 In 1993 , according to the Library of Congress Country Studies , the 25 @,@ 000 @-@ member FAZ ground forces consisted of one infantry division ( with three infantry brigades ) ; one airborne brigade ( with three parachute battalions and one support battalion ) ; one special forces ( commando / counterinsurgency ) brigade ; the Special Presidential Division ; one independent armored brigade ; and two independent infantry brigades ( each with three infantry battalions , one support battalion ) . These units were deployed throughout the country , with the main concentrations in Shaba Region ( approximately half the force ) . The Kamanyola Division , consisting of three infantry brigades operated generally in western Shaba Region ; the 21st Infantry Brigade was located in Lubumbashi ; the 13th Infantry Brigade was deployed throughout eastern Shaba ; and at least one battalion of the 31st Airborne Brigade stayed at Kamina . The other main concentration of forces was in and around Kinshasa : the 31st Airborne Brigade was deployed at N 'djili Airport on the outskirts of the capital ; the Special Presidential Division ( DSP ) resided adjacent to the presidential compound ; and the 1st Armored Brigade was at Mbanza @-@ Ngungu ( in Bas @-@ Congo , approximately 120 kilometres ( 75 mi ) southwest of Kinshasa ) . Finally the 41st Commando Brigade was at Kisangani . 
