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Nandani Udaiwal

Updated on 01st July, 2024 , 3 min read

Marcos Full Form

Marcos Full Form

The full form of MARCOS- Marine Commandos. 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 on 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. 

Marcos Full Form Highlights

The key highlights of Marcos Commandos are-

Particulars

Details

Branch

Indian Navy

Type/Unit

Special Forces

Headquarters

INS Karna, Visakhapatnam, India

Motto

The Few, The Fearless

Officially Known 

Marine Commando Force (MCF)

Nicknames

Magarmach (The Crocodiles),

Dadhiwala Fauj (The bearded army)

Established

February 1987

Allowance

Rs. 25000/- per month

Selection Process

Pre-Selection, Selection, Initial Qualification Training (Basic SF Training), Probation Period (Advanced SF Training).

History of Marcos Full Form

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 air and on land. The Marcos regularly undertake specialized  maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the Jhelum river and Wular lake and conduct counter- insurgency operations in the region.

Roles of Marcos Full Form

The role of Marcos Commandos in India are:

  • 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 of surveillance and recce missions in support of naval operations.
  • Conduct of clandestine diving operations.
  • Combating terrorism in a maritime environment.

Difference between NSG & MARCOS

The key differences between Indian Armed Forces are as follows:

NSG (National Security Guards)

MARCOS (Marine Commandos) 

Black Cat Commandos

Marine Commando Force (MCF)

It provides security to VIPs and is responsible for neutralizing terrorist threats.

They are formed for direct actions, special reconnaissance, amphibious warfare, and counter-terrorism.

Formed in 1984

Founded in 1987

Under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Under the Ministry of Defence.

Commando Unit

Special Force

Special Action Group, Special Ranger Group

Indian Navy

Read More: Black Cat Commando 

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 are able to reach its final selection. But those who do so become synonymous with bravery. To become a Marcos Commando one must have the following eligibility:

Gender

Male

Age

Early Twenties

Qualification

  • Indian Navy AA/SSR/MR Sailor
  • Indian Navy Officer

Also Check: Marcos Commando Salary

Marcos Selection Process and Training

The selection process consists of two parts. 

  • First one is three days long where a soldier must undergo a physical fitness and aptitude test. 
  • A further screening process known as ‘hell’s week’  is similar to the United States Navy SEALs’ “Hell Week”. 
  • This involves a high degree of physical exercise and sleep deprivation. 
  • The total duration of training of Marcos is between 2.5 years to 3 years. 
  • The Marcos are trained in every kind of weapon and instruments, including knives, crossbows, sniper rifles, handguns, assault rifles, submachine guns and bare hands. 
  • Being divers, they can reach hostile shores swimming underwater.

Marcos Operations

The successful operations that Marcos Commandos operated are:

 

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. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of Marcos?

The full form of MARCOS- Marine Commandos.

Who are Marcos Commandos?

India's formidable special forces unit known for their unparalleled skills and unwavering dedication. They are adept in air, water and land warfare and are excellent in maritime operations and scounter-terrorism.

What is the motto of Marcos?

The motto of the Marcos Commandos is “The Few The Fearless”, which reflects the challenging nature of the training.

Can females join Marcos Commando?

No, only male volunteers of the Indian Navy can join Marcos Commando.

What is the age limit to join Marcos Commando?

Any Indian Navy office under 20 years can join Marcos Commando.

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