1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa U.S. Marines received weapons familiarization classes on the French FAMAS taught by French Army Center for Urban Combat Training instructors aboard Camp Sissonne, France last July. During CENZUB training, SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines will have the opportunity to work in cooperation with a company of French Army soldiers, integrating their skills and resources, including weaponry and military vehicles, to form an effective battle plan, similar to what they may face in the event of a future crisis.
FAMAS stands for Fusil d’Assaut de la Manufacture d’Armes de St-Etienne (Assault Rifle by St-Etienne Arms Factory – a member of the French govt. owned GIAT Industries concern). Development of this rifle began in 1967, and it different configurations include “Submachine gun”, “Commando”, “Sniper” modes, making it a truly versatile weapon. The FAMAS rifles saw some action during the operation “Desert Storm” in Kuwait in 1991, as well as in some peacekeeping operations in the mid and late 1990s, proving itself as a reliable and trustworthy weapons.
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