Page 2 - Lesson 6.xps

Module - II Para Military Forces

Structure and
Role of the Forces However, from 2011, they have been regrouped into two classes whereby the later six
are called Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

The first three are the current paramilitary forces of India - Assam Rifles (part of
Home Ministry), Special Frontier Force (part of Cabinet Secretariat) and Indian Coast
Guard (part of Ministry of Defence).

Note 6.2 Assam Rifles (AR)

The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force of India. The unit can trace its lineage
back to a paramilitary police force that was formed under the British in 1835 called
Cachar Levy. Since then the Assam Rifles have undergone a number of changes in its
name the Assam Frontier Police (1883), the Assam Military Police (1891) and Eastern
Bengal and Assam Military Police (1913), before finally becoming the Assam Rifles in
1917.

Over the course of its history, the Assam Rifles and its predecessor units have served
in a number of roles, conflicts and theatres including World War I where they served in
Europe and the Middle East, and World War II where they served mainly in Burma. In
the post World War II period the Assam Rifles has expanded greatly, as has its role.
There are currently 46 battalions of Assam Rifles with a sanctioned strength of 63,747
personnel. It is under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The officers
required for Assam Rifles is provided by Indian Army. Officers from the Indain Army
are selected to serve a deputation duty in the Assam Rifles for a fixed number of years.
They perform many roles including the provision of internal security under the control
of the army through the conduct of counter insurgency and border security operations,
provision of aid to the civil power in times of emergency, and the provision of
communications, medical assistance and education in remote areas.

In times of war they can also be used as a combat force to secure rear areas if needed.
Since 2002 it has been guarding the Indo-Myanmar barrier as per the government
policy of 'one border-one force'.
Assam Rifles ranks Indian Army ranks
Director General (Army officer on deputation) Lieutenant General

Inspector General (Army officer on deputation) Major General
Deputy Inspector General (Army officer on deputation) Brigadier

Commandant (Army Officer on deputation) Colonel
Second in Command Lieutenant Colonel

Deputy Commandant Major
Assistant Commandant Captain

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MILITARY STUDIES