14th July parade

14th July is Bastille Day in France which means - a military parade in Paris. It's the opportunity to see the armed forces and find out what they've been up to (Afghanistan and Libya judging by the medals).

The familiar streets and sky of Paris are invaded for the day by some unusual vehicles:

1. Champs Elysees before the start
2. Firemen making adjustments
3. A troop carrier off the Champs Elysees
4. Fly-past with a C135 refuelling aircraft followed by Mirage F1 and Rafale
5. Spot the mistake. The leading aircraft is flying inverted

I knew it was Bastille Day but only because I was watching some of the Tour de France this morning and everyone wanted a Frenchman to win the stage and there were more crowds than usual. Some of the spectators are nuts!
I did not know that firemen in France carried guns. Are they considered part of the military?

Thanks for sharing and Happy Bastille Day!

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Originally Posted by Frog

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I did not know that firemen in France carried guns. Are they considered part of the military?

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Now that's a good question, I had to look it up. The firemen of the cities of Paris and Marseille are part of the military, in other areas they are civilians. I have never seen Paris firemen carrying guns but I imagine that they are trained with weapons.

The situation is similar with the police. The Gendarmerie who generally patrol on the highways are part of the military - you might catch sight of them on the Tour de France, riding escort on big blue motorbikes. If ever you get stopped by them - don't play games, they're rather serious in their attitude.

Had to look up the reference "LORD DORRINGTON 1689" from the APC.
Part of the Irish Brigade in the French Army.