501st-503rd Tank Regiment
| 501e Régiment de Chars de Combat | |
|---|---|
| Active | 31 August 1994 - 23 June 2009 |
| Country | France |
| Branch | French Army |
| Type | Tank |
| Role | Armoured |
| Part of | 1st Mechanized Brigade |
| Equipment | Leclerc |
The 501st Tank Regiment (French: 501e-503e Régiment de Chars de Combat, 501e-503e RCC) was an armoured (tank) unit of the French Army. It was the armoured component of the 1st Mechanised Brigade.
History
The Chief of Staff of the French Army decided on 1 September 1990 to create a new experimental armoured unit of 80 tanks with two squadron groups (Groupes d’Escadrons, GE). Each group would consist of three combat squadrons and one command and logistics squadron.
The 4th Dragoon Regiment and 503rd Tank Regiment were chosen to become the squadron groups of the new regiment. The regiment was created on 31 August 1994 and named 501st-503rd Tank Regiment when the 501st Tank Regiment was dissolved; the 4th Dragoon Regiment was renamed 501st Tank Regiment.
On the 23 June 2009 the unified regiment was disbanded.
Organization
The regiment was composed of around 1200 personnel organization into 13 squadrons.
- EAS - Administration and Support Squadron
- 1er Groupe d’Escadron (1er GE) - 1st Squadron Group (x40 MBTs)
- ECL - Command and Logistics Squadron
- 1e Esq - 1st Squadron
- 2e Esq - 2nd Squadron
- 3e Esq - 3rd Squadron
- 2e Groupe d’Escadron (2e GE) 2nd Squadron Group (x40 MBTs)
- ECL - Command and Logistics Squadron
- 1e Esq - 1st Squadron
- 2e Esq - 2nd Squadron
- 3e Esq - 3rd Squadron
- EEI - Reconnaissance Squadron
- EMR - Regimental Maintenance Squadron
- 5e Esq - 5th Reserve Squadron
Notes
The LeClerc AFV did not enter service with the French army until the early 90's and could not have been used by this unit.