MARCOS Full Form: Overview
MARCOS Full Form - The full form of MARCOS is Marine Commandos. They are India's formidable special forces unit known for their unparalleled skills and unwavering dedication. MARCOS is the best commando in India. MARCOS has received international recognition for their professionalism. The unit was established in February 1987 to respond to the growing challenges in maritime security and terrorist activities off the Indian coast. This special unit of the Indian Army was developed along the lines of the American Navy SEALs and the British Special Boat Service (SBS). They are elite warriors and highly skilled. They are adept in air, water, and land warfare and are excellent in maritime operations and counter-terrorism.
The key highlights of MARCOS Commandos have been tabulated below for a better understanding of the special unit forces.
Active | February 1987 – present |
Engagements | Operation Cactus |
MARCOS Full Form: A Brief History
In April 1986 Indian Navy planned to establish a special force unit. To achieve this objective the Indian Navy sends selected officers to US Navy Seals for training. The Marine Commando Force (MCF), also called the ‘MARCOS’, was raised in February 1987 as the Indian Marine Special Force (IMSF), capable of operating in all three dimensions, at sea, in the air, and on land. The MARCOS regularly undertakes specialized maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the Jhelum River and Wular Lake and conducts counter-insurgency operations in the region. Refer to the below table to know and learn about the interesting historical timeline of the MARCOS.
Historical Events/Key Milestones | Description |
Formation | Established on 26 Feb 1987, as an elite special operations unit within the Indian Navy and consisting of select skilled personnel |
Training | The initial Cadre of MARCOS went intensive training in diverse fields like amphibious warfare, special operation tactic, combat diving, and unconventional warfare techniques. The training equipped them with skills to operate in marine, coastal, and inland settings |
Anti-Piracy Operations | Played a pivotal role in executing anti-piracy operations in regions like the Gulf of Aden and other piracy-prone zones. |
Counter-Terrorism Operations | Safeguarded national security interests by actively engaging in conducting the counter-terrorism operations both within the country and beyond its borders |
Operation Pawan | MARCOS made a significant contribution in the late 1980's amid the Sri-Lankan civil war. They captured crucial LTTE-held territories and helped restore the peace in the region |
International Recognition | MARCOS has received international recognition for its exceptional competence and professionalism |
Modernization & Expansion | To adopt the evolving changes, MARCOS has undergone continual modernization and expansion |
Secretive and Low-Profile | Following the tradition of most special unit forces, the MARCOS also maintains a secretive and low profile which ahs now become synonymous to their identity. |
MARCOS Full Form: Roles & Responsibilities
As a special force unit, MARCOS has various roles and responsibilities. Some of the key roles and responsibilities include the following.
- To conduct clandestine attacks against enemy ships, offshore installations, and other vital assets behind enemy lines
- To support amphibious operations including pre-assault ops
- Conduct surveillance and recce missions in support of naval operations
- Conduct of clandestine diving operations
- Combating terrorism in a maritime environment
- Responsible for the protection of critical offshore assets like oil rigs and other installations
- Provide security to important naval assets like including naval bases and high profile ships
MARCOS Full Form: Difference between NSG & MARCOS
The key differences between the two wings of the Indian Armed Forces - NSG and MARCOS are given below.
Read More: Black Cat Commando
MARCOS Full Form: MARCOS Eligibility Criteria
The motto of the MARCOS Commandos is “The Few The Fearless”, which reflects the challenging nature of the training. Very few candidates can reach their final selection. But those who do so become synonymous with bravery. To become a MARCOS Commando one must fit the following eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria | Description & Details |
Also Check: MARCOS Commando Salary
MARCOS Full Form: MARCOS Selection Process and Training
The MARCOS Selection Process consists of 3 major parts including pre-selection, followed by selection and initial qualification training (Basic SF Training), and finally concluding with the probation period (Advanced SF Training). Let us understand the three parts in detail.
MARCOS Selection Process: Pre-Selection Phase
Below are the key highlights and pointers of the pre-selection phase.
- The pre-selection phase lasts for 3 days where the commandos undergo a strict and rigorous assessment leading to an attrition rate of almost 50 - 80%
- The selected few then proceed with the 5-week rigorous training including physical tasks and minimal sleep
- Tasks include - 20km morning runs and night marches with heavy loads, live ammunition training, and completing a 120km march within a specified time limit
- Candidates need to undergo a ‘Hell Week’ - a week filled with continuous training with minimal sleep, performing the death crawl through thick mud while carrying heavy load
MARCOS Selection Process: Basic SF Training
Under this phase candidates undergo a 10-week training program conducted at INS Abhimanyu encompassing various skills such as weapons handling, unarmed combat, close-quarter battle (CQB) training, and diving exercises.
MARCOS Selection Process: Advanced SF Training
Under this phase the candidates are on a probation period and join the designated ‘Prahars’ for on-the-job training. Below are a few pointers related to the advanced SF training.
- Includes specialised training like combat free-fall training, counter insurgency, anti-hijacking, clandestine operations, reconnaissance, and amphibious operations
- Training is provided in the language and culture of likely adversary areas, allowing them to operate carefully behind the enemy lines
- Training includes operating from submarines and submersible crafts, sniper competence, and improvised explosive devices (IED) construction using readily available items
- Completing the 4-week High-Altitude Commando Course Desert Warfare School prepares candidates to face various challenges in various terrains effectively
MARCOS Full Form: MARCOS Operations
Some of the most successful operations conducted by the MARCOS are listed below.
- Operation Pawan (1987), Sri Lanka: Operation Pawan was the code name assigned to the operation by the Indian Peace Keeping Force to take control of Jaffna from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, better known as the Tamil Tigers, in late 1987 to enforce the disarmament of the LTTE as a part of the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord.
- Operation Cactus (1988), Maldives: The attempt by a group of Maldivians led by businessman Abdullah Luthufi and assisted by armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist organisation from Sri Lanka, the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam to overthrow the government in the island republic of Maldives.
- Kargil War, 1999: The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil Conflict, was an armed conflict fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control.
- Operation Black Tornado, 2008: Conducted to flush out the remaining terrorists during the Mumbai attacks.