Para SF Forces in India, their Motto, Unites, Regiments & Responsibilities
The Indian Para Special Forces are stealthy shadows of heroism, standing tall as elite sentinels of courage and unwavering determination. They are an unseen force that takes on impossible assignments with precision beyond human bounds.
These unsung warriors exemplify India's indomitable spirit, guarding the remarkable with unyielding conviction. Know more about how Para SF leaves a legacy of distinction in military history, their functions, units and war cries.
What is the Para SF Force in India?
The Para Special Forces, abbreviated as Para SF, is an assortment of special forces battalions in the Indian Army's Parachute regiment, an elite infantry organisation. The Indian Army's Parachute Regiment, also known as the Indian Para SF, is home to the majority of India's Special Forces. The Indian Para SF has a total strength of 5,000 to 6,000 individuals, probably even more.
What is the History of the Indian Para Special Forces?
Following the Indo-Pakistan conflict in 1965, the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment Special Forces, or Para SF, was founded in June 1966. During the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War, an impromptu commando organisation, the Meghdoot Force, was formed from volunteers from various infantry divisions.
This was the first nucleus of the Indian Para SF Regiment's regular Para-commando battalion. By 1969, the force had grown to two battalions, the 9 Para and the 10 Para.
What are the Functions of the Para Special Forces?
The following functions fall under the purview of the Para SF:
- Collection of intelligence and conduct of covert activities
- Direct action, also known as overt and covert special operations, are included in the planning and execution of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in India.
- Rescue activities of hostages are being carried out both within and outside of Indian territory.
- Disrupt or destroy pertinent enemy bases and communication infrastructure to penetrate enemy lines and carry out targeted strikes behind enemy lines.
What are the Unit-wise Responsibilities of Para SF?
The Para SF, which is made up of numerous specialised units, is in charge of a wide range of activities such as counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, mountain warfare, desert warfare, urban warfare, and jungle warfare. Following is a list of different units of Para SF:
| Unit | Name | Year Established | Responsibilities |
| 1 Para SF | Red Devils | 1761 | Tactical needs, urban warfare |
| 2 Para SF | Predators | 1977 | Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency, Mountain Warfare |
| 3 Para SF | Russel’s Vipers | 1813 | Desert Warfare |
| 4 Para SF | Daggers | 1961 | Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency, Mountain Warfare |
| 9 Para SF | Pirates | 1966 | Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency, Mountain Warfare |
| 10 Para SF | Desert Scorpions | 1967 | Desert Warfare, Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency |
| 11 Para SF | Vipers | 2011 | Jungle Warfare, Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency |
| 12 Para SF | Dirty Dozens | 2011 | Jungle Warfare, Mountain Warfare, Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency |
| 21 Para SF | Baghnakhs | 1985 | Jungle Warfare, Mountain Warfare, Counter Terrorism, Counter Insurgency |
What is the Rank Structure of Para SF?
The Para Commandos is an Indian Army special forces regiment recognised for their extreme physical condition and training in combat, intelligence gathering, and special operations. The Para Commandos have the following Para SF Ranks:
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
What are the Para SF War Cries?
Given below is the significant war cry of the Indian Para Special Forces:
“Tum Bharat ke veer ho,
Tum apne desh ke rakshak ho.
Tu apni himmat badaye ja,
Jati bhedbhav ko mitaye ja.
Kadam Badaye Ja,
Piche Hatna kaam nahi, aage bade ja.“
Every member of the Para Special Forces has a particular duty to play and receives specialised training to accomplish missions in various challenging environments. If you want to be a part of this esteemed force, know that it takes immense determination and willpower.
FAQs about Para Special Forces of India
What distinguishes the Indian Para Special Forces?
The Indian Para Special Forces are distinguished by their stringent selection procedure, intensive training programmes, and specialised talents in various terrains and combat situations. They have a high level of operational readiness and are noted for their adaptability in carrying out various missions.
What is the motto of Para SF?
The Indian Para SF motto is "Shatrujeet," which translates to "The Conqueror of Enemies." This motto reflects their determination, resilience, and unwavering devotion to defeating rivals in difficult situations. It symbolises Para SF's triumphant attitude and goal of protecting and defending the nation against all dangers.
Can foreign troops join the Indian Para Special Forces?
Indian citizens serving in the Indian Armed Forces are the only ones who can join the Indian Para Special Forces. They do not directly recruit foreign military members. The Indian Armed Forces, on the other hand, participate in joint training exercises and partnerships with international counterparts, facilitating interchange and learning among various special forces units.
How do the Indian Para Special Forces stay operationally ready?
The Indian Para Special Forces keep its operational preparedness up to date through continual training, physical conditioning, skill enhancement programmes, and staying up to current on the newest advancements in combat and technology. They are subjected to regular exercises, simulations, and real-time drills to ensure they are always prepared to deal with any crisis.
Have the Indian Para Special Forces participated in any noteworthy operations?
The Indian Para Special Forces, or Para SF, are responsible for several critical missions, including surgical attacks. Among the most famous operation are the following:
- Cross-LoC surgical strikes in 2016
- Myanmar counter-insurgency operation
- Operation Vijay During the 1999 Kargil War
- SF Operations During the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War
The Para SF also conducts counter-insurgency operations in Assam, other northeastern Indian states, and Kashmir.