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The Gendarmerie is a BLUFOR and REDFOR faction in ArmA 3. It was added with the release of the Apex DLC.

Overview[]

« The Gendarmerie faction represents a local law enforcement agency on Tanoa.
Official ArmA 3 Apex site description
»

Background[]

Specifically formed to curtail illegal activities such as drugs and arms smuggling throughout the Horizon Islands, they are essentially a militarised police force that primarily operates out of the country's Tanoa Province.[1] As of 2038, the agency is led by Director-General Roch Robineau.[2]

In the wake of a series of natural disasters that have struck the island nation, the Gendarmerie have recently been working alongside NATO peacekeepers deployed to Tanoa as part of the "Safe Horizon" exercises to root out a new threat called the Syndikat.[3][4]

Post-South Pacific Disaster[]

Three years after the South Pacific Disaster, the Gendarmerie continue to maintain law and order throughout the Horizon Islands.

In light of the nation's change in leadership and diplomatic switch towards the East, however, the Gendarmerie's main focus has transitioned to countering various anti-CSAT groups and suppressing unauthorised protests. The Gendarmerie have also become increasingly militarised in their campaign against illegal organisations such as the so-called "L'Ensemble" movement.[5][6]

In addition, they protect vital installations such as airports and seaports throughout the Tanoa Province. Following the outbreak of a super-strain of malaria[7], the Gendarmerie also maintain security checkpoints leading into provincial quarantine zones. Gendarmerie officers are often assisted by CSAT advisers who provide tactical leadership and combat support for units in the field.[6][8][9]

History[]

The Gendarmerie would find itself in an escalating series of conflicts with the Syndikat after the South Pacific Disaster devastated large parts of the Tanoa Province.[10][11][12]

The criminal organisation has been mounting increasing numbers of raids against government infrastructure and villages throughout the Tanoa Province - and against the Gendarmerie itself. As the Syndikat rapidly grew in size, it would prove to be too much for the now-outgunned police force to handle.[11][12]

Prior to the NATO deployment, the Gendarmerie have already lost control over a significant number of territories throughout Tanoa.[11][12]

Events of Apex Protocol (2035)[]

SPOILER ALERT

NOTE: This section contains spoilers from ArmA 3 Apex's 'Apex Protocol' campaign.

Following a series of raids against Syndikat weapons caches, CTRG manage to locate and free a captive officer being held by the insurgents. The surviving officer informs the team of the whereabouts of a nearby tower which Syndikat had re-purposed into an outpost.[10][13]

In the hopes of obtaining more intel on Keystone's whereabouts, CTRG proceed to assault the location of the outpost and destroy a Syndikat convoy along the way.[14] They find even more hidden supplies, which all turn out to be of CSAT in origin as well.[15][16]

Post-Apex Protocol[]

« I weep for my countrymen. There can be no question. CSAT have engineered chaos and destruction on a massive scale. By supplying dangerous criminals with military weapons, they have sought to murder the people of the Horizon Islands.
Benjamin Hope, then-President of the Horizon Islands
»

With the death of their leader and senior lieutenants at the hands of CTRG, the Gendarmerie presumably dismantle the remnants of Syndikat successfully.[10]

Following the crisis' resolution, Gendarmerie units can be seen providing security at the conference in Georgetown as the president of the Horizon Islands, Benjamin Hope, gives a speech denouncing CSAT for its involvement in the "Apex Protocol" plans to destabilise the Horizon Islands.[17][18]

Events of Old Man (2038)[]

Arma3-faction-gendarmerie-03

Numerous quarantine zones with fortified checkpoints are established by joint Tanoan/Chinese forces.

Despite the revelations from the "Apex Protocol Papers", the new pro-CSAT government has cut its ties with Western countries in favour of the East. However, the latest outbreak of a supposed super-strain of malaria has also forced a sweeping lockdown of several settlements all across the Tanoa Province.[5][6]

In response to the outbreak (and agreeing to demands from CSAT officials), the Gendarmerie work alongside the growing, heavily militarised presence of Chinese forces accompanying the decontamination teams.[6]

Gendarmerie units guard fortified checkpoints leading into quarantine zones alongside their Chinese CSAT counterparts. Remaining on alert for insurgents from the anti-government L'Ensemble movement, vehicles are checked for signs of hidden weapons and other illegal contraband being smuggled into areas.[8][9][19]

Unfortunately, several incidents involving non-compliant citizens have already resulted in accidental deaths.[20][21] Some checkpoints have even come under attack by unknown assailants, though their actual identities have yet to be confirmed.[22]

Equipment[]


Responsible for provding both domestic and regional security, the Gendarmerie mostly use a mixture of small arms imported from abroad and vehicles suited for the local terrain.

The primary weapon of choice for most officers is the Protector, a compact submachine gun chambered for the 9×21 mm cartridge, while the P07 pistol serves as the standard-issue sidearm for most officers. Compared to the larger 7.62×39 mm-chambered firearms used by the Syndikat, the Gendarmerie are somewhat outgunned as a result.

Arma3-faction-gendarmerie-02

Mixture of pre-SPD Gendarmerie assets.

Their uniforms consist of rugged combat pants mixed in with either sweaters or poloshirts. Regular officers prefer to wear military-style caps, while high-ranking officers don berets emblazoned with the logo of the Gendarmerie. Regardless of seniority however, all officers wear ballistic vests with a medium blue colour scheme.

For ease of travel around Tanoa's variable terrain, officers utilise Offroads that have a dark blue, high-visibility paint scheme. In addition, they occasionally utilise modified Vans when deploying into urban areas or for when tactical assaults are required.

Post-South Pacific Disaster[]

Arma3-faction-gendarmerie-04

Post-SPD units (from Top-Left to Bottom-Right):
- Quick Reaction Force teams (TL)
- Tactical response units (TR)
- Quarantine zone guards (BL)
- Special agents (BR)

Thanks to the extensive support provided by its CSAT benefactors, the Gendarmerie have been significantly up-armed in recent years and have gained access to a wider range of arsenal.

Though most officers on patrol still carry P07s and Protectors, tactical response units and quarantine zone guards have been issued heavier weapons ranging from LIM-85 light machine guns, AKM assault rifles, ADR-97 SMGs, and RPG-7 rocket launchers.

Courtesy of the financial aid from their CSAT allies, some tactical response teams are even equipped with Promet/Katiba bullpups and SPAR-16 assault rifles imported from abroad.

Roadblocks manned alongside Chinese advisers are on occasion fortified with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. Though uncommon, their effectiveness in stopping fleeing L'Ensemble trucks and potential Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) threats have made them a growing necessity for quarantine zone checkpoints.

Personal protective equipment has been expanded to include commercially available ballistic-resistant helmets alongside their standard body armour vests. Depending on the situation, bump helmets and ski masks may be worn by specialist officers. Police divers utilise military-grade closed-circuit rebreathers and diving suits to traverse the depths of Tanoa's archipelago.

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • The Gendarmerie were initially exclusive to BLUFOR upon the Apex expansion's release, but were later added as a REDFOR faction after the (free) Old Man campaign update.

Notes[]

  1. Initially BLUFOR-aligned. Transitioned to REDFOR during and up to the events of Old Man (2038).

References[]

  1. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2016, Apex, Arma 3, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://arma3.com/apex>.
  2. ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "A suspect in the death of Jean-Guy Devereux, a political leader in the pro-CSAT Nouveaux Horizons party, has died in police custody. Oringo Madaki, a 39 year-old mechanic from Vagalala, was found dead in a mangrove swamp near Kotomo. The director general of the gendarmerie, Roch Robineau, told press in Georgetown a full investigation will ensue, but insisted Mr. Madaki had escaped detention.", Radio Horizons
  3. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Keystone, "DUTTON: So, as you know, CTRG's taking part in 'Exercise Safe Horizon'. Anti-piracy, security, etcetera. But - as our NATO liaison - you should be aware of a few, uh, 'operational extras'. BROADALE: Heh. Well - as your NATO liaison - I'm all ears, commander."
  4. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Warm Welcome, "Our local informant, codename 'Blue Cap', has revealed that Syndikat intend to attack the town of Regina, one of the hardest-hit locations following the tsunami some months ago. With both the local populace and various NGOs in the vicinity, the likelihood of civilian casualties is extremely high. As such, local police have asked us to assist."
  5. 5.0 5.1 ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "Tanoa. 2038. Exercise Safe Horizon has ended. NATO have reneged on their commitments. A malaria epidemic spreads... And a newly elected government calls for humanitarian support - from CSAT. First they sent their doctors. Then, they sent their soldiers. The criminal organization, known as Syndikat, has become 'politique'... After a power struggle and 3 years of gang warfare, a legitimate insurgency has been born. And now, it threatens to tear the beautiful South Pacific archipelago apart. But not everybody's abandoned the old ways. Some still remember what it means to have fidelity, and honor."
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "Former president of the Horizon Islands, Benjamin Hope, has condemned government decisions regarding CSAT's militarization of Tanoa. Speaking at a fundraising event for Nouveaux Horizons, he condemned both foreign intervention and militant groups affiliated with L'Ensemble for exploiting the nation's current malaria crisis. La Roche agreed to Canton Protocol demands for combined counter insurgency operations with local gendarmes last week, sparking violent protests in Georgetown, Tanouka, and Ouméré.", Radio Horizons
  7. ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "I've seen malaria, man. And it isn't this. You call it that and people don't panic... But call it a killer virus, with no known cure? Yeah, then... Then you got a problem!"
  8. 8.0 8.1 ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "Fucking CSAT, eh? They offer doctors and we get this. It don't matter how you look at it, mec. Government got everybody pissed off - it feels like occupation. And Syndikat, well, as y'know, it's all political now. No way of telling what will happen."
  9. 9.0 9.1 ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "C'est fou... How can our government support CSAT after what they did? They were trying to destabilize the country - remember? Selling guns to dangerous criminals. And now we invite them back! No wonder things are spiralling out of control..."
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Mořický, K et al. 2011, Armaverse Timeline, Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/Armaverse_Timeline>.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Warm Welcome, \a3\missions_f_exp\video\exp_m02_vin.ogv, 00:01, "The aftermath of the South Pacific Disaster shows little sign of improvement, and the scale of the humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by a marked rise in criminality. AAN's Mark Cole is in the region with this special report.", AAN News
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Heart of Darkness, \a3\missions_f_exp\video\exp_m04_vin.ogv, 00:01, "I've been based in Georgetown, Tanoa, for a number of days now. Although this remote province avoided the type of destruction seen elsewhere in the region, there has been an almost complete breakdown in the rule of law. Terrorised by a criminal gang known colloquially as 'Syndikat', the Horizon Islands' under-equipped Gendarmerie have long been at breaking point. Driven by a hardened 'inner circle' of paramilitary rebels, Syndikat have seized upon the chaos to expand their separatist agenda with brute force.", AAN News
  13. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Keystone, "Merci, merci. They took one of us to the tower. There are more of them there."
  14. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Keystone, "DUTTON: Raider callsigns, be advised, 2 times enemy technicals moving on Toronto. Approaching from the radio mast. RIKER: Engaging."
  15. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Keystone, "RIKER: More CSAT weapons. GRIMM: Enough ordnance to cause some major damage."
  16. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, Warm Welcome, "TRUCK: See the markings on those crates? Looked Chinese to me. SALVO: Hardly surprising. Black market's saturated with their shit. TRUCK: That stuff looked high quality, Salvo. Maybe even CSAT. And higher ain't exactly waiting around to nuke it from orbit. GRIMM: It's documented on Raider 2's live-feed. We'll know more soon enough."
  17. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, \a3\missions_f_exp_video\exp_m07_vout.ogv, 00:01, "Barely two months on from the Pacific Disaster, new revelations have shocked the international community. Documents seen by AAN investigative journalists - the so-called 'Apex Protocol Papers' - have exposed a global network of illegal CSAT operations. [...] Evidence of a deliberate, sustained, high-level effort to incite death and chaos, has brought into question the continued viability of the Canton Protocol Strategic Alliance itself. Leaders from across the world have united in a call for action, seeking to bring those responsible to justice swiftly.", AAN News
  18. ARMA 3: Apex 2016 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Apex Protocol, \a3\missions_f_exp_video\exp_m07_vout.ogv, 01:02, "Je pleure pour mes compatriotes. Il n'y a pas de place pour le doute. Le CSAT a engrengé chaos et destruction à grande échelle. En fournissant de l'équipement militaire, des armes de guerre à de dangereux criminels, c'est la population des îles Horizon qu'ils ont cherché à assassiner. Ils sont illegitimes. Leur heure est arrivée! [I weep for my countrymen. There can be no question. CSAT have engineered chaos and destruction on a massive scale. By supplying dangerous criminals with military weapons, they have sought to murder the people of the Horizon Islands. They are illegitimate. Their time has come to an end!]", AAN News
  19. ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "CSAT are everywhere now, huh? So much for doctors. All I'm seeing are soldiers and checkpoints..."
  20. ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "A driver has been arrested after failing to stop at a checkpoint outside of Georgetown. Several shots were fired during the incident. Xu Haifeng, supreme commander of CSAT forces operating in the Pacific region, issued a statement from La Roche and reminded civilians to avoid any actions that might be interpreted as aggressive.", Radio Horizons
  21. ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "In Saint Julien today, a young man was killed, and another seriously wounded by CSAT soldiers. According to one eyewitness, the pair approached a military vehicle and were fired upon after ignoring repeated warnings, given in both French and English. A government spokesman in Georgetown refused to comment until the identity of both men is established. He added that all Tanoans should listen attentively to military personnel and law enforcement officers and to approach only if given explicit permission to do so.", Radio Horizons
  22. ARMA 3: Apex 2020 [Video Game], Bohemia Interactive a.s., Old Man, "A military convoy was stopped on the Regina-Lifou coast road yesterday by an improvised explosive device. A CSAT officer told reporters no-one was killed and said anti-government insurgents were clearly responsible for the attack.", Radio Horizons

External links[]

See also[]

Factions of ArmA 3
BLUFOR NATOCTRGFIAGendarmerie
REDFOR CSATGendarmerieRussian SpetsnazViper
INDFOR AAFLDFSyndikat
Apex DLC | Contact DLC
Factions - BLUFOR (ArmA 3)
NATOCTRGFIAGendarmerie
Apex DLC
Factions - REDFOR (ArmA 3)
CSATGendarmerieRussian SpetsnazViper
Apex DLC | Contact DLC
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