From NDA to Commandos and Paratroopers: A Courageous Career

Life is not easy being in the armed forces but the challenge doubles as an individual opt for becoming a Commando or a Paratrooper. Paratroopers and Commandos come under the special force department and they are specifically trained to counter tough and delicate situations. After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks the Special Forces are always in an alert to counter any similar situations at any place and at any point in and around India.

Joining the Special Forces of India as an NDA Cadet

Each of the three wings of the Indian Armed forces has their own set of commandos, paratroopers, Deep-sea divers, Skydivers, and Para-jumpers. Indian Army has Para Special Forces, the Air-force has Garuda and Indian Navy has Marcos, all these Special Forces are skilled to face the deadliest and complex rescue missions. If an NDA Cadet wishes to be a part of the Special Forces of any three wings, then they have to join the respective wings after they are done with NDA.

After their completion in the respective academy, cadets can apply for the going with the Special Forces. If a Former NDA alumnus working with the Army, Navy or Air-force decides to join the respective Special Forces then they have to go through the probation period where their mental and physical ability is tested only after the probation is over. The Special Force aspirants are sent to the relevant training bases to start the training as Special Force units.

Procedure to become a Commando or Paratrooper in the Indian Army

Armed personal who want to become commandos in the Indian Army become National Security Guards and the Paratroopers make up the Parachute Unit of the Indian Army.

Men who are interested in joining Special Forces should have provided services in the Indian Army and must be in the age range of 20 to 35 years. If any person is above 35 years their joining largely depends on their mental and physical fitness.

Generally, commandos are trained to become paratroopers, skydivers, para-jumpers and deep-sea divers. After the probation period of 90 days, the filtering of the soldier for the next phase is chosen.

After the completion of the training one is decorated with Marron Beret and Para Wings and send to the respective training battalions and they are off to join the simultaneous commando Unit.

Training of the Special Forces and Commandos

Unlike the training for the Armed Forces, the training to become a Commando or getting into the Special Force is very tough. Out of hundreds of aspirants or volunteers, only a few hundreds are chosen. The training procedure is not only tough but draining in all aspect; a day-long training on a daily basis is important in becoming a commando in the Special Forces.

The training includes all kinds of operation formats such as special operations, Direct action, Special reconnaissance, Hostage rescue, Asymmetric warfare, Personnel recovery, Counter-proliferation, Counter Drugs operations, Counter-terrorism, Foreign Internal Defense, Counter-insurgency, Unconventional warfare, Low-intensity conflict, and Intelligence Operations.

All kinds of shootings, full sprint, quick reactions, taking decisions and control in a matter of minutes are also a part of the training. The training includes handling of all kinds of pressure when captured by the enemy. In short, the training makes you capable of dealing with all kinds situations in the toughest of the circumstances.

NDA Cadets Training apt for the Special Forces

Though there is no hard and fast rule that an NDA candidate will make the best soldier or officer of the Special Force. But this is for sure that the training method through which an NDA candidate goes makes the person the best suitable person for the job of a Commando. The reason which there has been NDA Alumni who have made their name as a Special force Commando, here is some NDA Alumni who made a name in the Special Forces.

Sandeep Unnikrishnan: An alumnus of the NDA who was the hero of 26/11 Mumbai attacks and gave up his life fighting the terror. He was an NSG Commando who died fighting and saving his colleague. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously for his contribution in the terrorist attack.
Mohit Sharma: This NDA Alumni died fighting the terrorist on March 2009 in the Kupwara sector of J&K. This soldier not only killed 4 terrorists in the encounter but saved two fellow soldiers in the process. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously for his bravery.

Joining the Special Force is challenging and better

Special Forces might be a tough place to be and it might be draining both mentally and physically. But the challenge that it offers is undeniably the greatest vigor in being a part of the Special Force. Not every person is lucky to be serving the country but serving the country in a way that matters the most when the country is in acute danger makes it rewarding.