News Desk, Kolkata : In recent times, the strategic ties between India and the Maldives have been strengthening, with the Maldives playing a crucial role in rescuing India from a grave crisis in 1988. Back then, a Sri Lankan insurgent group led by Abdul Lutufi collaborated with the Maldivian government, seeking assistance from India. The operation, codenamed “Operation Cactus,” showcased the pivotal role played by the Marcos Force, the elite commando unit of the Indian Navy. Notably, the Marcos Force had earlier been instrumental in training the Pakistani military during the Kargil War in 1999.
More recently, in the waters of the Bay of Bengal, Marcos commandos have taken on a significant role in safeguarding the country’s economic interests from continuous insurgent attacks. Their expertise extends to creating confusion among enemy forces and even employing tactics against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in the Ladakh region.
Despite their small numbers, Marcos commandos are fearless and versatile. Their operations, whether scaling mountains, conducting underwater missions, or achieving success on various fronts, boast an impressive success rate of nearly 100%. Often operating covertly like an invisible force, Marcos commandos have left an indelible mark on the nation’s defense strategy.
In the context of recent tensions in the Lohit Sea, Marcos commandos have emerged as pivotal in protecting the country’s economic interests. These special defense experts are adept at launching counter-attacks and employ specialized naval units to counteract enemy strategies. The Marcos commandos are known for using deceptive tactics to confuse adversaries on the battlefield. They have even been deployed to navigate the challenging terrain around the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.
The Marcos commandos, though few in number, are known for their bravery. Becoming a Marcos commando is no easy feat, with only about 5 out of a thousand applicants successfully passing the rigorous three-year training. Initially formed within the Navy, Marcos commando opportunities are often extended to naval personnel. The training process involves four challenging stages, and only those who survive the physically demanding three-day Hell Week proceed to the next level. This week is infamous for its grueling 20-hour daily regimen, including a 20-kilometer morning run and a 20-kilometer night march.
The subsequent stage is known as “Death Crawl,” where candidates carry a 25-kilogram rifle and other military gear while traversing a nearly 2-kilometer-long serpentine path. However, the challenges don’t end there. After reaching their destination, candidates must accurately fire bullets into a target. Failure to hit the target results in elimination from the training.
Beyond the Hell Week, candidates face another demanding test known as “Death Crawl.” Here, candidates carry a 25-kilogram rifle and other military gear over a distance of approximately 2 kilometers. The ultimate test awaits them at the destination, where they must accurately fire bullets into a target. Those who fail to hit the target are eliminated from the training.
After surviving the Hell Week and Death Crawl, candidates proceed to the next stage known as Dive Week. Here, they undergo extensive underwater training, including diving in icy waters and various other courses. Following Dive Week, the remaining candidates face the final and most challenging test named Death Krul. In this phase, candidates carry a 25-kilogram rifle and other military equipment, emphasizing their physical and mental endurance.
The selected few who overcome Death Krul proceed to the Special Forces training, involving guerrilla warfare tactics, survival skills, and even training to handle snake and scorpion bites. The comprehensive training makes Marcos commandos a force to be reckoned with in any given situation.
In conclusion, the Marcos commandos, though numerically limited, stand as a formidable force with unparalleled training and expertise. Their ability to operate in diverse terrains, coupled with their success rate, makes them an indispensable asset in safeguarding the nation’s security and economic interests. Their unwavering commitment, bravery, and strategic prowess make the Marcos commandos an elite force, contributing significantly to the nation’s defense capabilities.
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