 It continued in the training role until 1974, when the 1er RPIMa was transformed into a Special Forces unit, a role it still plays today.The unit's mission has been mostly to support France's interests in Africa.Between 1974 and 1981, the 1er RPIMa underwent another mission change to focus on long-range reconnaissance patrols for almost a decade, while it still used its training skills to training friendly forces abroad.