The Special Forces of the Indian Armed Forces

Anyone who is looking forward to a career in the Indian Armed Forces needs to know about the special forces to get some motivation and knowledge. Special Forces are the military units which are capable to undertake special operations in any environment. Most of us have heard about US Navy SEAL’s, British SAS, etc. but only few of us know about the special forces of India. So let’s have a look on the special forces of India and their tasks.

a)     MARCOS

MARCOS (Marine Commandos) are the special forces of Indian Navy. MARCOS are capable of conducting operations in all the three mediums Sea, Air and Land in all type of terrains. MARCOS are regarded as the one of the best commandos in the world and are among the few units qualified to jump in water with full combat load. MARCOS were trained by US Navy SEAL team and British SAS.

MARCOS are highly equipped with the latest weapons and are capable of airborne operations, counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking operations, anti-piracy operations, special reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, Hostage rescues.

b)    Para Commandos

Para Commandos is the special force of Indian Army. Para Commandos are the largest special force of India. They are the part of highly trained Parachute Regiment of Indian Army and have PARA (SF) & PARA (SF) Airborne battalions. The main aim of Para Commandos is to quickly deploy the soldiers in the area of conflicts. Para Commandos wear the highly respected maroon beret.

Para Commandos are capable of special reconnaissance, intelligence collection, hostage rescue, covert & direct operations, counter insurgency operations, counter-proliferation, humanitarian missions, sabotage of vital enemy infrastructure.

 c)     National Security Guards

National Security Guards is a special force that is utilized for the counter terrorism activities. It comes under the Central Armed Police Forces. The NSG’s are capable of handling hijacking situations, hostage rescue, engaging and neutralizing terrorists, bomb disposal. Most of the personnel are on deputation from Indian Armed Forces and rest are selected from central police forces.

NSG is regarded as the one of the finest counter terrorist units in Asia. It comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs

 d)    Garud Commando Force

Garud Commando Force is the special force on Indian Air Force. The main task of the Garud Commando Force is to protect the critical Air Force bases and installations from terrorist attacks. Garuds are also capable of counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking, radar busting, hostage rescue, lasing of targets to support air operations

Garuds are also capable of undertaking search and rescue operations, rescue of friendly soldiers, aid during natural calamities and other military tasks. Garuds are also deployed in Congo as a part of UN peace Keeping operations.

e)    COBRA

COBRA stands for COmmando Battalion for Resolute Action. It is the special force of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This unit was established to track and hunt down the Naxalite groups in effected regions.

COBRA is highly trained in guerrilla warfare and is regarded as the best equipped paramilitary unit in India. The COBRA unit has latest guns and hi-tech electronic surveillance equipment and also has well trained sniper teams.

COBRA’s are trained by the Indian Army and CRPF. As, it is the part of CRPF it comes under ministry of home affairs

f)      Ghatak Force

Ghatak Force is an Indian Army’s infantry platoon capable of special operations. There is one Ghatak platoon in every infantry battalion in the Indian Army. Generally Ghatak Platoon is a 20-man strong which is capable of carrying out tasks such as special reconnaissance, ambush on enemies, directing artillery and air attacks on targets of enemies, raids on enemy airfields & supply dumps etc.

g)     Special Protection Group

Special protection group works for the protection of the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court and High Court judges and other top officials. It is one of the 8 central armed police forces.

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