7 Things You Didn’t Know About the Garud Commandos

1. The Force Was Born from Crisis

The Garud Commando Force was officially established in February 2004, but its roots trace back to a moment of alarm and realisation. In 2001, two major air bases in Jammu and Kashmir faced attempted terror attacks. These incidents exposed a critical gap—while the army and navy had their own elite units, the air force lacked a specialised force to defend its installations and respond to such crises.

Thus, the Garuds were formed, inspired by the success of the army’s Para SF and the navy’s MARCOS. Initially called the ‘Tiger Force’, the unit was later renamed ‘Garud’, after the mighty divine bird of Hindu mythology—a fitting symbol of speed, strength, and divine protection.

2. Civilians Can Join – But Only the Toughest Survive

Unlike other special forces units that select personnel from within the military, the Garud Force is unique because it recruits directly from civilian candidates. However, the open door does not mean the path is easy—quite the opposite. Once selected, candidates must endure one of the most gruelling and extensive training regimes in the world, lasting nearly 72 weeks. This training tests not just physical endurance but also mental resilience. There’s no second chance—candidates either pass on their first attempt or are permanently benched.

The training begins at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC) near Hindan, Ghaziabad, with a three-month probation that filters out those who can’t handle the pressure. What follows is a series of specialised training phases with India’s most elite forces—the Special Frontier Force, National Security Guard (NSG), and even foreign military instructors from countries like the United States. Only those who complete this journey earn the right to call themselves Garuds.

3. Their Role Is Far Beyond Airbase Security

A common misconception is that Garuds merely guard airbases and aircraft—but their duties are far more dynamic and combat-oriented. While they do act as a rapid-response unit during any attack on Air Force assets, their role extends deep into both offensive and defensive operations.

Garuds are trained for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), counter-terrorism, air defence, combat rescue, and direct action missions. In peacetime, they participate in anti-hijacking operations, disaster relief, and support civilian authorities during national emergencies. Their deployment in diverse terrains—from the icy heights of Kashmir to the dense forests of the Red Corridor—shows the flexibility and wide operational reach of the force.

4. Once a Garud, Always a Garud

One of the most defining features of the Garud Commando Force is its career-long specialisation. Unlike the army or navy commandos, who may rotate back to regular units, Garuds remain within their force for life. This ensures an exceptionally high level of skill, consistency, and cohesion within the unit.

Over time, this model has created a tight-knit community of seasoned warriors who master their craft through years of continuous field experience. It also guarantees that every Garud in action represents the force’s collective knowledge, strategy, and spirit—refined over decades of dedication.

5. Their Arsenal Rivals the Best in the World

Garud Commandos are equipped with some of the world’s most advanced weapons, combining precision and lethality. Their arsenal includes the Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle, Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun for close combat, and the M4 Carbine—a favourite among special forces globally.

For sidearms, they carry Glock 17 and 19 pistols, while variants of the AKM assault rifle provide additional firepower. Their operational gear and uniforms also carry a distinct identity—the Airmen Beret badge and the Para badge on their chest, signifying their airborne and elite commando status. Every weapon and piece of equipment they carry reflects their adaptability to any combat environment, whether it’s high-altitude warfare or close-quarter battle.

6. They’ve Proven Their Mettle in Real Operations

Garuds are not just trained warriors—they are battle-tested heroes. They have served in UN peacekeeping missions, notably in Congo, and have been deployed in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism (CICT) operations in Jammu & Kashmir.

Their courage shone during the 2016 Pathankot terror attack, where Garud Commando Cpl Gursewak Singh, SC (posthumous), made the supreme sacrifice while defending the base. Similarly, in J&K operations, Sergeant Khairnar Milind Kishor, SC (posthumous), and Cpl Nilesh Kumar Nayan, SC (posthumous), laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Garuds also assist in anti-Naxalite operations, often serving as helicopter gunners aboard MI-17 aircraft, providing critical air support in the Red Corridor. Additionally, they have played a crucial role in disaster relief and rescue missions, saving countless lives during floods and earthquakes.

7. Their International Partnerships Reflect Global Standards

Despite being one of the youngest special forces in India, the Garuds have already earned global respect. They regularly participate in joint training exercises, including Exercise Blue Flag, with their Israeli counterparts, Unit 669—one of the world’s finest combat rescue units.

The collaboration emphasises CSAR, a core mission for both forces, focusing on rescuing downed pilots and neutralising threats in hostile zones. These exercises not only refine the Garuds’ operational capabilities but also highlight India’s growing defence partnerships and professionalism on the global stage.

Guardians of the Sky and Earth

The Garud Commando Force stands as a symbol of courage, precision, and unwavering commitment to the Indian Air Force’s mission. In just two decades, they’ve carved out a reputation that places them among the world’s elite. Their emblem—inspired by the mythical Garuda, the eagle of Lord Vishnu—perfectly captures their spirit: watchful, swift, and unyielding.

They may be fewer in number, but every Garud carries the weight of India’s skies on his shoulders—and with every mission, they remind the nation that true strength often moves unseen, yet always ready to strike when duty calls.

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