- Garud Commando Force
The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the
Indian Air Force . It was formed in September 2003 and has a strength of 1500 personnel.The functions of the force are protection of critical Air Force bases and installations; search and rescue during peace and hostilities and disaster relief during calamities. [cite press release
title = Constitution of Commando Force | publisher = Press Information Bureau,Government of India | date =18 December 2003 | url = http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=262 | accessdate = 2008-07-25 ] Presently, the GARUDs are deployed in Congo as part of peace keeping operations. As the training centre is near Delhi, optees are trained with paratroopers of Indian army.The unit derives it's name from that of
Garuda , a divine bird-like creature ofHindu Mythology .Garud Force is not a base protection force, but a air force special force, created on the lines of the Army Para Commandos & Marine commandos to undertake missions deep inside enemy lines.Though their exact roles are not known, the force has been created on the lines of the USAF special Tactics Teams to undertake Search and rescue,hostage recovery,combat control and missile guidance etc.reflist
External links
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special-Forces/Garud.html Garud Commando Force] on
Bharat Rakshak .
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