MARCOS: Indian Navy's special forces unit which excels at counter-terrorism operations

The modern day military warfare has seen rapid progress in how combat doctrines have evolved over a period of time to engage and combat the enemy.

Conventional warfare seems to be one for the ages as the modern day armies have to encounter local militia and counter insurgent groups who are masters at adopting guerrilla warfare techniques.

It can be rightly attributed that the modern day defence forces have adopted the credo 'Fight the Guerrilla like a Guerrilla'.

The recent Surgical strikes by the Indian army are testimony to the fact that what a pivotal role 'Special Forces' play in carrying out such kind of covert operations with clinical precision.

While on one hand the Indian army has its Para Commandos who are highly specialised in conducting counter insurgency operations, the Indian Air Force and Navy have been equal to the task in raising such forces which have proved their mantle by conducting special operations to thwart enemy aggression coming by way of sea or air. 

MARCOS, previously known as Marine Commando Force , is the special forces unit of the Indian Navy. created for conducting special operations such as Amphibious warfare, Close Quarter Combat Counter-terrorism, Direct action, Special reconnaissance, Unconventional warfare, Hostage rescue, Personnel recovery, Combat search and rescue, Asymmetric warfare, Foreign internal defence, Counterproliferation, Amphibious reconnaissance including Hydrographic reconnaissance. 

The MCF is specially organised, trained and equipped for the conduct of special operations in a maritime environment.

MARCOS is short for Marine Commandos. The force has gradually acquired experience and a reputation for professionalism over the three decades it has been in existence. 

Here is a sneak peak into the MARCOS 

Active: 1987 – present

Type:   Special Operations Forces (Indian Navy)

Role:  Amphibious warfare, Counter-terrorism, Direct action, Special reconnaissance, Unconventional warfare,Combat search and rescue,                Asymmetric warfare

Regimental Centre: Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Goa, Kochi and Port Blair.

Nickname: Magarmach (Crocodile)

Motto: "The few the fearless"

Operation:  Cactus, Operation Leech, Operation Pawan, Kargil War, Operation Black Tornado, Operation Cyclone, Counter- terrorist operation in Kashmir.

Also Read: Rashtriya Rifles: Know more about counter insurgency force of the Indian army

Also Read: Para Commandos: 'Surgical Strikes' with clinical precision, forte of 'Special Forces' unit of Indian Army