Le 24 June 2022

The ranks of the National Gendarmerie

The ranks and rank insignia of the National Gendarmerie have many points in common with those of the Army and the Air and Space Force. Indeed, the Gendarmerie being an armed force, the ranks are part of the military hierarchy.

Find all rank insignia for the National Gendarmerie on our website vetsecurite.com! They are available in several materials according to your needs: resin, plastic or flexible.

Table of Contents:

General information

Ranks of the National Gendarmerie: general information

Service subdivisions of the National Gendarmerie

The National Gendarmerie is composed primarily of three service subdivisions:

The Departmental Gendarmerie (GD)
The Mobile Gendarmerie (GM)
The Republican Guard (GR)

The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and officers are different colors depending on their service subdivision. Indeed, the rank insignia of the Departmental Gendarmerie will be white while those of the Mobile Gendarmerie and the Republican Guard will be yellow.

The three categories in the rank hierarchy within the Gendarmerie

Officers and officer cadets
Non-commissioned officers
Enlisted personnel

Ranks for officers and officer cadets of the National Gendarmerie

General officers of the Gendarmerie

The ranks of general officers of the National Gendarmerie listed from highest to lowest rank:

	General of the Army (GAR)
	Corps General (GCA)
	Major General (GDI)
	Brigadier General (GBI)

Senior officers of the Gendarmerie

The ranks of senior officers of the National Gendarmerie listed from highest to lowest rank:

	Colonel (COL)
	Lieutenant Colonel (LCL)
	Major (CDT) or Squadron Leader (CEN)

Junior officers of the Gendarmerie

The ranks of junior officers of the National Gendarmerie, listed from highest to lowest rank:

	Captain (CNE)
	Lieutenant (LT)
	Second Lieutenant (SLT)
	Officer Cadet (EOC)
	Officer Cadet (ASP)

Ranks for non-commissioned officers of the National Gendarmerie

Senior non-commissioned officers of the Gendarmerie

The ranks of senior non-commissioned officers of the National Gendarmerie, listed from highest to lowest rank:

	Major (MAJ)
	Chief Warrant Officer (ADC)
	Adjutant (ADJ)

Junior non-commissioned officers of the Gendarmerie

The ranks of junior non-commissioned officers of the National Gendarmerie, listed from highest to lowest rank:

	Chief Maréchal des Logis (MDC)
	Career Gendarme (GND)
	Contract Gendarme (GND)

When recruits enter the National Gendarmerie non-commissioned officers' school to receive their initial training, they obtain the rank of student gendarme, although it is not strictly speaking a rank, but rather a designation. The student gendarme rank insignia is often nicknamed "the fry" due to the thinness of the chevron and its golden color.

Ranks for enlisted personnel

Volunteer and reserve assistant gendarmes

The ranks of volunteer or reserve assistant gendarmes, listed from highest to lowest rank:

	Maréchal des Logis (MDL)
	Chief Brigadier (BRC)
	Brigadier (BRI)
	Volunteer Assistant Gendarme 1st Class (GAV)
	Volunteer Assistant Gendarme 2nd Class (GAV)

If you would like to learn more about ranks, you can also consult our dedicated article on National Police ranks and on Army ranks.

Do you have a question?

How are the rank insignia and ranks of the National Gendarmerie perceived in French society?

The perception of the rank insignia and ranks of the National Gendarmerie in French society varies according to different factors, including culture, individual experiences and interactions with security forces. In general, these symbols are often associated with authority, professionalism and public service. Members of the National Gendarmerie wear their rank insignia and ranks with pride, which reinforces their identity and role in society. For some, these insignia also represent a sense of security and protection, while others may perceive them as symbols of control or authority. Overall, the rank insignia and ranks of the National Gendarmerie are widely respected and recognized for their contribution to public safety and the preservation of order.

Are there honorary distinctions or special awards associated with certain ranks within the National Gendarmerie?

There are various honorary distinctions and special awards associated with certain ranks to recognize the merit and dedication of members of the institution. Among these, we can mention the Legion of Honor, the National Order of Merit, the Military Medal, the Cross of Military Valor, the Cross of the Legion of Honor, the Volunteer Combatant's Cross, and other distinctions awarded for acts of bravery, dedication, or for a long and exemplary career within the National Gendarmerie. These distinctions are awarded according to specific criteria and contribute to recognizing the commitment and professionalism of gendarmes.

What is the historical significance of the different ranks and rank insignia in the National Gendarmerie and how is this tradition preserved today?

Ranks and insignia in the National Gendarmerie have a profound historical significance, given that the Gendarmerie is an ancient armed force in France, dating back several centuries. The different ranks and insignia reflect the hierarchical structure of the institution and are inherited from ancient military traditions. For example, gold and silver stripes carry symbolic meanings, often related to the distinction between officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, as well as their role and responsibilities within the organization. This tradition is preserved today through internal regulations, official ceremonies and protocols that govern the attribution, wearing and use of ranks and insignia within the National Gendarmerie. In addition, specific training courses are provided to familiarize members of the Gendarmerie with the historical and symbolic importance of their ranks and insignia, thus ensuring the continuity of this tradition within the institution.

Back