The GIGN (Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) was created in 1974.
It is an elite unit made up exclusively of gendarmerie volunteer officers and non-commissioned officers who have been in service for at least five years. To go through the extremely harsh and strict selection process to qualify as a member of this group requires a good dose physical and psychological stamina. The candidates are subjected to a series of tests under near unbearable conditions, and at the end, not up to 10% of them successfully obtain the GIGN certification warranting them to serve within this elite unit.
The GIGN, which is based at Satory, near Versailles, is made up of more than one hundred constantly training, operation-ready men, some of whom are specialized in diving, parachuting, explosives, long-range shooting, and several other military activities.
Every month, these soldiers carry out several extremely delicate and risky missions, such as countering the hijacking of planes and ships, and arresting crazed gunmen, terrorists, or dangerous criminals.
Since its creation, the GIGN has accomplished over 1,000 missions, made a similar number of arrests and freed over 500 hostages. Ten of its members have died either during training or operations. The GIGN is known worldwide for its professionalism, efficiency, and the outstanding human qualities exhibited by the soldiers who have the honour and privilege of serving therein.