Originally France limited itself to providing logistic support to the Chadian Armed Forces but, when it became clear the situation was not improving, De Gaulle reluctantly started Operation Bison on April 14, 1969, sending 3,000 well-equipped French soldiers against the ragtag FROLINAT forces. Among the conditions for the French help was the acceptance by Tombalbaye of an Administrative Reform Mission (MRA), to reform the army and the civil service and propose radical changes to the government's policies.
France initially provided logistical support to the Chadian Armed Forces but, as the situation deteriorated, De Gaulle launched Operation Bison on April 14, 1969, sending in 3,000 well-equipped French troops against the FROLINAT forces.  As a condition for this aid, Tombalbaye accepted an Administrative Reform Mission (MRA) to reform the army and civil service and propose significant changes to the government's policies.