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Para Military Forces Module - II

Structure and
Role of the Forces

6

Note
PARA MILITARY FORCES

A paramilitary force is a semi-militarized force whose organizational structure, tactics,
training, subculture, and (often) function are similar to those of a professional military,
but which is not included as part of a state's formal armed forces. Though paramilitary
is not a military force, it is usually like military's light infantry force in terms of training,
and organizational structure. Paramilitary force like B&F, which is for border guarding,
comes under the Army during war and performs some functions of infantry.

Objectives

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
• explain the meaning of paramilitary forces and

• describe the different types of paramilitary forces and their specific purposes.

6.1 Paramilitary Forces

Indian Paramilitary Forces refer to three organisations that assist the Indian Armed
Forces closely and are led by officers of the Indian Army or Indian Navy. However,
any law or rules of the Government have not defined them. Earlier, the term 'paramilitary'
forces was used for eight forces:

1. Assam Rifles

2. Special Frontier Force
3. Indian Coast Guard

4. Central Reserve Police Force
5. Border Security Force
6. Indo-Tibetan Border Police

7. Central Industrial Security Force
8. Sashastra Seema Bal

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MILITARY STUDIES 47