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Detachement d'Intervention Operationnelle Subaquatique (DINOPS)
(Underwater Special Intervention Detachement)

DINOPS is a parachute trained combat diver unit assigned to the Legion Etranger's 1 Regiment Etranger de Genie (1 REG- 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment). The unit is assigned to the Regiment's Recce and Support Company. It is tasked with conducting underwater explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), conducting beach reconnaissance missions, conducting sabotage attacks, and assisting in river crossings.
Unit members undergo some of the most intensive training in the French armed forces, undertaking both the Navy's combat swimmer course, and the Army's parachute school. Unit members receive additional training at a number of Foreign Legion and Army technical training schools. They are trained in the use of closed circuit diving systems, EOD, and hydrographic survey techniques.

DINOPS "para-sappers" are capable of being inserted by aircraft, submarine, surface or subsurface swimming, inflatable boats, or by the use of two man Klepper kayaks.

During the Gulf War, DINOPS operated in support of the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division, and provided its EOD services to the division. After the cease fire took hold they conducted a joint mine clearing operation along side an Australian Navy Clearance Diver Team.

Because of its specialized mission DINOPS has access to a number of weapons and equipment not normally found in an engineer unit. They are armed with FAMAS assault rifles, HK MP-5 series SMG's, Barretta 9 mm pistols, and various explosive devices, depending on the mission requirements. For transportation they use Zodiac inflatable boats, and Klepper two-man kayaks. They are extensively equipped with night vision devices. For diving they are equipped with wet suits, SCUBA gear, and closed circuit diving oxygers.