They're not French, but are actually British. I have no idea why they're doing that though. Seems like an unstable place to rest that rifle.
From the Blue Beret and the Sniper rifle I am guessing they are from the RAF Regiment, kind of like the RAF's version of UASF Security Police/Forces on steriods.
RAF Regiment Airman: http://www.rafregt.com/images/kabul5.jpg
RAF Sniper: http://www.operations.mod.uk/telic/images/ops/rafsniper.jpg
(parent site) http://www.operations.mod.uk/telic/photo_gallery_ops_land2.htm
(rifle looks the same, is it standard issue just for the RAF or the UK armed forces?)
RAF Regiment website: http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafregiment/
The USAF SP's also have counter-snipers: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforce/l/blafsnipers.htm