MARCOS Commando – History, Eligibility, Selection Process, Salary

MARCOS Commando, a special unit in the Indian Navy, are known for being highly skilled and secretive commandos. MARCOS Commandos are famous for their excellent combat skills and incredible bravery. Officially called the Marine Commando Force, they are experts in amphibious warfare and are really good at operations in the sea and fighting against terrorism. People often compare them to the respected Navy SEALs of the United States because of their courage and expertise.

Currently, Special offers are about two thousand dedicated soldiers in this force, and they are well-known for their great work in operations like Cactus, Leech, Pawan, and Cyclone. They became even more famous for their bravery during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. They also work together with the Indian Army in tough places like Kashmir. Their motto, “The few the fearless,” really shows the spirit and commitment of this amazing force. In this article, we will learn more about the MARCOS Commandos, exploring their history, training, missions, and the important role they play in keeping our country safe.

What is Marcos?

Marcos is the abbreviated form for Marine Commandos, a unit of the Indian Navy proficient in operations across air, water, and land. Founded in February 1987, Marcos has gained international recognition for its professionalism. Marcos Commandos are also known as ‘Dadiwala Fouj’. Let’s explore the rigorous process of becoming a Marcos Commando.

History of MARCOS

In response to increase challenges in maritime security and the need to counteract terrorist activities along India’s coast, MARCOS was established in 1987. This elite unit draws inspiration from the U.S. Navy SEALs and the British Special Boat Service (SBS), evolving into a highly capable force known for its successful missions.

The origins of MARCOS, officially termed the Indian Marine Special Forces, trace back to the early 1980s. The Indian Navy recognized the necessity for a specialized marine unit to address rising maritime threats and conduct specialized operations. Named after “Marine Commandos,” the acronym MARCOS embodies the unit’s formation, drawing inspiration from global marine special forces like the United States Navy SEALs and the British Special Boat Service.

• MARCOS, formed on February 26, 1987, as an elite special operations unit of the Indian Navy, began with a small group of highly skilled personnel. The MARCOS personnel undergo intensive training in amphibious warfare, special operations tactics, combat diving, and unconventional warfare techniques, enabling them to operate effectively in maritime, coastal, and inland environments.
• MARCOS has played a pivotal role in executing anti-piracy operations in piracy-prone areas, contributing to the safety and security of Indian vessels and their crews. Additionally, MARCOS has actively engaged in counter-terrorism operations, both within India and beyond its borders. Their deployment in sensitive areas has been critical in thwarting terrorist threats and safeguarding national security interests.
• One noteworthy operation carried out by MARCOS was “Operation Pawan” during the late 1980s amid the Sri Lankan Civil War. MARCOS played a key role in capturing crucial LTTE-held territories, significantly contributing to restoring peace in the region.

MARCOS Commando Eligibility

The Marcos Commando’s motto is “The Few The Fearless”, indicating the challenging nature of the training. Very few candidates make it to the final selection, but those who do are synonymous with bravery. Here are the eligibility criteria for becoming a Marcos commando:

• Gender: Male
• Age: 20s
• Qualification: Must be a sailor or officer in the navy.

Step By Step Process on How to Become a Marcos Commando

Before volunteering for this special force, candidates must be exceptionally strong and physically fit, as the entire process is strenuous. The selection process consists of four phases:

1. Marcos Commando: Pre Selection

• A three-day process testing physical stamina.
• Includes an aptitude test.
• Only about 20% of candidates make it past this phase.

2. 

   Marcos Commando: Selection

• A five-week process with daunting tasks, including a ‘hell week.’
• Tasks involve long runs, night marches, live ammunition training, and sleep deprivation.
• A challenging experience for strong-willed individuals.

3. Marcos Commando: Initial Qualification Training (Basic SF Training)

• A 10-week program at INS Abhimanyu.
• Includes weapons handling, ammunition and explosives training, unarmed combat, close-quarter battle training, kayaking, photography, ship intervention drills, hostage rescue, and recapture of offshore installations.
• A 3-week basic parachute course and basic combat divers course.

4. Marcos Commando: Probation Period (Advanced SF Training)

• Combat free-fall training, counter-insurgency training, anti-hijacking and anti-piracy training, clandestine operations, surveillance and reconnaissance, amphibious operations, unconventional warfare, language training, operations from submarines, sniper competence, and training on shoulder-launched missiles.
• A 4-week high-altitude commando course and desert warfare school.

Marcos Commando Age Limit

Any Indian Navy officer applying for Marcos should not be older than 20 years. Applicants should check their age before applying.

Marcos Commando Salary

The salaries of Indian Navy Marine Commandos are determined by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), and their pay structure includes several important components:

1. Basic Pay: A Marine Commando starts with a basic pay of Rs. 25,000 per month.
2. Ships Driver Allowance: In addition to their basic pay, they receive a ships driver allowance ranging from Rs. 8,500 to 10,000.
3. Marcos Allowance: Recognizing their unique role, Marine Commandos are granted a Marcos allowance of Rs. 25,000.
4. Allowances for Different Deployment Areas:

• • In Hard Areas, an additional 20% of their Basic Pay is provided.
  • Highly Active Field Areas come with a Highly Active Field Area Allowance of Rs. 16,900.
  • Field Area personnel receive a Field Area Allowance of Rs. 10,500.
  • In designated “Peace Areas,” they receive a Peace Area Allowance of Rs. 35,500.

5. Field Area Allowance: Rs. 16,900 (For Field Area Posting Only)

6. Field Area Allowance: Rs. 10,500

Macro Commando Successful Operations

1. Operation Pawan (1987): Accompanied the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka to deal with LTTE’s marine elements. MARCOS swam 12 km to blow up the Jaffna jetty, avoiding detection, and returned fire when fired upon by LTTE. They swam back to the ship without casualties.
2. Operation Cactus (1988): Thwarted a coup in the Maldives by capturing a boat with 46 mercenaries and hostages who escaped after the failed coup attempt.
3. Operation Tasha (1991): Deployed two Prahars off the southern Tamil Nadu coast to stop LTTE infiltration and arms smuggling.
4. Operation Zabardast (1992): Intercepted the LTTE vessel MV Ahat smuggling arms off Madras. MARCOS boarded the vessel, captured mercenaries, and prevented LTTE from sinking it.
5. United Nations Operation in Somalia (1993): Deployed four MARCOS teams off Mogadishu to support the Indian contingent. Provided maritime special operations support to the Naval Task Force.
6. Operation Rakshak (1995): Deployed teams in Jammu & Kashmir, especially at Wular Lake, where militants freely used it to reach Srinagar. MARCOS at the lake stopped militant activity, operated on land, and killed militants, recovering arms and equipment.
7. Kargil War (1999): Tasked with covert operations behind enemy lines and assisting Indian Army operations during the conflict.
8. Operation Black Tornado (2008): Conducted to eliminate remaining terrorists during the Mumbai attacks.

These operations showcase the versatility and effectiveness of MARCOS Commandos in diverse situations, from countering terrorism to covert missions and ensuring national security.

FAQ’s on Macros Commando

Is Marcos Commando powerful?

Yes, MARCOS Commandos are powerful. They are train as a special forces unit in the Indian Navy known for their bravery and combat skills. Trained in various environments, they excel in operations on land and at sea. Established in 1987, MARCOS is recognized globally for its professionalism and expertise in countering threats and terrorism.

How to join Marcos Commandos?

To join the MARCOS Commandos (Marine) in the Indian Navy, follow these steps: Eligibility: Open to male volunteers of the Indian Navy. Age Limit: Indian Navy officers should be under 20 years. Recruitment: Typically in the early 20s, recruits can join through NDA, CDS, SSC, or direct recruitment for lower posts. Training: Extensive 2 to 3 years of demanding training, mainly at Indian Navy and Army agencies. Training also includes collaboration with the army’s paramilitary force, Selection Process: Competitive process involving physical and mental tests, along with an interview. Successful candidates proceed to the next stage of training.

What is the full form of Marcos commando?

MARCOS means Marine Commandos. They are a special group in the Indian Navy, known for being really good at fighting and doing secret missions. They started in 1987 and are like superheroes in the water and on land. People think they're as cool as the best forces in the U.S. and Britain. MARCOS have done important missions, and there are about two thousand of them. They're famous and respected in India and around the world.

Is MARCOS better than Para SF?

Comparing MARCOS (Marine Commandos) and Para SF (Special Forces) is like comparing apples and oranges. Both are elite special forces units in the Indian military, each with its own unique skills and capabilities. MARCOS specialize in amphibious warfare, meaning they are experts in operations on land and in the water. They are part of the Indian Navy and are known for their maritime and counter-terrorism skills.

What is the salary of MARCOS in Indian Navy?

A Captain in the Indian Navy's Marine Commandos (MARCOS) earns an annual salary ranging from ₹0.8 Lakhs to ₹1.1 Lakhs. The salary is determined by the individual's rank and experience. Additional allowances like Ships Diver allowance, MARCOS allowance, Hard Area allowance, and Highly Active Field Area allowance may contribute to the overall salary, varying based on deployment and duties. On average, a Marine Commando's yearly salary is around ₹8.4 Lakhs, subject to experience and other considerations.