for the special forces of the other member states.

=== Coordination with RAID ===
Coordination between GIGN and [[Recherche Assistance Intervention Dissuasion|RAID]], the National Police's tactical unit, is handled by a joint organization called Ucofi ({{langx|fr|Unité de coordination des forces d’intervention|4=Intervention Forces Coordination Unit}}). 

A "leader/follower" protocol has been established for use when both units need to be engaged jointly,<ref group="note">As was the case following the [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|7 January 2015 ''Charlie Hebdo'' assassinations]].</ref> leadership belonging to the unit operating in its primary areas of responsibility.<ref>Colonel Bonneau interview, {{lang|fr|''L’Essor de la Gendarmerie nationale'' n°478|italic=unset}} – February 2015 issue.</ref>

== Selection and training ==
[[File:PI2G 5F.jpg|thumb|GIGN sniper in training]]
[[File:GIGN65 Domenjod 160622.jpg|thumb|GIGN operators alongside an armored vehicle]]
Candidates undertake a one-week pre-selection screening followed by, for those accepted, a fourteen-month training program.<ref name="Gendinfo"/> Mental ability and self-control are important, in addition to physical strength.

Similar to most special forces, the training is stressful with a high rate of failure, especially in the initial phase; only 7–8% of the volunteers complete the training process. AGIGN candidates undertake a one-week pre-selection screening followed by an eight-week training program.<ref name="GIGN 3.0" />

GIGN training consists of:
* Weapon handling
* Combat shooting and marksmanship training
* Airborne courses, such as HALO or HAHO jumps, paragliding, and heliborne insertions
* [[Frogman|Underwater combat]], swimming, diving, and [[naval boarding]]
* [[Hand-to-hand combat]] training
* Undercover surveillance and stalking (investigative cases support)
* Infiltration and escape techniques
* [[Bomb disposal|Explosive ordnance disposal]]
* [[CBRN defense|Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear]] device neutralization
* Survival and warfare in tropical, arctic, mountain and desert environments
* Diplomacy and negotiation skills
[[File:GIGN66 Domenjod 160622.jpg|thumb|269x269px|GIGN operators with their weapons and equipment in 2022]]Female gendarmes are admitted in all forces, but none have so far succeeded in joining the Intervention Force.

There are several tactical specialties in the group, including: long-range sniping, breaching, observation and reconnaissance, executive protection, freefall parachuting with HALO/HAHO jumps, diving, etc.

The GIGN trains alongside other counterterrorist units from [[NATO]] countries, including the American [[Hostage Rescue Team|FBI HRT]], British [[Special Air Service|SAS]], Australian [[Specialist Protective Services|SPS]], German [[GSG 9]], and Irish [[Garda Síochána|Garda]] [[Garda Emergency Response Unit|ERU]].

==Weapons and equipment==
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2025}}
GIGN uses a wide range of firearms and equipment, including:

=== Firearms ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Name
!Origin
!Type
!Notes
|-
|[[Taser|Taser X26]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Non-lethal weapon|Less lethal]]
|Since 2003
|-
|[[Manurhin MR 73]]
|{{Flag|France}}
|[[Revolver]]
| Not used operationally 
|-
|[[Glock|Glock 17]]
| rowspan="3" |{{Flag|Austria}}
| rowspan="4" |[[Pistol]]
|
|-
|[[Glock|Glock 19]]
|
|-
|[[Glock|Glock 26]]
|
|-
|[[FN Five-seven|FN Five-seveN]]
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
|
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch MP5]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Germany}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Submachine gun]]
|A3, A5, SD and K-PDW variants
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch UMP]]
|
|-
|[[SIG MPX]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch MP7]]
|{{Flag|Germany}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Personal defense weapon]]
|
|-
|[[FN P90]]
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
|
|-
|[[Remington Model 870|Remington 870]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}}
| rowspan="4" |[[Shotgun]]
|
|-
|[[Mossberg 500|Mossberg 590]]
|
|-
|[[Benelli M3]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Italy}}
|
|-
|[[Benelli M4]]
|
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch HK416]]
|{{Flag|Germany}}
| rowspan="6" |[[Assault rifle]]
|
|-
|[[FN SCAR]]
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
|L and H variants
|-
|[[M4 carbine|Colt M4]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United States}}
|
|-
|[[SIG MCX]]
|MCX Rattler variant
|-
|[[SIG SG 550]]
|{{Flag|Switzerland}}
|551, 552, 553 variants
|-
|[[CZ 805 BREN|CZ BREN 2]]
|{{Flag|Czech Republic}}
|Chambered in 7.62x39mm
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch HK417]]
|{{Flag|Germany}}
| rowspan="7" |[[Sniper rifle]]
|
|-
|[[Accuracy International Arctic Warfare]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|.308 and .338 variants
|-
|[[Accuracy International AX50|Accuracy International AXSR]]
|
|-
|[[Tikka T3]]
|{{Flag|Finland}}
|
|-
|[[Colt Canada C20 DMR]]
|{{Flag|Canada}}
|16 in. barrels variant.
|-
|[[PGM 338]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|France}}
|
|-
|[[PGM Hécate II]]
|12.7x99mm variant
|-
|[[FN Minimi]]
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
|[[Machine gun]]
|
|-
|[[Heckler & Koch HK69A1|Heckler & Koch HK69]]
|{{Flag|Germany}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Grenade launcher]]
|
|-
|[[Brügger & Thomet GL06|B&T GL-06]]
|{{Flag|Switzerland}}
|
|-
|[[Milkor MGL]]
|{{Flag|South Africa}}
|
|}

=== Individual equipment ===
* [[Grenade|Grenades]]
* [[Ballistic shield]]s
* Ballistic helmets with mounted visors
* [[Bulletproof vest|Plate carrier]]
* [[Balaclava (clothing)|Balaclava]]
* Tactical gloves
* [[Night-vision device|NVGs (Night Vision Goggles)]]

=== Vehicles ===
Various types of [[Vehicle armour|armored vehicles]], both civilian-style [[Sport utility vehicle|SUVs]] and dedicated [[armoured personnel carrier]]s, some with [[Escalade|assault ladders]] installed on the roof of the vehicle

Helicopter support is provided by Gendarmerie helicopters and, for tactical deployment of large groups, by GIH ({{langx|fr|Groupe interarmées d'hélicoptères}}), a joint Army/Air Force [[special operations]] flight equipped with [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|SA330 PUMA]] helicopters, based in nearby [[Vélizy – Villacoublay Air Base|Villacoublay Air Base]]. GIH was established in 2006, and has also been tasked to support the National Police's RAID unit since 2008.

== Motto and values ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Date
!French
!English
!Reference
|-
|Until 2014
|''Sauver des vies au mépris de la sienne''
|To save lives without regard to one's own
|
|-
|Since 2014
|''S'engager pour la vie''
|A commitment for life<ref name="motto" group="note" />
|<ref name="Gendinfo" />
|}
Respect for human life, combined with [[fire discipline]], has always been taught to group members since its inception. Each new member is traditionally issued a [[Manurhin MR 73|six-shot revolver]] as a reminder of these values.<ref name="Gendinfo" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Rogoway |first1=Tyler |title=France's Elite GIGN Counter Terror Unit Still Has A Cult-Like Affinity For The Revolver |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/25547/frances-elite-gign-counter-terror-unit-still-has-a-cult-like-affinity-for-the-revolver |website=The Warzone |publisher=The Drive |access-date=13 May 2021 |date=17 December 2018}}</ref>

==GIGN leaders==
* ''[[Chef d'escadron]]'' [[Christian Prouteau]]: 1973–1982
* ''[[Captain|Capitaine]]'' [[Paul Barril]]: 1982–1983 (Interim)
* ''Capitaine'' Philippe Masselin: 1983–1985
* ''Chef d'escadron'' Philippe Legorjus: 1985–1989
* ''Chef d'escadron'' Lionel Chesneau: 1989–1992
* ''Chef d'escadron'' Denis Favier: 1992–1997
* ''Chef d'escadron'' Eric Gerard: 1997–2002
* [[Lieutenant colonel|Lieutenant Colonel]] Frédéric Gallois: 2002-2007
* ''[[Brigadier general|Général de Brigade]]'' [[Denis Favier]]: 2007–2011
* ''Général de Brigade'' Thierry Orosco: 2011–2014
* ''Général de Brigade'' Hubert Bonneau: 2014–2017
* ''Général de Brigade'' Laurent Phélip: 2017–2020<ref>Promotion to brigadier general on August, 1st 2018 -  https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=287069C58D39A0AEA6A9AEE966E3AC8D.tplgfr21s_3?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000037257874&dateTexte=&oldAction=rechJO&categorieLien=id&idJO=JORFCONT000037257534</ref>
* ''[[Major general|Général de Division]]'' Ghislain Réty: August 2020 - October 2025 <ref name="Réty">Official Journal of the French Republic November 2022 https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/id/JORFTEXT000046591812</ref>
* Colonel Benoît Villeminoz since November 2025 <ref name="Villeminoz"/>

== Awards ==
On 9 December 2011, [[Minister of the Armed Forces (France)|French Defense Minister]]<ref group=note>The title was changed in 2017 to ''Ministre des Armées'' ('Minister of the Armies')</ref> [[Gérard Longuet]], awarded the [[Cross for Military Valour]] to GIGN for its participation in operation Harmattan in Libya.<ref name=":1" /> On 31 July 2013, GIGN was awarded a second [[Cross for Military Valour]] for its participation in the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/gign/Actus/Remise-de-la-seconde-Croix-de-la-Valeur-militaire-au-GIGN|title=Remise de la seconde Croix de la Valeur militaire au GIGN|last=nationale|first=Gendarmerie|website=Gendarmerie|language=fr-FR|access-date=2019-07-06}}</ref>

On 15 June 2015, the unit received the [[Medal for internal security]]. As GIGN was awarded the Cross for Military Valour twice, members of the group are officially allowed to wear the [[fourragère]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/gign/Actus/Le-drapeau-du-GIGN-recoit-la-fourragere-et-la-medaille-de-la-securite-interieure|title=Le drapeau du GIGN reçoit la fourragère et la médaille de la sécurité intérieure|last=nationale|first=Gendarmerie|website=Gendarmerie|language=fr-FR|access-date=2019-07-06}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
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GIGN has been featured in dozens of media works, including films, television shows, novels, video games, and strip cartoons, typically working alongside other international counterterrorist units. They have also been the focus of several works, including:
*''[[The Assault (2010 film)|L'Assaut]]'', a 2010 French film about the Air France Flight 8969 hijacking. It was done with the collaboration and the advice of GIGN. There are a few fictional personal stories intertwined with the operation, but otherwise, the film is accurate to reports of the operation.
*''[[Rebellion (2011 film)|L'Ordre et la Morale]]'' (''Rebellion''), a 2011 film depicting the controversial 1988 [[Ouvéa cave hostage taking]] in New Caledonia, from the perspective of then-GIGN leader Philippe Legorjus. Even though he played a major role in the negotiations, and participated in the first part of the assault, Legorjus' leadership during and after the operation was contested, and he left GIGN a few months later.
*''[[15 Minutes of War|L'intervention]]'' (''15 Minutes of War''), a 2019 French-Belgian war film ''very'' loosely based on GIGN's 1976 hostage rescue of school children in [[Djibouti]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://foreignlegion.info/1976-loyada-hostage-rescue-mission/|title=1976 Loyada Hostage Rescue Mission|access-date=20 June 2019|work=French Foreign Legion Information}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.unifrance.org/film/45321/15-minutes-de-guerre|title=15 minutes de guerre (2017)|website=www.unifrance.org|access-date=4 July 2018|language=French}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=261322.html|title=L'Intervention|publisher=AlloCiné|access-date=4 July 2018|language=French}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[ATLAS Network]]
* [[Law enforcement in France]]
* [[List of special police units|List of police tactical units]]
* [[RAID (French police unit)|RAID]]
* [[Research and Intervention Brigade]]
* [[Brigades nautiques et fluviales]]
* [[GSG 9]]

==Notes and references==
===Notes===
{{reflist|group=note}}

===References===
{{reflist|30em}}

=== Bibliography ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book | language=fr | title=Le GIGN par le GIGN | last=Collective| year=2012|publisher=éditions LBM |isbn=978-2-9153-4794-4}}
* {{Cite book | language=fr | title=Encyclopédie de la Gendarmerie Nationale, tome III | last=Collective| year=2006 |location=Paris |publisher=éditions SPE Barthelemy |isbn=2-912838-21-5}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale|National Gendarmerie Intervention Group}}
* [http://www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv.fr/gign/ GIGN page on the Gendarmerie Nationale's Official webpage] {{In lang|fr}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgLRKOZVBEA ''GIGN, 40 ans d'assauts''] (French documentary)

{{Law enforcement agencies of France}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:GIGN| ]]
[[Category:1973 establishments in France]]
[[Category:ATLAS Network]]
[[Category:French Gendarmerie]]
[[Category:Units and formations of the French Gendarmerie]]