Operation Musketeer

Barely created, the 10e D.P. took part in the Suez Crisis in Egypt, in an operation named "Operation Musketeer". The 10^e D.P was reinforced for this purpose with:

• One squadron of the 2nd Foreign Cavalry Regiment (2^e R.E.C) comprising 148 men and 17 AMX-13.
• 10 LVT Alligator with 40 men
• A platoon of 6 Delahaye jeeps with SS.10 anti-tank missiles
• The 453rd anti-aircraft artillery group (453e GAAL): 803 men

On 5 November 1956, elements of the 10e D.P. were dropped on Port Fuad and Port Said, completed the next morning by amphibious assaults on both towns. Although the battle was a military success, allied troops had to withdraw due to pressure from the United States.

Battle of Algiers

In Algiers, the National Liberation Front (FLN) was carrying out a wave of terrorist attacks an urban guerilla which made many casualties, mostly Muslim civilians.^[1] In January 1957, Robert Lacoste, Minister Resident in Algeria, reacted by giving full powers to General Massu over the Algiers area. Massu sent the 10^e D.P. to search out, arrest and question FLN members. The battle of Algiers proved to be a clear success for the French military, with most prominent FLN leaders killed or arrested and terrorist attacks effectively stopped.^[2] However, the use of torture against some FLN members led to an increasing opposition to war in France and internationally.

Battle of the Frontiers

In 1956, the newly independent Republic of Tunisia was helping the FLN by smuggling weapons and men through its territory. The electrified fence known as the Morice Line was built up to prevent Algerian FLN guerrillas from entering the French colony of Algeria from Tunisia. The 10^e D.P. was assigned to the surveillance of a portion of the electrified border, in order to intercept rebel bands that have managed to cross it. The Morice Line had a significant impact of the reduction of guerrillas activities by forces that originated from Tunisia. However, general Massu, the commanding officer of the 10^e D.P. was relieved of his command as he criticized president Charles de Gaulle's actions.

Algiers Putsch

Despite the military successes, French Prime Minister Michel Debré's government started secret negotiations with the anti-colonialist FLN in order to grant independence to Algeria. French settlers and soldiers were stunned by this decision and a putsch was organized in Algiers. With the exception of the 3^e RPIMa, the rest of the 10^e D.P. supported the coup. When the putsch failed the 25^e D.P. along with the 10^e D.P. were dissolved and the 1^er R.E.P was the only regiment disbanded.

Insignias

Just like the paratrooper Brevet of the French Army; the Insignia of French Paratroopers was created in 1946. The French Army Insignia of metropolitan Paratroopers represents a closed "winged armed dextrochere", meaning a "right winged arm" armed with a sword pointing upwards. The Insignia makes reference to the Patron of Paratroopers. In fact, the Insignia represents "the right Arm of Saint Michael", the Archangel which according to Liturgy is the "Armed Arm of God". This Insignia is the symbol of righteous combat and fidelity to superior missions. The French Army Insignia of Marine Infantry Paratroopers is backgrounded by a Marine Anchor.

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  Insignia of the 1st Foreign Parachute Regiment
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  Insignia of the 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment
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  Insignia of 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment

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  Insignia of 3rd Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment
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  Insignia of 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment
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  Insignia of 6th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment