VIPs in conflict areas, direct action, reconnaissance, sabotage, unconventional warfare and hostage rescue. While their name states they are Marine Infantry, they are in fact Army. The 1er RPIMa relies on a number of skills to successfully carry out its missions. Most skills are either regiment or brigade-specific and need constant honing to be kept at the desired level of proficiency. They can be divided into several generic fields: The RAPAS (Airborne Reconnaissance and Special Action) basic skills RAPAS skill training is given to enlisted men and NCOs after they have completed a series of organic and basic regimental courses Basic training leading to the first rung of the RAPAS ladder is the elementary RAPAS technical certificate, which takes six months to earn. RAPAS training covers all the basics of special forces functions and is complemented by specific courses (marking out drop zones (DZ) and landing zone (LZ), basic and advanced close quarters combat, sniping...) A RAPAS group is led by a senior non-commissioned officer or a lieutenant. NCOs are generally former enlisted men who rose from the ranks of the regiment, while officers come from various specialized schools (mostly Infantry, Armour and Engineer) before following a specific course complemented by on-the-job training. When fully qualified and operational, a RAPAS team member reaches the rank of Caporal-chef (Master Corporal), and has been in the regiment for five years and spent more than two thirds of that taking classes, has been deployed in real-world operations, probably once a year. Air insertion Parachute operations: each member of the regiment is static-line parachute qualified using some specific low-altitude (125 meters) dropping techniques. The 1er RPIMa can also field different teams proficient in both HAHO and HALO techniques. Each company has HALO capability. Helicopter operations: Fast-roping and helicopter rappelling, special purpose infiltration and extraction rigs, LZ marking, special operation procedures, helicopter fire support, helicopter-borne sniper support, light helicopter insertion and extraction Air delivery: the 1er RPIMa is unique in the way it has integrated air delivery component with teams able to rig and airdrop light to heavy loads and pallets in support of special operations from cargo aircraft of dedicated special operations division of the French air force. Amphibious operations Open circuit breathing apparatus: the 1er RPIMa can field a complete open air circuit (scuba) team for beach recce or riverine operations using light crafts, including kayaks Closed circuit breathing apparatus: the 1er RPIMa