The Chief of the Military Staff of the President of the Republic (Chef d'état-major particulier du président de la République) is a role in the military and government of France, heading the president's military staff until the French Fifth Republic.
The President's 'military household' (maison militaire) was formed by president Mac-Mahon but not insititutionalised until 1880. This group of officers advised the president on army matters, especially (under the French Third Republic) matters of ceremony. Such an allocation was useful since it allowed its officers to nourish political contacts in Paris who could aid their army careers.
The 'chef d’état-major particulier' (CEMP) was the main military collaborator to the chief of staff, who headed the military overall, acting as an interface with him and playing a vital role in putting into practice nuclear deterrence. The last three CEMPs have gone on to be chef d’état-major des armées.