Indian Army: The Parachute Regiment and the Special Forces - Part 1

The Airborne Regiment of the Indian Army also known as the Parachute Regiment first came into existence on 29^th October 1941. The regiment was named 50 Independent Parachute Brigade, and comprised of 151 British, 152 Indian and 153 Gurkha Parachute Battalions. After India Achieved Independence the Battalions were divided among the Indian and the Pakistani Army. The 50^th and the 77^th Parachute Brigade remained on the Indian Sides whereas the 14^th Parachute Brigade went to the Pakistani side. The 77^th Parachute regiment was later disbanded and in 1952 new Parachute regiments were included to strengthen the Parachute Regiment section of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Battalions then included were:

• 1^st Batallion , Parachute Regiment (Punjab)
• 3^rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Maratha)
• 1^st Batallion, Parachute Regiment(Kumaon)

Insignia

The Parachute Regiment is different from the other regiments in that in this regiment the soldier wears a maroon beret. The Regimental badge is an open parachute behind a circle. On the top of the circle is written Parachute while at the bottom there is a scroll which reads Regiment. There are open wings on either side of the circle. A dagger is superimposed on the Parachute as well as the Circle. For the Sikh Soldiers of this deadly force, a maroon turban is used. The maroon beret is a common insignia for the airborne forces all over the world and is a trademark to distinguish a soldier from other infantry units of the Army he serves in.

Strength

Today the Parachute Regiment comprises of 11 regular battalions, 1 Rashtria Rifles and 2 Terrtorial Army Batallions. The regular Battalions are further divided into 3 Airborne Infantry batallions and 8 Commando Units, now called as the Special Forces. Following are the battalions which stand united to form the Parachute Regiment:

1.      1^st Battalion (Special Forces) (1^st Battalion , Parachute Regiment (Punjab))

2.      2^nd Battalion (Special Forces)(3^rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment(Maratha))

3.      3^rd Battalion (Special Forces)(1^st Battalion ,Parachute Regiment(Kumaun))

4.      4^th Battalion(Special Forces)

5.      5^th Battalion(Airborne)

6.      6^th Battalion(Airborne)

7.      7^th Battalion(Airborne)

8.      9^th Battalion(Special Forces)

9.      10^th Battalion(Special Forces)

10.  11^th Battalion(Special Forces)

11.  21^st Battalion(Special Forces)

12.  106^th Battalion, Territorial Army

13.  116^th Battalion , Territorial Army

14.   31^st Battalion, Rashtria Rifles

The Special Forces or the Commando Unit form a major part of the Parachute Regiment. The commando unit was first formed on July 1^st, 1966 and has grown since then. The Para Commandos are the other side of the coin of the highly trained Parachute Regiment.

The Special Forces motto “Men Apart, Every Man an Emperor” signifies what each commando is capable of doing. Trained to such extremes that each one of them is capable of changing the face of war, hardened like mountains and will power as strong as iron. Speed marches and route marches of 70KM with 65 kg weight can break any one, but not them. Their determination, the will to fight, and the will to push one more extra inch makes them truly different from others. They are pushed to their limits and even beyond. The phrase “giving up” doesn’t exist in their life and their laser like focus makes them achieve the impossible. They are not only physically tough, but mentally sharp and innovative as well. But it is their motivation level which truly separates them rest.

Motivated enough to join Para now.. Wait !!! there is still more in it... In the next part of the series we will see the real magic of these forces and the operations handled by them.

Click here for Indian Army: The Parachute Regiment and the Special Forces - Part 2

About the Author: Shekhar Tanwar is a computer science engineer who is working with a renowned MNC and is a die heart defense aspirant. Guitar is his passion and he is very firm believer of physical fitness. This article is a way to help defense aspirants to present his critical views on the topic, on the forum so that collective exchange of thoughts can take place.