Who are Garud Commandos? – Origin, Objectives, Roles & Responsibilities, Qualification, How to Join, UPSC Questions
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Introduction to Garud Commandos UPSC
Recently, We have heard the term “Garud Commandos”, in recent activities in Kargil because Garud Commandos was involved in that. Now, For those, who have a very less information about Indian Army, Indian Air forces, Navy and so on, will be amazed to read the word “Garud Commandos”.
This is a special forced of Indian Armed Forced and get involved in few special operations.
Knowing about this special forces of Indian Armed Forces will lead you to increase a comprehensive knowledge about Indian Armed Forces.
If you are also willing to know about Garud Commandos, their origin, objectives, roles, responsibilities, powers & so on, then this blog is for you.
So, let’s start-
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What are Garud Commandos & Why they are in News?
What are Garud Commandos?
Garud Commandos are the special forces of the Indian Air Force (IAF), specializing in various combat roles. Formed in 2004, they are trained for tasks such as counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare.
Garuds undergo rigorous training, including airborne operations, martial arts, and combat survival skills. Their primary role is to protect critical air force installations, conduct special operations behind enemy lines, and support air force missions.
Renowned for their elite training and versatility, Garud Commandos play a crucial role in enhancing the overall security and operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Why Garud Commandos are in the News?
Garud Commandos made headlines as they participated in a significant event alongside the Indian Air Force. During a groundbreaking military exercise in Kargil, a C-130 Super Hercules aircraft conducted a night landing at the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG). This showcased the Garud Commandos’ capabilities in tandem with the IAF.
The operation emphasized the elite forces’ proficiency in specialized missions, including counter-terrorism and unconventional warfare.
The successful night landing at the challenging Kargil airstrip demonstrated the integration of air and ground forces, highlighting the Garud Commandos’ crucial role in enhancing the overall operational readiness and strategic capabilities of the Indian Air Force.
Overview of Garud Commandos
The Garud Commando Force, established in 2004, is the Indian Air Force’s special forces unit with over 1500 personnel.
Named after the Hindu God Garuda, they safeguard vital Air Force bases, engage in search and rescue operations, and provide disaster relief. They’ve also been deployed for UN peacekeeping, such as in Congo in 2004.
History of Garud Commandos
The History of Garud Commandos are described below-
- Origins after 2001 Attacks: The Garud Commando Force was conceived after terrorists attempted to attack two major air bases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001, prompting the need for a specialized force to protect critical air assets.
- Specialized Training Requirement: The Air Force commanders recognized the necessity for a dedicated commando force trained in Special Forces techniques, Combat Search and Rescue, Reconnaissance, Counter Insurgency (COIN) Operations, and emergency responses to terrorist threats to airfields.
- Formation Plans: Initial plans in October 2001 proposed a force of 2000 commandos, initially named “Tiger Force” but later renamed as “Garud Force” to fulfill the specialized needs of the Indian Air Force.
- Authorization and Mandate: In September 2003, the Government of India authorized the formation of a 1080-strong Garud Force with a mandate to perform niche, Air Force-specific operational tasks. The force was to be raised and trained on the lines of the Para SF of the Army and MARCOS of the Indian Navy.
- Training Commencement: The first batch of 100 volunteers from the IAF No.1 Airmen Training Center at Belgaum, Karnataka, underwent Garud Training at Gurgaon.
- Official Unveiling: The Garuds were officially unveiled on 6 February 2004, with the first batch of 62 “Air Commandos” passing out of training in New Delhi.
- Public Debut: The Garud Commandos made their first public appearance during the Air Force Day celebrations in New Delhi on 8 October 2004.
- Post-Pathankot Attack Expansion: Following the Pathankot Terror Attack, the Indian Air Force decided to raise ten additional squadrons of Garud commandos, comprising about 700 personnel.
- Total Strength: The total strength of the Garud Commando Force, after the expansion post-Pathankot attack, reached 1780 personnel.
- Mandate and Operations: The Garuds are tasked with safeguarding critical Air Force bases, engaging in search and rescue operations, providing disaster relief during calamities, and have been deployed internationally for UN peacekeeping operations, such as in Congo in 2004.
Objectives of Garud Commandos
The objectives of the Garud Commando Force include safeguarding critical Indian Air Force assets, specializing in Special Forces techniques, Combat Search and Rescue, Reconnaissance, Counter Insurgency (COIN) Operations, and responding to emergencies and terrorist threats at airfields.
They also contribute to international peacekeeping missions, exemplified by their deployment in Congo in 2004.
Roles & Responsibilities of Garud Commandos
We have added a detailed roles & responsibilities of Garud Commando below-
- Direct Action: Garuds are responsible for engaging in direct action operations, executing specialized tasks in high-threat environments.
- Special Reconnaissance: Conducting special reconnaissance missions to gather critical intelligence in diverse operational scenarios.
- Pilot Rescue: Rescuing downed pilots in hostile territories, ensuring prompt and effective retrieval during emergencies.
- Establishing Airbases: Setting up airbases in hostile territories, demonstrating the force’s capability to operate in challenging environments.
- Air Traffic Control: Providing air-traffic control services to the established airbases, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses: Engaging in operations to neutralize and suppress enemy air defenses, ensuring air superiority.
- Destruction of Enemy Assets: Targeting and destroying enemy assets such as radars, contributing to strategic objectives.
- Evaluation of Airstrikes: Assessing the outcomes of Indian airstrikes, enhancing the effectiveness of air operations.
- Laser Designation: Using laser designators to guide Indian airstrikes with precision, minimizing collateral damage.
- Security of IAF Installations: While Air Force Police and Defence Security Corps handle general security, Garuds protect critical assets, contributing to overall defense measures.
Organization of Garud Commandos
Garud Commandos are a part of the Indian Air Force, enlisted as airmen. They are organized into fifteen flights stationed at air force bases. Each flight, led by an officer, has around 60 to 70 members working in squads.
The force is commanded by a Wing Commander. As of 2017, there are over 1500 Garud personnel, and there are plans to add more members to strengthen the force under its command structure.
Training of Garud Commandos – How to Become a Garud Commando
If you want to become a Garud Commando, then you also have to pass through these training listed below-
Becoming a Garud
- To join Garud Commandos, individuals apply directly through airmen selection centers, a unique process compared to other forces.
- Eligible candidates undergo tough physical training, and recruitment is a one-time chance.
- Once recruited and trained, individuals stay in the Garud Commando Force throughout their careers, ensuring a consistently skilled team.
Training Journey
- The training journey spans 72 weeks, starting with a three-month probationary phase at the Garud Regimental Training Centre.
- Special operations training comes from Special Frontier Force, Army’s Para SF, and NSG, followed by parachute training in Agra.
- Niche field training covers jungle and snow survival, demolition, diving, and advanced skills in anti-hijack, counter-insurgency, and diving.
- The final phase involves active operations with the Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army for practical experience.
Garud Look and Pride
- Garud airmen wear the “Airman Beret Badge,” parachute wings, and the distinctive “Garud Force Patch.”
- A proud symbol, the gold Garud Winged Badge is worn on the left chest, similar to pilot/aircrew wings.
- Initially in black berets, they now wear maroon berets, showcasing the operational paratroopers brevet, formation insignia, and “IAF GARUD” titles on sleeves.
Operational Deployments of Garud Commandos
We have added Operational Deployments of Garud Commandos till now, below-
- UN Peacekeeping in Congo: Garud Commandos were deployed to Congo as part of the UN peacekeeping contingent, showcasing their international role in maintaining peace.
- Counter-Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir: Garuds operate alongside Indian Army special forces in Jammu and Kashmir, conducting counter-insurgency operations and neutralizing terrorists in the region.
- Security Operations at Aero India: Garud commandos were tasked with providing security at the Yelahanka AFS during Aero India events in 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2013.
- Pathankot Attack (2016): During the 2016 Pathankot attack, a Garud team engaged intruding terrorists in a firefight, resulting in the death of Garud Commando Gursewak Singh.
- Ladakh Deployment (2020): Amidst the 2020 China–India tensions, Garud commandos were deployed near strategic mountain peaks in Ladakh to defend Indian airspace against potential threats, utilizing air defense systems.
Salary of Garud Commandos
The Salary of Garud Commandos an be vary according to rank and many other factors. We have added a brief information about Salary of Garud Commandos below-
1. Training Stipend
During training, Airmen receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 14,600/-.
2. Post-Training Emoluments
After training, the initial gross emoluments start at Rs. 26,900/- per month, inclusive of Military Service Pay (MSP) and Dearness Allowance.
3. Special Force (SF) Allowance
Those in the Indian Air Force (Security) Trade receive an additional Special Force (SF) Allowance of Rs. 17,300/- per month post-training.
4. Rank-Based Salary Range
The basic salary for Garud Commandos varies based on their rank, ranging from INR 35,400 to INR 2,50,000 per month, reflecting the hierarchical structure within the force.
5. Detailed Rank-Specific Scales
- Junior Warrant Officer (JWO): INR 35,400 to INR 1,12,400 per month
- Warrant Officer (WO): INR 40,000 to INR 1,25,700 per month
- Master Warrant Officer (MWO): INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000 per month
- Commissioned Officer (CO): INR 61,300 to INR 2,08,700 per month
6. Career Progression Benefits:
Emoluments may increase with years of service and career progression.
7. Comprehensive Package:
The salary package includes various allowances such as housing and healthcare, providing a comprehensive compensation structure for Garud Commandos.
Key Facts about Garud Commandos – Garud Commandos Key Facts UPSC – Garud Commando Details UPSC
| Attribute | Information |
| Founded | 6 February 2004 – present |
| Country | India |
| Branch | Indian Air Force |
| Type | Special Forces |
| Size | Classified |
| Garrison/HQ | GRTC, Classified, India |
| Patron | Garuda |
| Motto(s) | ॥प्रहार से सुरक्षा॥ (Translation: Defence by Offence) |
| War Cry | “गरुड़ का हूँ बोल प्यारे” / “I am the son of Garuda, Say O my friend” |
| Engagements | MONUC (Congo) Security during Aero India 2005/2007/2011/2013 Kashmir conflict 2016 Pathankot attack Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir |
| Decorations | 1 Ashok Chakra, 8 Shaurya Chakra |
Garud Commandos Vs. MARCOS Commandos
| Aspect | Garud Commandos | MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) |
| Formation Year | Established on 6 February 2004 | Conceived in 1985, officially raised in February 1987 |
| Parent Service | Indian Air Force | Indian Navy |
| Primary Operations | Special forces primarily focused on airbase and asset security | Special forces with a maritime focus |
| Origin of Training | Trained by various international special forces | Initially trained by U.S. Navy SEALs and British SF |
| Main Deployment Area | Primarily deployed for airbase and counter-terrorism duties | Specialized in maritime operations, including anti-piracy |
| Training with Other Units | Train alongside other Indian Army units, if needed | Train with the Indian Army’s Para (SF) for 3 weeks |
| Basic Motto | “॥प्रहार से सुरक्षा॥” (Defence by Offence) | The Few, The Fearless |
| Squad Composition | Classified | Prahar – Each squad consists of 8 soldiers |
| Main Responsibilities | Protection and defense of Indian Air Force assets and personnel | Amphibious operations, reconnaissance, counter-terrorism |
| Notable Engagements | Involved in various operations, including MONUC (Congo), 2016 Pathankot attack, and Kashmir conflict | Engagements in Sri Lanka against LTTE, Kargil War, anti-piracy operations |
Garud Commando Photos
FAQs on Garud Commandos – Garud Commandos UPSC Questions
Question-1: What are Garud Commandos?
Answer. Garud Commandos are the special forces of the Indian Air Force, responsible for conducting special operations, counter-terrorism, and other high-risk missions.
Question-2: When were Garud Commandos established?
Answer. Garud Commandos were established on February 6, 2004, and have since played a crucial role in various military and security operations.
Question-3: What is the role of Garud Commandos?
Answer. The primary role of Garud Commandos is to provide special operations capability for the protection and defense of Indian Air Force assets and personnel. They are trained for various missions, including counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.
Question-4: Where is the headquarters of Garud Commandos located?
Answer. The headquarters of Garud Commandos is located at GRTC (Garud Regiment Training Centre), the training facility for Garud personnel.
Question-5: What is the motto of Garud Commandos?
Answer. The motto of Garud Commandos is “॥प्रहार से सुरक्षा॥” which translates to “Defence by Offence” in English.
Question-6: In which engagements have Garud Commandos participated?
Answer. Garud Commandos have been involved in various engagements, including MONUC (Congo), providing security during Aero India events, the Kashmir conflict, the 2016 Pathankot attack, and the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.
Question-7: What is the size of Garud Commandos?
Answer. The size of Garud Commandos is classified, reflecting the sensitive and secretive nature of their operations.
Question-8: Who is the patron of Garud Commandos?
Answer. The patron of Garud Commandos is Garuda, a mythical bird in Hindu mythology symbolizing power and strength.
Question-9: What decorations have Garud Commandos received?
Answer. Garud Commandos have received prestigious decorations, including 1 Ashok Chakra and 8 Shaurya Chakra, in recognition of their bravery and exemplary service.
Question-10: How does one become a Garud Commando?
Answer. Joining Garud Commandos involves a rigorous selection process, and candidates undergo intense training at the Garud Regiment Training Centre (GRTC). The selection criteria and training program are designed to ensure the highest standards of physical and mental fitness.
Question-11: What is Garud Commando Insignia?
Answer. We have added the Garud Commando Insignia Image Below –
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