How To Become a Garud Commando?

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How To Become a Garud Commando?

The path to becoming a Garud Commando, the elite special forces unit of the Indian Air Force (IAF), is one marked by rigorous challenges, intense training, and unyielding dedication. Formed with a clear purpose—to protect the nation’s air assets from a myriad of threats such as terrorism and natural disasters—the Garud Commando Force stands as a testament to the IAF’s commitment to safeguarding national security. This article delves deeply into the nuances of joining this prestigious unit, encompassing the historical backdrop, selection process, training protocols, operational scope, and the future of the Garud Commandos.

 

 

Historical Context

The inception of the Garud Commando Force in September 2004 is rooted in a period of heightened tension in the Kashmir Valley, particularly following terror attempts targeting air bases from 2001 onwards. In response to these threats, the IAF recognized the urgent need for a specialized force capable of protecting critical assets and providing rapid response capabilities.

Named after Garuda—an illustrious figure in Hindu mythology known for his speed, agility, and bravery—the commandos embody the essence of what is required in modern warfare scenarios. Their establishment is not only a tactical response but also a strategic necessity in a country like India, which faces multifaceted threats ranging from terrorism to natural disasters.

The Significance of Garud Commandos

Garud Commandos play a crucial role in modern warfare, embodying a unique blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. Their operational mandate ranges from safeguarding Air Force bases to conducting complex anti-terrorist operations. Here are some of their key roles:

  • Protection of Air Force Assets: Securing installations against internal sabotage and external threats.
  • Search and Rescue Operations: Engaging in life-saving missions during conflict and in peacetime.
  • Disaster Response: Responding to natural calamities, leveraging training in emergency situations.
  • Counterterrorism: Executing high-stakes operations, including hostage rescues and preemptive strikes against terrorist threats.
  • Intelligence Gathering: Engaging in reconnaissance missions to gather vital information about enemy movements and capabilities.

As the global security landscape evolves, the need for highly trained and specialized units like the Garud Commandos becomes increasingly evident.

 


Selection Process

The selection process for the Garud Commandos is notoriously competitive and rigorous, designed to filter out candidates who may not possess the required physical and mental resilience.

Non-Commissioned Selection

The recruitment process for non-commissioned personnel is initiated via advertisements released by Airmen Selection Centres. Here’s how it unfolds:

  • Initial Screening: Candidates undergo a physical fitness test, psychological evaluations, and interviews. The physical fitness requirements are notably stringent, as candidates must demonstrate superior strength, endurance, and agility.
  • Final Selection: It’s a one-time opportunity—candidates who do not succeed during the training program are not allowed a second chance. This means a profound commitment is necessary for those aspiring to join the ranks.

Commissioned Officer Selection

For commissioned officers, the pathway differs slightly:

  • Air Force Academy: Selected candidates must undergo training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. Here, they will prepare through the Ground Duty Officers course.
  • AFCAT Requirement: They are also required to pass the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), ensuring they have both academic and tactical proficiency.

This dual-track approach to recruitment ensures that members of the Garud Commando force possess a well-rounded skill set that includes tactical acumen and leadership capabilities.

 

Training Regimen

Becoming a Garud Commando is not merely about passing selection—it demands an exhaustive training regimen that can span up to three years, making it one of the most demanding preparatory pathways in the Indian Armed Forces.

Initial Phase

The journey begins with a three-month probationary training at the Garud Regimental Training Centre located in Hindon, Ghaziabad. The main focus is to assess the candidate’s suitability for advanced training.

  • High Attrition Rate: This initial phase has a notoriously high attrition rate, designed to weed out those who may not have the requisite mental toughness or physical capability.

Basic Training

The subsequent Basic Training course, lasting 72 weeks, encompasses diverse skills essential for commandos and is the longest among Indian special forces.

  • Skills Development: Trainees learn everything from weapons handling to unarmed combat and survival skills.

Special Operations Training

Following basic training, candidates transition to specialized training:

  • Entity Training: This includes collaborative courses with the Indian Army’s Special Frontier Force and the National Security Guard (NSG), ensuring extensive cross-training across different types of operations.
  • Parachute Training: Commandos receive parachute training at the Parachute Training School in Agra.

Advanced Training

The journey culminates with advanced training phases:

  • Diving and Jungle Warfare: Candidates are trained at the diving school of the Indian Navy and the Army’s Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS).
  • Joint Operations: Trainees get practical experience through joint operations with Special Forces Units of the Indian Army, thereby solidifying their skills in real-world scenarios.

Specialized Skills

In addition to regular training, Garud Commandos develop expertise in various specialized areas, including:

  • Combat Search and Rescue: Skills necessary for extricating personnel from hostile environments.
  • Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD): Recognizing and neutralizing explosive threats.
  • Close-Quarter Battle Tactics: Engaging enemies at short ranges with maximum effectiveness.

These competencies not only prepare them for a wide range of tasks but also ensure their adaptability to different operational scenarios.

Roles and Operations

Garud Commandos are multifaceted operatives, capable of executing numerous missions that demand both precision and speed. Their responsibilities include:

  • Force Protection: Engaging in the defence of IAF facilities against a spectrum of threats, ranging from terrorists to insurgents.
  • High-Value Target Operations: Conducting operations against strategic targets that could jeopardize national security.
  • Integration with Other Force Types: They often collaborate with other branches of the armed forces, sharing intelligence and expertise to amplify operational effectiveness.

This versatility is a significant asset as the nature of threats evolves, requiring a shift from traditional defence mechanisms to more proactive operational strategies.

 


Case Studies and Real-World Applications

While the specifics of Garud Commando operations may be less publicized due to their sensitive nature, certain incidents underscore their critical importance:

Operation in Jammu and Kashmir

One notable operation involved the Garud Commandos executing a complex counter-terrorism mission in Jammu and Kashmir. This operation highlighted not only their agility and combat readiness but also their capability to undertake high-stakes missions under pressure.

Details of the Operation: Commandos were deployed to neutralize a terrorist threat against a critical Air Force base. Teamwork, intelligence gathering, and efficient coordination with other security forces were pivotal in the success of this mission.

Disaster Relief Operations

In 2013, during the Uttarakhand floods, the Garud Commandos showcased their exceptional skills in disaster relief, conducting rescue operations in the affected areas. Their ability to navigate treacherous terrains and provide immediate assistance exemplified their effective training beyond traditional combat roles.

Mission Highlights:

  • Successful evacuation of stranded civilians.
  • Provision of first aid and emergency supplies.

Statistical Data and Research Insights

To further understand the significance of the Garud Commandos and their training, it is helpful to consider some statistics:

  • Attrition Rate: Roughly 50% of candidates who begin the basic training do not complete it, emphasizing the physical and mental demands of the program.
  • Training Duration: With approximately three years for full qualification, the Garud training regimen is among the most comprehensive in the world, rivaling elite forces globally.

Research into special operations forces suggests that extensively trained units like the Garuds have a significant success rate in missions due to their preparation. A 2020 article published in the Journal of Defence Studies noted that elite units trained consistently perform better in real-world operations due to the complexity of their training regimens.

Challenges and Solutions

While the Garud Commandos represent the height of IAF’s operational capabilities, they also grapple with evolving challenges:

Emerging Threats

The rise of unconventional warfare, including cyber threats and asymmetric warfare tactics employed by non-state actors, requires a shift in focus toward not just physical training but intellectual and cyber proficiency as well.

Technological Advancements

The integration of advanced technologies, such as drones and information warfare, poses both challenges and opportunities. For the Garud Commandos, mastering these technologies will be essential to maintain operational superiority.

Future Trends and Predictions

Looking ahead, the evolution of the Garud Commandos will likely entail:

  • Increased Interoperability: Strengthening connections with other special operations units, both national and international, to build a comprehensive counter-terrorism framework.
  • Focus on Cyber Warfare: As threats shift towards cyber fronts, training for digital warfare and intelligence gathering will become paramount.
  • Integration of Cutting-Edge Technology: Adopting autonomous systems, drones, and AI-driven analytics for intelligence and operational effectiveness.

By anticipating these trends, the IAF can ensure that the Garud Commando Force remains a formidable arm in the country's Defence strategy.

Conclusion

The journey to become a Garud Commando is not merely a career—it's a commitment to national service, demanding unparalleled dedication, resilience, and skill. From their initial training period to executing critical missions, these elite warriors play a crucial role in preserving the security of the nation. As they continue to evolve, adapting to both technological advancements and new forms of warfare, the Garud Commandos will remain at the forefront of India’s Defence apparatus. For prospective candidates and those interested in military service, understanding this process can illuminate not just a path but an inspiring narrative of bravery.

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