Special Operations Command (France)
| Special Operations Command | |
|---|---|
| Commandement des opérations spéciales | |
| Founded | 24 June 1992 |
| Country | France |
| Type | Operational command |
| Role | Special operations |
| Size | 4,500 authorized personnel |
| Part of | Ministry of Armed Forces |
| Headquarters | Hexagone Balard, Paris, France |
| Nickname | COS |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Major General Michel Delpit |
The Special Operations Command (French: Commandement des Opérations Spéciales, COS; pronounced [kɔmɑ̃dmɑ̃ dez‿ɔpeʁasjɔ̃ spesjal]) is a joint staff charged with overseeing the various special forces of the French Army, Navy and Air and Space Force, bringing them all under a single operational authority. The command is placed under the orders of the Chief of Defence Staff and under the direct authority of the President of the French Republic.
Similar in purpose to the JSOC or UKSF, the COS was created on June 24, 1992. The need for such a federation became apparent after France's participation in the First Gulf War.