While engaged in Operation Desert Storm, the 1er RPIMa lost two of its men in Iraq in 1991. A year later, the creation of the French Special Operations Command (Commandement des Opérations Spéciales, COS) led to a major shake-up of French special forces units to incorporate the lessons learned in the First Gulf War. As part of this process, in 1997, the nucleus of what was to become the army's BFST (Brigade des Forces Spéciales Terre) (Land Special Forces Brigade) was created and the 1er RPIMa became its core unit. All the while, the regiment participated in operations in the Balkans and in Africa; it was specifically involved in stalking war criminals in Bosnia, leading to several successful arrests of individuals indicted for war crimes. Today Part of the French Army Special Forces Command (COM FST), the 1er RPIMa is a modern, highly skilled and experienced Special Forces unit organized along company lines. The main strength of the regiment lies in its three RAPAS companies (RAPAS meaning Airborne Reconnaissance and Special Action) each specialised in a specific field such as HAHO/HALO, Counter-Terrorism, amphibious, jungle, mountain or motorized patrols operations and its RAPAS Signal company dedicated to C3 (Command, Control and Communications) support for Special Operations. The 1er RPIMa also fields a Training and Operations company tasked with providing selection, basic and continuation training of the unit's manpower and a logistics company which supports the regiment in its daily and operational missions. As the unit was inspired by the British Special Air Service, it has still much in common with them, including missions and capabilities. Unit specialization CTLO (Counter-terrorism and hostage rescue teams) GDC (Garde du Corps) THP/TELD (Tireurs Haute Précision / Tireur d'élite longue distance, snipers) SCO (Paratrooper – SAS Chuteurs Opérationnels) PAT SAS (motorized patrols. Patrouilles SAS) SPO (SAS Plongeurs Offensifs, offensive divers) Mountain, arctic, desert, and jungle warfare Explosives and demolitions Organisation and structure Due to its long history with the British Special Air Service much of the 1er RPIMA core aspects are based upon the British SAS. Each company specializes in a particular area. Four main RAPAS (Airborne Reconnaissance and Special Action) combat companies: 1e Compagnie: Paratroopers, HAHO HALO, counter-terrorism, and bodyguards 2e Compagnie: Mountain, arctic, desert and jungle warfare 3e Compagnie: Motorized patrols 4e Compagnie: Counter terrorism, hostage rescue, and reconnaissance in urban areas There is also one command and logistics company and a training and