On 26 and 27 of November 2009, the CISM President, General Gianni Gola, along with the CISM Secretary General, Colonel Alexandre Morisod, had the honor to meet His Serene Highness Prince Albert II who is famous worldwide for his deep involvement in many different sports. On many occasions like this, the membership of Monaco had been discussed, and today we may say that it is a concrete fact.

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state located in South Western Europe on the northern central coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is surrounded on three sides by its neighbour, France, and its center is about 16 km from Italy. Its area is 2 km² with a population estimated at almost 33,000.

Monaco is the name of the country and of its capital (and only) city. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and principality, with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II as head of state. The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297, and the state's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861.

Two full time militarized armed forces exist under the control of the Department of the Interior. One is the Corps des Sapeurs-Pompiers de Monaco, and the other is the Corps des Carabiniers du Prince.

Corps des Sapeurs-Pompiers
Describing itself as a "military force" the Corps consists of 9 officers, 25 non-commissioned officers, 32 corporals and 65 sapeurs - a total force of 131 military personnel. Officers have generally served in the French military or fire service. Based at two barracks (one in La Condamine and one in Fontvieille) the Corps is equipped with fire engines, rescue vehicles, and a range of specialist vehicles including a fire boat, and sealed tracked vehicles for entering Monaco's railway tunnels during an emergency.

Apart from firefighting duties, the Corps has an extensive Civil Defence brief. Its personnel are trained in the use of firearms, and the Corps has a central armoury; personnel are also trained to handle chemical incidents, and have specialist chemical incident vehicles and equipment. They are also equipped with front-line ambulances, and personnel have first-aid and paramedic training.

Corps des Carabiniers du Prince
Of a similar size to the Corps des Sapeurs-Pompiers, the Corps des Carabiniers du Prince has a total force of 113, consisting of 3 officers, 17 non-commissioned officers, and 93 carabiniers. The officers have usually trained and served with the French military. Its primary duty is the defence of the Prince, and the Prince's Palace in the Monaco-Ville (old town) quartier of Monaco. By extension, it also has a role in guarding members of the judiciary, who administer justice in the name of the Prince.

There are a number of specialist units within the Corps des Carabiniers du Prince, which include a motorcycle section (for rapid-response and motorcycle outriding); a diving unit with military, rescue, and scientific capabilities; a military first-aid unit which provides first-aid and ambulance cover at public and sporting events; and a military band.

The two Corps described above also count on sports facilities at a level of excellence for their athletes, who are to take part for the first time in military sporting competitions during the World Military Games to occur in Aosta, Italy, from 20 to 25 of March 2010.

Proudly, the whole CISM Family is looking forward to meeting the representatives of Monaco at our both sporting and institutional events.

Once again, WELCOME !