The Indian Armed Forces consist of three main branches: Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. Each branch has its own elite special forces unit designed to perform high-risk and specialized missions. The Indian Army has Para Special Forces, the Indian Navy has MARCOS, and the Indian Air Force has its elite unit known as the Garud Commando Force.
Many defence aspirants dream of serving in these elite units but often lack the right information about the How to Join Garud Commando pathway. Understanding the Garud Commando Joining Process is important for candidates who wish to serve in one of the most specialized forces of the Indian Air Force.
This detailed guide explains How to Join Garud Commando, their history, duties, recruitment process, and training structure for aspirants preparing for a career in the Indian Air Force.
Brief History of the Garud Commando Force
To understand How to Join Garud Commando, it is important to know the origin of this elite unit.
The Garud Commando Force was formed after terrorist attacks targeted two major air bases in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001. Although these attacks were successfully handled, it highlighted the need for a specialized force to protect Indian Air Force installations and high-value assets.
Initially, the unit was called Tiger Force, but it was later renamed the Garud Force. The first batch consisted of 100 volunteers from the Airmen Training Centre in Belgaum, Karnataka. These volunteers underwent intense commando training, and 62 candidates successfully completed the course.
The Garud Commando Force was officially established on 6 February 2004, and it was first publicly presented during the Air Force Day celebration on 8 October 2004.
Today, understanding this background helps aspirants appreciate the significance of the Garud Commando Joining Process.
Duties and Responsibilities of Garud Commandos
Before learning How to Join Garud Commando, candidates should understand the roles and responsibilities of this elite unit.
Garud Commandos are trained to perform specialized missions such as:
- Protecting Indian Air Force airbases from terrorist or enemy attacks
- Conducting combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions to rescue pilots in hostile areas
- Protecting high-value assets and installations of the Air Force
- Performing counter-terrorism operations
- Supporting disaster relief operations during natural calamities
- Assisting civil authorities during emergencies
- Participating in international peacekeeping and special operations missions
Due to these critical responsibilities, the Garud Commando Joining Process is extremely rigorous and selective.
How to Join Garud Commando – Entry Routes
Many aspirants ask How to Join Garud Commando in the Indian Air Force. There are two main pathways in the Garud Commando Joining Process:
- Non-Commissioned Entry (Airmen)
- Commissioned Officer Entry
Each route has a different selection procedure and training path.
Non-Commissioned Entry – Airmen Route
The most common path in How to Join Garud Commando is through the Airmen recruitment process.
Candidates are selected directly through recruitment notifications. During the Garud Commando Joining Process, candidates undergo strict mental and physical screening.
Key points of this entry route include:
- Selection is conducted during the airmen recruitment stage
- Candidates are assessed for physical fitness, endurance, and mental toughness
- Only the most capable candidates are selected for Garud training
Once selected, candidates undergo one of the longest special forces training programs in the Indian Armed Forces.
After successfully completing the training, candidates become permanent members of the Garud Commando Force and continue serving in this specialized role during their career.
Commissioned Officer Entry
Another path in How to Join Garud Commando is through the officer entry route.
In this route, candidates first join the Indian Air Force as officers through competitive selection exams. After training, selected officers from the Ground Duty branch may volunteer for the Garud unit.
During the Garud Commando Joining Process, officer candidates undergo specialized training before joining operational Garud units.
Training Duration and Phases
One of the most challenging aspects of How to Join Garud Commando is the training. Garud training is considered one of the longest special forces training programs, lasting approximately 72 weeks.
The Garud Commando Joining Process includes several training phases.
Phase 1 – Recruitment and Pre-Selection
Candidates undergo initial screening to evaluate:
- Physical endurance
- Mental strength
- Basic eligibility
Only highly motivated candidates move forward in the Garud Commando Joining Process.
Phase 2 – Selection
During this stage, candidates face intense physical tests designed to eliminate those who cannot meet special forces standards.
The goal is to select only the most capable candidates for further training.
Phase 3 – Basic Military Training
All candidates go through 12 weeks of basic military training, which includes:
- Drill and discipline training
- Physical endurance training
- Field craft and weapon handling
- Communication and language training
- Basic computer training
This stage converts civilian recruits into trained military personnel before continuing the Garud Commando Joining Process.
Phase 4 – Special Forces Training
Candidates who pass the basic phase move on to Special Forces training, which is extremely demanding.
Training includes:
- Advanced combat techniques
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Tactical movement and infiltration
- Survival training in extreme environments
Only the most determined candidates successfully complete this stage of the Garud Commando Joining Process.
Phase 5 – Advanced Special Forces Training
The final phase includes specialized training such as:
- Airborne and parachute training
- Jungle and mountain survival
- Bomb disposal and demolitions
- Advanced weapon systems
- Tactical operations
During this stage, candidates may also train alongside other elite forces and gain real operational experience.
Completing this stage successfully means the candidate has fully passed the Garud Commando Joining Process.
Operational Experience and Deployment
After training, Garud Commandos are deployed at various Indian Air Force bases across the country.
Their responsibilities include:
- Protecting strategic airbases
- Conducting counter-terrorism operations
- Supporting rescue missions
- Participating in special military operations
Some Garud Commandos also receive advanced international training and participate in specialized missions.
Current Structure of the Garud Commando Force
The Garud Commando Force continues to expand as an important unit of the Indian Air Force.
Currently:
- The force consists of over 1,000 trained commandos
- Units are organized into operational flights
- Each flight is led by experienced Air Force officers
These units are deployed at various air bases to safeguard the critical assets of the Indian Air Force.
Conclusion
Understanding How to Join Garud Commando is essential for defence aspirants who wish to serve in one of the most elite units of the Indian Air Force.
The Garud Commando Joining Process is extremely demanding and requires exceptional physical fitness, mental strength, discipline, and determination. Only the most dedicated candidates successfully complete the rigorous selection and training program.
For aspirants aiming to build a career in the Indian Armed Forces, preparing early and developing leadership qualities can significantly improve their chances of success.
With the right preparation, dedication, and motivation, candidates can successfully complete the Garud Commando Joining Process and serve the nation as part of this prestigious special forces unit.
