On June 17, 2024, La Poste issues a stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the GIGN, the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group.
GIGN celebrates its 50th anniversary! In a nod to History, it was born in particular from the lessons of the hostage-taking of Israeli athletes during the Munich Olympics and will celebrate its half-century in the year of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France.
50 years of operations, from the first in Ecquevilly to 2,800 engagements in 2023, from the most emblematic (Djibouti, Mecca, Ouvéa, Marignane, Afghanistan, Dammartin-en-Goële, Ukraine, Sudan, etc.) to the least publicized, all remaining as singular and risky.
50 years of human adventure, sweat and blood, with its joys and tears, its successes but also its tragedies, the numerous criminals arrested and lives saved at the cost of 13 others lost in operations or training.
50 years of transformation, from a GIGN of 17 in 1974 in Maisons-Alfort to a GIGN of 1000 in 2024 in Versailles, today with its 14 branches, continuously present in around ten extremely sensitive countries; from the profession of intervention to those of observation and protection, from versatility to the finest expertise expressed in the numerous cells of specialists in support.
50 years of antifragility, during which the GIGN has benefited from each challenge, systematically strengthening itself in response to shocks and crises, like the ancient Hydra of Lerna.
50 years of innovation, from the management of hostage-taking of human beings to that of computer data (ransomware), from coordinated shooting to shooting from a helicopter, from the explosives search dog to the dog equipped with a camera, from bulletproof shield to exoskeleton.
But also 50 years of constancy and common values: a philosophy of action based on absolute respect for human life; excellence in the service of the French and the interests of France; an integrated unit where operational, support and support are one and where a pioneering and daring spirit reigns.
This commemorative stamp pays tribute to the GIGN and to all those who have served there and who still serve there, proudly wearing these 4 letters on their outfit, faithful to their motto, “committed for life”.
