The garud commondos force is the youngest and newest special forces unit of indian airforce it was formed
In 2004.The unit derives its name from garudas a divine bird in Hindu mythology.
It was established and trained on the lines of indian army para special force and indian navy marine commandos to which it is broadly comparable but garud have a diverse portfolio of tasking from acting as as rapid response to a terror strike on an airbase to conducting missions behind enemy lines in support of wartime operations also search and rescue and hostilities and disaster relief operations during clamities too garud are now presently deployed in Congo as UN peacekeeping operations. Garud is now a regular part of many exercises such as iron fist ,live wire ,aero India etc.
UNIFORM
Garud airman wear the "Airman Beret Badge" on the cap. They are also parachute trained, and wear the para wings above the right pocket. The "Garud Force Patch" can be seen worn on the sleeve. The Garud Commando Badge, which was worn on the right pocket and resembles the NSG badge, is no longer in use. Instead they now have a Garud Winged Badge which is gold in colour and worn on the left chest, similar to where pilot/aircrew wings are worn.
The Garuds used to wear a black beret, instead of the traditional maroon beret of the other Indian Special Forces units, but now wear the maroon beret. They sport the operational paratroopers brevet on the right chest. The formation insignia is worn on the left shoulder. The Garuds are also entitled to wear "IAF GARUD" titles on the sleeves.
AREAS OF OPERATIONS
Contrary to popular perception, Garuds are not an airfield and key assets protection force as its made to believe. The security of vital IAF installations like radars, airfields and other establishments in border areas is usually under the care of the Air Force Police and the Defense Security Corps. However in case of any terrorist attack , like the failed attempt on Awantipur AFS in October 2001, the Garuds will act as an emergency response team and will be on the scene to tackle the threat.
Their role is diverse and largely specific to the air force. During hostilities, Garuds undertake combat rescue, suppression of enemy air defense and other missions in support of air operations. Their peace time role can be looked under counter terrorism, antihijacking, aid during natural calamities and military tasks in the interest of the nation. Garuds have been deployed to Congo as a part of the UN peace keeping contingent. Operating alongside the special forces of the Army in Jammu and Kashmir provide them the much needed operational exposure. Towards this purpose, teams from the flights are attached to army SF units
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
The basic selection of GARUD commandos is through two processes. The process is on the bases of commission. For non- commissioned vacancies, airmen selection process and for commissioned post, ground duty trainees of GDOC.
Non-Commissioned Post – The selection for GARUD is done directly and not from volunteers, through Airmen Section Centres. Recruitment is initiated by the release of notification/ advertisement. Most interestingly, there is no second chance for section. Means it’s now or never. And after selection, you have to make grade during your training schedule. And if you fail, you are out. After the completion of training, the trainees are merged into the force. After joining the force, one keeps in this stream till he serves in Indian Air force.
Commissioned Posts – Commissioned post for GARUD units are filled by the cadets of ground duty at Air force Academy, Dundigal. And for GDOC, you have AFCAT exam. After getting trained, they get into the GARUD unit.
As far as training is concerned, the initial phase of training takes place at GARUD regiment training centre, Hindan. Next phase of training is given by a special group consisting of members form Army, NSG, Paramilitary force and Special Frontier force. Along with this, these men gets training under parachute training school, diving school of Navy and jungle warfare school of Army. And final phase is meets with Special Forces units of Army.
Special Forces plays a crucial part in Indian security. And with the hike in attraction towards armed forces, GARUD has also seen hike in aspirants. Aspirants preparing for AFCAT got a chance to serve in GARUD and become a part of this special group.
I hope I answered all your queries
Upvote to appreciate and follow to know more…. personally I have great respect and admiration for special forces of india for their sacrifice and valour and all the hardship they go through
"Men apart every men an emperor's
Can women join the Garud commandos?
No, not yet. I believe the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are currently looking at a limited period basis (perhaps 5 years) in which women would be given opportunities in Combat roles. As with any other form of integration it should be a progressive step-wise integration to higher combat capability roles as below:
Initial Support Roles - Medical, Legal, Educational, Signals and Engineering etc. (Already in place)
Combat Roles - As Jawans, Fighter pilots etc. (Being considered)
Special Forces - Marcos, Garud, Para etc. (Not being talked as yet)
Should they be allowed to join?
If it doesn’t lead to lowering of military standards already set (as it’s already being alleged in the case of US military).
If it doesn’t bring gender politics into military’s capability to objectively review and revise the standards in keeping with the capability upgrade required.