The Marine Commando Force, known as MARCOS, is considered one of the world's most dangerous and toughest soldiers. In Jammu and Kashmir, the highly specialized commandos also known as "The Bearded Army." This commando unit was established in 1987 and near about 2000 soldiers are currently working in Marcos. MARCOS are fully capable of operating in every environment, whether it is sea, land, or air. They are modeled after the world's best, the U.S. Navy SEALs, and are considered even better than the American Navy SEALs. Their motto is "The Few, The Fearless." Out of thousands of sailors in the Indian Navy, only one can become a MARCOS commando. They were called in for the operation during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where they came into the spotlight. They undertake all kinds of operations, but they specialize in maritime operations. It is famous about MARCOS commandos that no one can ever see them. They are also called an invisible army. The core mission of Marcos includes Enemy Ships, Offshore Installations & Clandestine Attacks against other vital assets along Amphibious Operations including Pre-Assault Operations. Some units of Marcos are also part of the Tri-Services of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division. If you want to become MARCOS refer to the full article in detail as we’ll discuss the MARCOS selection procedure, training, and the operations they have carried out.
SELECTION PROCESS FOR MARCOS
The selection for MARCOS is very tough, and not everyone can become a MARCOS. Special individuals are chosen for this. To become a Marine Commando, you need to volunteer, be in the Indian Navy, and be between 20 to 25 years old. MARCOS training lasts for 2.5 to 3 years. Their training is so tough that out of thousands of candidates, only one becomes a MARCOS. To become a fully qualified Marine Commando, you have to go through four phases.
1. Phase 1 – Preliminary Selection
- Any Indian Navy Soldier who wants to become MARCOS needs to undergo 3 days of fitness training and an aptitude test. Within these 3 days, 80% of the soldiers are rejected in this phase 1 selection.
- Morning Runs of 20 kilometres (12.4 Miles)
- Night Marches of 20 Kilometres (12.4 Miles) carrying a 60kg (132LB) Load
- Conduct training with Live Ammunition
- Once per week, conduct A march of 120 kilometers. Carrying a 60 kg (132 LB) load in a specified time limit.
2. Phase 2 – Selection
Candidates who successfully clear the preliminary selection, undergo ‘Hell Week’ training. As the name suggests ‘Hell’, is the most difficult stage in which candidates are provided very tough training and are not allowed to sleep. Candidates feel lucky If they receive more than 4 hours of sleep over the week. During this period, candidates undergo an average of 20 hours of training with continuous physical exertion which includes 20kms of running every morning and 20kms of walking with the 60kg of battle load on their back every night. Apart from this many other trainings are also provided like a 2.5km obstacle course which they need to complete and once a week they also need to walk for 120km with a battle load of 60kg. The most difficult phase of this training is ‘Death Crawl’. Unlike other army forces which crawl on the ground, the Marcos are given special training in which they crawl on the muddy field with a battle load of 25kg for 2.5kms. After all this training, when the candidates are completely exhausted, then they are asked to hit the target 25 km away, which is none other than their buddy. The Candidates who successfully clear the ‘Hell Week’ training are sent to the Diving School in Kochi.
3. Phase 3 – Initial Qualification Training/ Basic Special Force Training
Selected candidates are given 10 weeks of special training in INS Abhimanyu which is the home base of Marcos. During the basic special force training, candidates are provided training for weapons from around the world. Apart from this, other training like Ship intervention drills, hostage rescues, etc are also provided. Then candidates undergo a 3-week basic parachute course in Indian Army Parachute School, Agra. The probation period gets started for Candidates who successfully clear this training.
- Weapons Handling
- Ammunition and Explosives Training
- Unarmed Combat Training
- Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Training
- Kayaking
- Photography
- Ship Intervention drills
- Hostage Rescue
- Recapture of Offshore Installations.
4. Phase 4 – Probation Period Advanced Special Force Training
During advanced special force training, the candidates undergo a Combat Free Fall (CFF) course, which is specialized training. In this, they are taught High altitude High opening and High altitude low opening. With the help of these two techniques, the candidate needs to jump from an altitude of 33,500 feet. Apart from this, they are provided training about the war techniques in Mizoram CIJWS (Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School). Other than these trainings, they are also trained in high altitude commander courses, snipper courses, language courses, etc.
- Combat Free-Fall Training (HAHO & HALO), plus water-para jump (with full combat load) capability training.
- Counter Insurgency, at the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Mizoram and Anti-Hijacking and Anti-Piracy.
- Clandestine Operations
- Surveillance and Reconnaissance
- Amphibious Operations (Beach, Coastal and Riverine)
- Unconventional Warfare
- Language Training (Eg: Arabic or Mandarin)
- Desert Warfare School in Raja
- The Language and Culture of Likely Adversary Areas, to enable them to operate and survive behind enemy lines.
- Operations from Submarines and Submersible craft training.
- Sniper competence and training on shoulder-launched missiles, MMGs, etc
- Making improvised explosive devices with readily available items.
- 4-week high altitude commando course at the Parvat Ghatak School in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, along with other Indian SF units.