5th Overseas Interarms Regiment

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.