Para commandos are officers in the Indian defence force. These officers are responsible for special operations. Their missions include direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare.
Does this sound interesting to you? If yes, read on to know all about them.
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The PARA and PARA (SF) battalion are part of the Parachute Regiment. This elite force volunteers for the Indian Army.
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There are nine special forces in the Parachute Regiment - Three airborne Special Forces, two Territorial Army and one Counter-Insurgency, also known as Rashtriya Rifles.
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Para Commandos must undergo strict training and maintain high physical fitness and efficiency levels.
A Para Commando Sepoy earns ₹ 17,300 per month. A Para Commando Army Soldier's ranges between ₹ 3.6 Lakhs -- ₹ 4.6 Lakhs. An allowance of ₹ 6000 per month is offered to Special Forces in Para Battalion as Para Pay.
Not everyone can become a Para Commando Officer. There are eligibility criteria as follows:
- Only male candidates are allowed to apply.
- Candidates must be 18-23 to apply.
- Candidates must be at least 5.1 feet (157 cm) to apply for the Army and Navy battalion and 5.3 ft ( 162.5 cm) to apply for the Airforce.
- Candidates must have passed their 10th and 12th grades.
- Candidates must have worked for a minimum two years in the Indian Army after the rally examination.
- Candidates need to be able to fulfil the following physical requirements:
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Run 5Km in 20 minutes
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Complete 14 chin-ups
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40 pushups in 1 minute
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80 sit-up reps in 2 minutes
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17 Mtr Shuttles in 1 minute
Para Commandos can be recruited directly or via army transfer, after which they will be subjected to probation - 3 months for Airborne battalions and six months for Special Forces.
Direct Recruitment:
- There is a physical and a written test conducted by the board of officers of PRTC at ARO station.
- Candidates who score 100% on the fitness test and at least 50% on the written will be considered successful.
- They will then be subjected to additional tests to decide allocation into the PARA or Parent regt.
Army Recruitment:
The candidates must first join the Indian Army as an officer after passing the respective exams.
- NDA cadets must join the respective wings after NDA. Two Volunteer Gentlemen Cadets will be commissioned per year. The MS branch allots them a parent regiment.
- A copy of the application must be signed by the Commanding officer in the MS branch along with a letter of recommendation from a senior.
- Arms and Services Officers with less than five years of service can volunteer for the Parachute Regiment.
Training of a Para Commando
- SF Para Commandos start their day by running for 20 km carrying a weight of 60 to 65 kg.
- Combat training in water at the Naval Driving Training School.
- Complete 50 jumps from 33000ft Air Force training in Agra. The two parachutes used for training weigh 5 kg and 15 kg, respectively.
Are you interested in becoming a Para Commando? Check if it's the right fit for you with the Career Test at Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation).
