“It is God’s duty to forgive the enemies, but it is our Duty to Convene a meeting between the two”
- Field Marshal Sam Manikshaw.
This statement is ideally suited for special forces who are ‘Men of Steel’ real-life Superman. Their physical and mental fitness is far superior to any ordinary person. They are one of the most ruthless and valiant terminators on planet earth.
Para Special Force 10 is also known as Mustaffa of Desert or Scorpions, has earned the reputation of being the toughest Special Force in the world. Although Americans and Israelis have better weapons and equipment, when it comes to grit and valour, the para commandos are unmatched.
These Scorpions are trained to survive in any conditions. They are prepared for Desert warfare where navigation is most difficult; duns change their position every night. In this condition, these scorpions have limited tools with them, and they can find their way only with the help of a compass and stars in the night. They can survive for days without eating anything or making arrangements to eat from anything. Every commando of SF knows which grass, which leaf, which shrub to eat to stay alive to complete the mission.
Glorious History of 10 Para (SF)
- It came into existence in 1967 with the split of 9 Para (SF).
- In 1971 war, 10 Para SF earned a name for itself by conducting one of the most successful commando operations-Chachro Raid, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Swai Bhawani Singh (Maharaja of Jaipur). For this successful mission, 10 Para (SF) received a well-deserved Battle Honour – Chachro 1971 and received ten gallantry awards while the CO, Lt. Col. Bhawani Singh received Mahavir Chaka.
- 10 Para (SF) was also part of the Indian Peace Keeping Forces(IPKF) in Srilanka. Col Dalvir Singh(Veer Chakra), also known as ‘Saint Soldier’ was leading the force in this mission. He was humble as a saint as well as fearless as a Para commando, would eat all three meals of the day with his soldiers – every single day, not in any Officer’s mess but with the soldiers he commanded, in their kitchen.
- Even the LTTE chief Prabhakaran confessed that `there is only one unit that we fear the most, its Saint Soldier’s unit`.
- LTTE in Sri Lanka and terrorists, fear SF units because they know that SF guys will wait for them forever sitting still, for days, in the rain, dew or ice, with food or without and will not go home without capturing the terrorist dead or alive.
What do you need to become Para (SF)
- Dil – Persons with extraordinary courage and spirit of comrade, who are willing to accept any challenge under any circumstances.
- Dimag – Men with undying spirit, who refuse to give up – no matter what, men who are mentally so robust that they keep pushing their breakpoint to the new limit every time.
- Ghutna – Men with good physical strength and endurance, who can endure unimaginable hardship, who can keep running with full battle load for miles even when body refuse to – without food, water or rest.
Read here about Guns used by The Indian Army
- In order to join Para SF, the officer or jawan has to write a letter to the SF commanding officer. On acceptance, he has to go through the probation of six months. Under which he goes through the most stringent training in the world.
- At the start of the probation, candidates are given a tent, a bucket, a knife, a rope and a laltain. Candidate has to set up the tent; the rigorous physical training starts from the beginning. Sometimes, without food for four days, 1-litre water for three days and without sleep for seven days. The candidate will always have a 10KG sandbag on his back – this Sandbag is affectionately called permanent buddy. The aim of Sandbag is to put more pressure on the candidate so he can realize that he has more capability than he has ever imagined. The moment he shows any limitation, he is out from the race.
- Every month he has to complete 10KM to 40 KM speed walk with additional 25 KG, full battle gears. These speed walks should be completed within a stipulated time.
- During 6 Month of probation, they are tested physically and mentally; only 10% of them are able to earn the Maroon Beret.
Respect after selection
On the selection of an officer, the CO and other officers will bring the Maroon Beret placed in the oldest trophy won by 10 Para. The trophy will also be filled with drinks – it could be whisky, rum, beer, juice or a mix of all. The officer will have to drink that all, and wear his earned Maroon Beret.
After finishing his first drink, the selected officer will have to break a piece of his glass, chew it and gulp that down with some more drink(Whisky). Showing true brotherhood, all other officers do the same. The candidate earns the Maroon Beret.
The candidate has to undergo Para training in Agra to earn the Para Wing badge and then wait for his first successful operation to earn the Balidan badge – it symbolizes sacrifices one has made on the battlefield.
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