7 Mind-Blowing Facts About MARCOS That Prove They’re India’s Best Kept Military Secret

MARCOS are not just specialised marine warriors—they are masters of all terrain. Trained to operate seamlessly across sea, land, and air, these elite commandos are versatile enough to adapt to any environment and mission. Their responsibilities include:

• Special surveillance and amphibious reconnaissance operations
• Clandestine operations in hostile territory, including diving and special raids
• Direct action missions
• Hostage rescue operations
• Counter-terrorism operations
• Asymmetric warfare
• Foreign internal defence

Whether it’s striking from the sea, infiltrating foreign territory on land, or executing precision airborne operations, MARCOS are prepared for it all.

MARCOS aren’t given ordinary military training—they follow a regimen inspired by the world-renowned US Navy SEALs. From the moment candidates enter pre-selection, they are tested in every imaginable way.

Trainees are taught multifaceted skills, from survival in unimaginable situations, mastering advanced diving and close-quarters combat, to adapting to modern threats such as drones and cyber warfare.

It’s a crucible that weeds out all but the toughest. Those who survive emerge not just as commandos, but as MARCOS: versatile, fearless, and ready for anything the world can throw at them.

At a certain point in MARCOS training, candidates face the infamous “Hell’s Week”—five and a half days of extreme, relentless conditions designed to push them to their absolute limits. They are put through extremest of the extreme conditions with fewer than four hours of sleep.

Candidates are constantly in motion: running, swimming, paddling, carrying boats on their heads, doing log PT, push-ups, sit-ups, slogging through mud, or rolling in sand. Even standing still is brutal—soaked on the beach, up to their waists in cold water, or battered by icy winds. Mud, sand, and saltwater make every movement painful, and trainees often hallucinate from exhaustion and sleep deprivation.

Not everyone makes it—attrition rates hover around 70–80%, making Hell’s Week one of the toughest filters in any military training. Those who survive emerge not just tougher, but ready for the advanced skills and specialisation that define the MARCOS’ elite capabilities.

MARCOS first proved their mettle soon after their formation during Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, in support of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in late 1987. Tasked with taking control of Jaffna from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), their mission included destroying the Jaffna jetty.

The commandos swam 12 km to their target, carrying their full combat load, and infiltrated the harbour undetected. Planting explosives, they successfully blew up the jetty and came under immediate fire from the LTTE. Demonstrating exceptional skill and composure, the MARCOS returned fire and swam back to their ship—all without a single casualty. This mission showcased their stealth, precision, and ability to execute high-risk missions from the very beginning.

Also read: 7 Things You Didn’t Know About the Garud Commandos

When Mumbai came under siege on 26 November 2008, MARCOS were among the first responders to act. A small detachment was deployed within hours of the attacks to contain the escalating situation.

MARCOS commandos entered the Taj Mahal Palace and Trident Hotels, conducting search-and-sweep operations, evacuating trapped guests and staff, and engaging the terrorists. Their swift response helped secure key areas and reduce further casualties until the National Security Guard (NSG) arrived to lead Operation Black Tornado.

Their courage and speed during those critical early hours remain a defining moment in India’s counter-terrorism history.

Among the most demanding parts of MARCOS training are the High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) and High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) jumps — elite airborne infiltration techniques used by special forces worldwide.

In a HALO jump, commandos leap from aircraft flying between 20,000 and 35,000 feet, free-falling at speeds over 300 km/h before opening their parachutes just a few hundred meters above the ground. The low deployment helps them evade radar and infiltrate enemy zones undetected.

HAHO jumps, on the other hand, involve opening the parachute at high altitudes (12,000–15,000 feet) and gliding silently for up to 50 km. This method allows MARCOS to enter deep behind enemy lines or deliver supplies covertly — all while remaining invisible to the enemy’s eye and radar.

MARCOS have repeatedly proven their mettle in anti-piracy operations, including a high-profile mission in March 2024. The Bulgarian-owned cargo vessel MV Ruen had been hijacked by 35 Somali pirates in December 2023, putting its 17 crew members at risk.

The Indian Navy launched a meticulously planned 40-hour rescue operation, deploying warships like INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra, maritime patrol aircraft, and air-dropped MARCOS commandos. These elite commandos were instrumental in boarding the vessel, neutralising the pirate threat, and ensuring the safe evacuation of all crew members without a single casualty.

The operation showcased the force’s ability to execute complex maritime counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue missions, demonstrating precision, stealth, and rapid decision-making under pressure.

MARCOS are in a league of their own. From gruelling Hell Weeks to high-stakes operations like Operation Pawan, 26/11, and anti-piracy missions, they face challenges most of us can barely imagine. Every jump, dive, and infiltration pushes them to the edge of human limits, testing not just strength, but nerves, skill, and sheer willpower.

Stealthy, fearless, and relentlessly trained, MARCOS are ready to strike anywhere, anytime. They are proof that some legends aren’t just stories—they’re alive, operational, and guarding the nation from the shadows.

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