How to Become a Garud Commando: Selection, Training, and Duties Explained
The Garud Commando Force is the elite special operations unit of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Established in 2004, this young but highly capable force was created to handle specialized missions such as counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and securing critical air assets in hostile environments. Over the years, Garud commandos have become a symbol of unmatched dedication, endurance, and tactical excellence within India’s military structure.
Becoming a Garud Commando is one of the most challenging journeys an aspiring soldier can undertake. It is not only about physical strength but also about mental resilience, discipline, and the ability to perform under extreme stress. Below, we take a detailed look at how one can join this elite unit, the arduous training process, and the duties that define the Garud Commando Force.
Entry Routes: How to Join the Garud Commando Force
There are two primary pathways to become a Garud Commando—either as an Airman (Non-Commissioned Entry) or as a Commissioned Officer.
1. Airman (Non-Commissioned Entry)
- Recruitment is conducted through the Airmen Selection Centres.
- The selection process is designed to filter only the best candidates through a series of elimination-style tests.
- Aspirants must clear:
- Physical Fitness Tests (PFT): running, push-ups, sit-ups, and other endurance tests.
- Psychological Screening: to evaluate presence of mind, resilience, and adaptability under stress.
- Motivating Interviews: assessing leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and determination.
- It is important to note that failure at any stage results in permanent disqualification. Candidates get only one chance—there is no retest or second attempt.
2. Commissioned Officer Route
- Candidates aspiring to join as officers must clear the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
- This exam tests general awareness, reasoning ability, numerical skills, and technical knowledge.
- Those who qualify proceed to the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, for the Ground Duty Officer Course.
- From here, selected officers undergo specialized commando training before earning their place in the Garud Force.
The Grueling Training Regime
Once selected, candidates embark on one of the longest and most demanding training programs in India’s armed forces. Training lasts for up to 72 weeks (nearly a year and a half), which is significantly longer than the initial training of many other elite units.
Training Stages
- Basic Phase (Probation Period):
- Lasts around three months.
- Focuses on physical conditioning, weapon handling, endurance drills, and survival basics.
- Many candidates drop out during this stage due to the intense mental and physical demands.
- Special Operations Training:
- Covers close-quarter battle (CQB), room intervention tactics, advanced marksmanship, and unarmed combat.
- Includes counter-terrorism drills, reconnaissance operations, and rapid response tactics.
- Airborne and High-Altitude Training:
- Candidates practice parachute jumps, rappelling, and operations in high-altitude terrain.
- Training also emphasizes survival in deserts, jungles, snow-covered mountains, and aquatic environments.
- Combat Experience Phase:
- Recruits are attached to operational units to gain real-world exposure.
- They may participate in live missions to understand the challenges of combat.
- Advanced Specialization:
- Commandos are trained in niche fields such as explosives, demolition, communications, and sniper operations.
Culmination: The Maroon Beret Parade
At the end of training, successful candidates are honored with the prestigious Maroon Beret—a symbol of their induction into the Garud Force. During the ceremonial parade, trainees demonstrate combat skills such as live firing, hostage rescue drills, martial arts, and the controlled use of explosives. This event is a proud moment not just for the recruits but for the entire Indian Air Force.
Duties and Operational Role
Garud Commandos are versatile soldiers capable of handling a wide spectrum of missions, including:
- Counter-Terrorism: Neutralizing terrorist threats and conducting rescue operations in urban and rural areas.
- Hostage Rescue: Precision operations to free civilians and military personnel held captive.
- Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR): Locating and rescuing downed pilots or personnel trapped behind enemy lines.
- Airfield Security: Protecting air bases, runways, and IAF installations during times of conflict.
- Special Reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence in hostile zones for strategic planning.
- Direct Action Missions: High-risk raids to capture or eliminate high-value targets.
These responsibilities make Garud Commandos the IAF’s frontline defense in unconventional warfare scenarios. Their expertise ensures that India’s air assets remain secure and combat-ready even in hostile conditions.
Career Path and Commitment
Unlike other special forces units where personnel may rotate between conventional and special duties, Garud Commandos are assigned to the unit for their entire career. This ensures continuity, loyalty, and mastery of specialized skills.
The commitment is lifelong, demanding constant training, fitness maintenance, and readiness to deploy at short notice. For this reason, only the most dedicated individuals succeed in completing the journey.
Why Garuds Are Unique
While the Indian Army has its Para Special Forces (Para SF) and the Navy operates the formidable MARCOS, the Garud Commandos are uniquely air-oriented. Their primary focus lies in safeguarding air operations and supporting the IAF in specialized missions.
Becoming a Garud Commando is not just a career choice—it is a lifelong calling. The journey is filled with trials, pain, and sacrifice, but it rewards successful candidates with unmatched honor and responsibility. With only a single opportunity to prove themselves, aspirants must prepare to give everything they have—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This niche makes them irreplaceable in India’s defense strategy, bridging the gap between conventional air force operations and special forces capabilities.
For those who succeed, the maroon beret is more than a symbol—it is proof of their courage, endurance, and unwavering commitment to the nation.
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