A commando is a highly trained specialist in the armed forces, adept at operating in high-risk and often hostile environments. Commandos are the tip of the spear, undertaking missions that require exceptional physical and mental fortitude, tactical acumen, and specialized skills. In India, commandos serve in various elite units across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as in specialized police forces.

Key Characteristics of a Commando:

• Exceptional Physical Fitness: Commandos undergo rigorous training to develop peak physical condition.
• Mental Resilience: They are trained to withstand extreme stress and make critical decisions under pressure.
• Tactical Expertise: Commandos possess advanced skills in combat tactics, reconnaissance, and infiltration.
• Specialized Skills: They are proficient in weapons handling, explosives, survival techniques, and close-quarters combat.
• Teamwork: Commandos operate in small, highly coordinated teams, relying on each other for support and success.

Examples of Commando Units in India:

• Para Special Forces (Army): Specializes in airborne operations, direct action, and counter-terrorism.
• MARCOS (Navy): Marine commandos trained for maritime operations, including anti-piracy and coastal security.
• Garud Commando Force (Air Force): Responsible for protecting critical airbases and conducting special operations.
• National Security Guard (NSG): A federal counter-terrorism unit that handles hostage situations and terrorist threats.

Becoming a commando is a challenging but rewarding path for those seeking to serve their country at the highest level. It demands unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and a commitment to excellence.

The roles and responsibilities of a commando are diverse and demanding, varying based on their unit and specific mission objectives. Generally, commandos are tasked with missions that are beyond the capabilities of conventional forces, requiring specialized skills and a high degree of risk tolerance.

Common Responsibilities Include:

• Direct Action: Conducting raids, ambushes, and assaults on enemy targets.
• Counter-Terrorism: Responding to terrorist attacks, hostage situations, and bomb threats.
• Special Reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence in hostile or denied areas.
• Unconventional Warfare: Training and supporting resistance movements in enemy-occupied territory.
• Hostage Rescue: Rescuing hostages from enemy captivity.
• VIP Protection: Providing security for high-profile individuals in high-risk environments.
• Search and Rescue: Conducting search and rescue operations in difficult terrain or disaster zones.
• Maritime Operations: Conducting operations at sea, including anti-piracy and coastal defense.

Specific Examples:

• Para SF: Conducting cross-border operations and counter-insurgency operations.
• MARCOS: Securing offshore oil rigs and conducting underwater demolition.
• Garud Commandos: Protecting airbases from terrorist attacks and conducting combat search and rescue.
• NSG: Neutralizing terrorists in urban environments and rescuing hostages from hijacked aircraft.

Commandos must be prepared to operate in any environment, from dense jungles to high mountains, and from urban areas to maritime environments. They must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and make quick decisions under pressure. Their training is continuous and rigorous, ensuring they remain at the peak of their capabilities.

Becoming a commando in India is a highly selective and demanding process. It requires a strong commitment to physical fitness, mental resilience, and a willingness to serve in high-risk environments. The path to becoming a commando varies depending on the specific unit, but generally involves the following steps:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Age: Varies depending on the unit, but generally between 18 and 25 years.
• Education: A minimum of 10+2 or equivalent is required. Graduation is often preferred.
• Physical Standards: Must meet stringent physical fitness standards, including height, weight, and eyesight requirements.
• Medical Standards: Must be medically fit and free from any disqualifying conditions.

Selection Process:

• Written Exam: Some units conduct a written exam to assess general knowledge and aptitude.
• Physical Fitness Test (PFT): A rigorous test of physical endurance, including running, push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups.
• Medical Examination: A thorough medical examination to ensure physical fitness.
• Interview: An interview to assess personality, motivation, and suitability for commando training.

Training:

• Basic Training: All selected candidates undergo basic military training at their respective training academies.
• Pre-Commando Training: A preparatory course to build physical and mental endurance.
• Commando Training: A specialized course that focuses on advanced combat tactics, weapons handling, explosives, survival techniques, and close-quarters combat. This phase is extremely demanding and has a high attrition rate.
• Advanced Training: After completing commando training, candidates undergo advanced training in specialized skills, such as airborne operations, maritime operations, or counter-terrorism.

Key Skills Developed During Training:

• Physical Fitness: Strength, endurance, agility, and stamina.
• Combat Skills: Marksmanship, close-quarters combat, and explosives handling.
• Survival Skills: Wilderness survival, navigation, and first aid.
• Tactical Skills: Reconnaissance, infiltration, and ambush tactics.
• Mental Resilience: Stress management, decision-making under pressure, and teamwork.

Aspiring commandos should focus on developing their physical fitness, mental toughness, and tactical skills. Joining the armed forces and excelling in basic training is the first step towards realizing this challenging but rewarding career.

The history of commando operations in India is marked by bravery, innovation, and a commitment to protecting the nation's interests. From the early days of independence to the present, Indian commandos have played a crucial role in defending the country against internal and external threats.

Early Years:

• The earliest commando-style operations were conducted by specialized units within the Indian Army during the wars with Pakistan and China.
• These units were trained in unconventional warfare tactics and tasked with disrupting enemy operations behind enemy lines.

Formation of Specialized Units:

• In the 1980s, the Indian government recognized the need for dedicated commando units to address emerging threats, such as terrorism and insurgency.
• The National Security Guard (NSG) was established in 1984 to handle counter-terrorism operations.
• The Para Special Forces (Para SF) were expanded and reorganized to focus on special operations.
• The Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) was created in 1987 to conduct maritime operations.

Key Operations:

• Operation Blue Star (1984): NSG commandos were deployed to the Golden Temple in Amritsar to flush out Sikh militants.
• Operation Black Tornado (2008): NSG commandos stormed the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai to neutralize terrorists during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
• Cross-Border Operations: Para SF units have conducted numerous cross-border operations against terrorist camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Myanmar.
• Counter-Insurgency Operations: Commando units have played a vital role in combating insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.

Modernization and Expansion:

• In recent years, the Indian government has invested heavily in modernizing and expanding its commando forces.
• New equipment and training programs have been introduced to enhance their capabilities.
• The Garud Commando Force of the Indian Air Force has been expanded to protect critical airbases.

Legacy:

• Indian commandos have earned a reputation for courage, professionalism, and effectiveness.
• They have played a crucial role in safeguarding India's security and protecting its citizens.
• Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of soldiers and commandos.