The Franc-Garde (English: Free Guard) was the armed wing of the French Milice (Militia), operating alone or alongside German forces in major battles against the Maquis from late 1943 to August 1944. The Franc-Garde was initially confined to the former free zone, its access was formally extended to the former occupied zone as of January 27, 1944. Its stated role was to support the national revolution undertaken by the Vichy government, predominantly through policing, but also assisting in the clearing of bombed cities. In the words of Secretary General of the French Militia, Joseph Darnand in his keynote address January 30, 1943, the Franc-Garde should be "technically trained and combat-ready in order to be at all times prepared to maintain order".