IAF raises special force for counter-terror, rescue missions

The masters of aerial warfare the Indian Air Force (IAF) is now bracing up to a different kind of challenge on the ground and is raising highly-trained special force units to counter terror.

The specialised Garud Task Force will guard sensitive installations of IAF. It will also be used for counter-terrorism missions, search and rescue missions during hostilities or training, anti-hijack operations, air-sea rescue and as a quick reaction force.

``The IAF is highly equipment-intensive and damage to them (equipment) will affect its efficiency. So the special force personnel will be deployed at strategic installations to guard them,'' Air Marshal Satish K. Jain, Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), Air Force Training Command told this website's newspaper.

The force is being put together in the light of increased insurgency in the North-East and Jammu and Kashmir. The IAF's experiences during Kargil and the LTTE attack on Katunyakee Air Force station in Sri Lanka in 2001 are a grim reminder that vital assets and installations need to be guarded.

``Right now security at IAF installations is being handled by DSC (Defence Security Corps) and Air force Police. Though they do their best, they are not trained to counter militants or committed individuals,'' Jain said. While IAF Police are trained in policing duty, the DSC is comprised of ex-servicemen.

The IAF which has called for applications, will train the special force personnel at various organisations like the National Security Guards (NSG), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Security (ITBP) and other units.

Apart from guarding IAF installations, these units will also be used for anti-hijack operations, search and rescue missions during hostilities or training, air-sea rescue and other special missions.

The Garud Force is being raised along the lines of the British Special Air Services unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and aims to be the best trained force of its kind in the country.

While the first batch is undergoing training, the IAF has invited applications from youth between 15 to 18 years who have passed matriculation with 50 percent for the second batch.

After a tough selection procedure, they will first undergo a three-month basic training at IAF Airmen Training Centre at Sambra, Belgaum, to be followed by a 15-month course at various organisations.

Jain said 15 Garud units, each 70-strong including officers, will be raised and each will be a self-contained unit capable of carrying out any operation on its own.

Bangalore, December 29, 2003 (New Ind Press)