DÉFENSE ZONE
The 132nd Canine Infantry Regiment (132e RIC) stands out within the French Army for fully integrating the combat dog into its missions. Based in Suippes, in the Marne, this unique regiment combines infantry and canine expertise for explosives detection and the neutralisation of individuals, providing specialised support to other units.
Text: Jean-Marie Leclère (Collectif DR)
The 132e RIC is based at the Ferme impériale du Piémont, near the Suippes camp. It is distinguished by its dual lineage: infantry and veterinary service. This historical feature gives the regiment a unique identity within the French Army. The combat dog is fully integrated there, with each soldier working in a pair with their dog on a variety of missions, from explosives detection to the neutralisation of individuals.
The regiment enjoys an environment well suited to the daily training of the handler-dog pairs, with 150 hectares of wooded land. The kennel, one of the largest in Europe, houses around 500 dogs, mainly Belgian Malinois shepherds, Tervurens and German shepherds. With a strength of more than 600 men and women, 65% of whom are dog handlers, the 132e RIC manages complex logistics to feed and equip more than 1,100 individuals, human and canine alike.
Worldwide, similar regiments exist in the United Kingdom and Israel, but the 132e RIC remains the only one in France to integrate the dog so deeply into its combat operations...
Read the rest in Défense Zone Magazine #19
