The full form of NSG is the National Security Guard, also known as Black Cats. This force came into power on 16th October 1984. NSG is a Federal Contingency World Class Zero Error Force that deals with anti-terrorist activities in all its manifestations. The NSG is a Force specially equipped and trained to deal with specific situations and is therefore, to be used only in exceptional circumstances to thwart serious acts of terrorism. They are the counter-terrorism unit of India which is why they are known as Fearless National Security Guard Commandos and their motto is “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha” which means omnipresent. If you want to learn more about NSG, then you are at the right place, refer to the full article to know more insights like NSG's full form, how it was formed, mission, etc.
History of NSG
The National Security Guard is one of the most prominent Anti-terrorist armed police forces in the country. The Union Cabinet in 1984 decided to create a Federal Contingency Force comprising personnel who are highly motivated, specially equipped, and well trained to tackle the various manifestations of terrorism. In June 1984, a nucleus consisting of the Director General of NSG and other essential elements were sanctioned and steps were initiated to raise the Force. A bill for the creation of this Organization was introduced in the parliament in August 1986 and it received the assent of the President on September 22, 1986, and the National Security Guard (NSG) formally came into being from that date.
The basic philosophy of NSG is the swift and speedy strike and immediate withdrawal from the theatre of action. The National Security Guard has been given the specific role of handling all facets of terrorism in any part of the country as a Federal Contingency Force. The NSG was modeled on the pattern of the SAS of the UK and GSG-9 of Germany. It is a task-oriented Force and has two complementary elements in the form of the Special Action Group (SAG) comprising Army personnel and the Special Ranger Groups (SRG), comprising personnel drawn from the Central Armed Police Forces State Police Forces.
NSG’s Mission
NSG is a specialist force as it handles all the facets of terrorism in any part of the country as a Federal Contingency force. It was formed with the motive to neutralize the fear of terrorism and assist the state during tough times. Their primary mission is to protect people, train and equip a special force that can kept in readiness for combating terrorism in the country, and perform VIP security duties.
NSG’s Ethos
The Ethos of the NSG is premised on the following:
· Pursuit for excellence
· Lead from the front.
· Zero Error.
· Speed, surprise, stealth, precision, and accuracy are its hallmarks.
Selection Process for National Security Guards
The NSG is a Force specially equipped and trained to deal with specific situations and is therefore, to be used only in exceptional circumstances to thwart serious acts of terrorism. There is no direct procedure to enter into NSG. A candidate must satisfy the eligibility criteria and should pass the selection test. There are different phases to qualify for NSG:
Phase 1: Pre-Selection Eligibility
· A candidate should have served 5 years in the police force or should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the Indian Army.
· A candidate should qualify for the physical standards along with the medical examination before heading to further training process.
· The maximum age which is required to apply for NSG is 35 years. A candidate has to be below the maximum age i.e. 35 years to qualify for NSG.
· The service records for any candidate should not have red-ink/negative entries or any degrading conduct records.
Phase 2: Selection Procedure & Initial Training
· After pre-selection volunteers from the Indian Army, state police, and central armed police forces (CAPF), are first sent to Manesar (the total training period of NSG Training is 14 months). Candidates will be given training in two levels in this stage- Basic and Advanced Training.
· The further training i.e. advanced NSG training phase is tougher as compared to the basic training.
· Within these 9 months, 80% of the candidates are rejected in this phase of selection.
Phase 3: Advanced NSG Training
· This is the final step and the toughest phase for becoming NSG. In advanced training, candidates are taught skills such as unarmed combat, knife combat, demonstration of bomb disposal technique, surveillance and intelligence gathering, rapid and reflex shooting, mirror technique, specialized infiltration techniques, urban counter-terrorism, underwater operations, house intervention, etc.
Some Facts about the NSG
· The salary which is offered to NSG commandos is usually between INR 80,000 to INR 2,40,000 per month depending upon their rank.
· Their vision is a world-class zero error force.
· The headquarters of the National Security Guard is in Delhi.
· The motto of the National Security Guard is “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha” which means omnipresent.
· This force came into power on 16th October 1984.
· There is no direct procedure to enter into NSG. A candidate must satisfy the eligibility criteria and should pass the selection test.
Officer Rank Hierarchy
NSG was formed with the motive to neutralize the fear of terrorism and assist the state during tough times. Their main aim is to protect people, train and equip a special force that deals with anti-terrorist activities in the country, and perform VIP security duties. Below mentioned is the list of officer hierarchy on the basis of their ranks from top grade to lowest level-
· Direct General
· Additional Director General
· Inspector General
· Deputy Inspector General
· Group Commander
· Second in Command
· Squadron Commander
· Team Commander