Page 4 - Lesson 5.xps

Special Forces Module - II

Structure and
• 11 PARA (SF) (raised 2011) Role of the Forces
• 21 PARA (SF) (raised 1996)

5.3.2 National Security Guard

The National Security Guard (NSG) is an Indian Special forces unit under the Ministry
of Home Affairs (MHA). The NSG was established in the wake of 1984 Operation
Note
Blue Star. Since its raising the NSG has been used in the Punjab in 1986, and in
Jammu and Kashmir. However it is not categorised under the uniform nomenclature of
Central Armed Police Forces.

It has a Special Forces mandate, and its core operational capability is provided by the
Special Action Group (SAG) which is drawn from the Indian Army. The Special
Rangers Group (SRG), the police component of NSG, which also handles VIP security,
is composed of personnel on deputation from other Central Armed Police Forces and
State Police Forces. The NSG personnel are often referred to in the media as Black
Cats because of the black dress and black cat insignia worn on their uniform.

5.3.3 Garuds

The Garud is an Indian Air Force unit which was unveiled in February 2004. It primarily
protects Indian Air Force installations from terrorist attacks. Garud trainees undergo a
72-week probation training course, which is the longest among all the Indian Special
Forces. The total duration of training before a trainee can qualify as a fully operational
Garud is around three years. Garuds have diverse responsibilities.
Besides base protection force to protect airfields and key assets in hostile environments,
some advanced Garud units are trained like Army Para Commandos and the Naval
MARCOS to undertake missions deep behind enemy lines. During hostilities, Garuds
undertake combat search and rescue, rescue of downed airmen and other forces from
behind enemy lines, suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD), radar busting, missile
and munitions guidance (lasing of targets) and other missions in support of air operations.

5.3.4 Marine Commandos

MARCOS (previously Marine Commando Force), is the special forces unit of the
Indian Navy created for conducting special operations such as amphibious warfare,
close quarter combat, counter-terrorism, direct action, special reconnaissance,
unconventional warfare, hostage rescue, personnel recovery, combat search and rescue,
asymmetric warfare, amphibious reconnaissance including hydrographic reconnaissance.
The MCF is specially organised, trained and equipped for the conduct of special
operations in a maritime environment. MARCOS is short for Marine Commandos.
The force has gradually acquired experience and a reputation for professionalism over

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MILITARY STUDIES 43