Historically, Cossacks were a warrior people who often found themselves on the edge of the Russian empire.  They came from the Steppes, they came from the forests, and they came from the swamps.  Cossack men and women were often accustomed to a hard lifestyle.  From a young age, they were trained to defend themselves and their communities.  In some regions, like the Kuban in southern Russia, the Cossacks were historically sent to establish settlements and secure the region for law abiding inhabitants.  This, however, was no easy task, as the terrain was difficult to navigate and proved to be a welcome home to roving bands of bandits, thieves and pillagers.  It is in places like this that strong horsemanship, keen senses, and an intense connection to nature made the Cossacks such effective fighters.  

Following the German invasion of Ukraine and Russia, some of the very first volunteers to surface were the Cossacks from the Don and Kuban regions.  Although skeptical at first, German units soon found the effectiveness and loyalty of the cossack volunteers to be quite high.  Whether escorting long columns of prisoners to the rear areas, performing reconnaissance, or assisting with rear guard security against partisan forces, the cossacks often proved themselves to be very useful.  These skills continued to be of use throughout the duration of the war.  As such, upon arrival in France, it was commonplace for Cossack units, such as the 360. Kosaken Grenadier Regiment to perform mounted or dismounted security duties.  As the war progressed, so did the strength of the French partisan forces.  Once the 360. Kosaken Grenadier Regiment was formally attached to the 708. infanterie Division, they continued to assist with rear guard security duties in and around Bordeaux and the Gironde river estuary.  As with most Division sized forces, the 708. had maintained it's own Feldgendarmerie Trupp.  Given the small size of this Trupp, attached Cossack personnel were highly regarded and relied upon to ensure security in the region.

In addition to outright portraying members of the Feldgendarmerie Trupp 708., unit Cossack personnel can wear the Feldgendarmerie assistant armband in green and yellow.  This armband signifies their official position as assistants to the military field police.  When participating as assistant Feldgendarmerie personnel, unit members can perform security patrols, check paperwork, man guard gates, and assist with anti-partisan operations where needed.  The unit will establish a lead Feldgendarm who will assist with coordinating all field operations.  This individual and the unit commander will determine which events are appropriate for field police duty and ensure that all operations run smoothly.  All uniforms and specialized insignia must meet the approval of the Feldgendarmerie lead and unit commander! 

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