parade in Toulon, 2011. During the
First World War, facing the increased use of
mechanized warfare, the
French armed forces needed to set up a new network for fuel supply. It was then composed of a service to stock and supply the fuel, and a transport service automobile to deliver it to the end users. At the same time, a wider service to provide petrol, oils and lubricants was created. After the war, from July 12 1920 the
munitions service resumed the sourcing and stockpiling role, and the
artillery the distribution role. Then on November 25 1940 - during the
Vichy regime, these functions were combined into one unified service arm: it received the name
Military fuel service (SEA), which it still bears. The order of March 17 1945 defines the SEA as a central service in charge of refueling the whole of the armed forces. A 1991 decree further defined this mission. The service has "to assure at all times, in all places and in all circumstances the fuel support of the armed forces, while also acting as fuel advisor to the
General Staff". It therefore supervises the supply of fuels and lubricants for the vehicles of the
Army,
Navy (outside of naval fuels of hold),
Air Force,
National Gendarmerie and the
National Guard, as well as providing fuel advice. ==Unique Ranks in the SEA==