Military Fuel Service (France)
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The Service des essences des armées (SEA), which translates as the Military fuel service is an inter-branch service of the French Army subordinate to the head of the defence staff.
[edit] History
During the First World War, facing the increased use of mechanised warfare, the French armed forces needed to set up a new network for fuel supply. It was then composed of a service to stock and supply the fuel, and a transport service automobile to deliver it to the end users. At the same time, a wider service to provide petrol, oils and lubricants was created. After the war, from July 12 1920 the munitions service resumed the sourcing and stockpiling role, and the artillery the distribution role. Then on November 25 1940 these functions were combined into a single body: it received the name Military fuel service (SEA), which it still bears.
The order of March 17 1945 defines the SEA as a central service in charge of refueling the whole of the armed forces. The decree N°91-686 of July 14 1991 further defined this mission. The service has "to assure at all times, in all places and in all circumstances the fuel support of the armed forces, while also acting as fuel advisor to the General Staff". It therefore supervises the supply of fuels and lubricants for the vehicles of the different French arms: Army, Navy (out fuel of hold), Air Force and National Gendarmerie, as well as providing fuel advice.
