The Indian Marcos: Unveiling the Guardians of the Seas
India’s maritime frontier is guarded by a formidable force, the Indian Marcos. These elite commandos, often compared to the Navy SEALs, are the epitome of courage, precision, and steadfast dedication. Operating in the most challenging environments, both on land and sea, they are the nation’s first line of defence.
Captain Suresh Babu is an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College, Captain Babu was commissioned in August 1986 and soon became a Maritime Special Forces operative. His expertise is vast and varied, encompassing Clearance Diving, Bomb Disposal, Field Intelligence, and Special Operations.
In this podcast, we delve into the world of the Marcos through the eyes of Captain Suresh Babu, a seasoned veteran with an illustrious career spanning over three decades. With unparalleled expertise and firsthand experiences, Captain Babu offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these unsung heroes.
Forged in Fire: The Making of a Marco
The foundation of a Marco is not just physical prowess, but mental fortitude. Captain Suresh Babu emphasizes the paramount importance of self-control and restraint. For Marcos, the power to take a life is a solemn responsibility, not a badge of honour. It’s a force to be wielded judiciously, only when absolutely necessary. This philosophy cultivates a unique culture within the unit—one of peacekeepers who are also deadly warriors.
Becoming a Marco is an intense journey that pushes human endurance to its limits. It starts with a diving course that volunteers from the Navy must complete as their first step. The selection process that follows is extremely tough, and only the most determined make it through. Those who succeed undergo rigorous training in combat diving, free fall, jungle warfare, underwater demolition, counter-terrorism, and other specialized tactics. The result is a force of highly skilled and courageous divers, ready to face any challenge.
Indian Marcos vs. US Navy SEALs
Captain Suresh Babu’s insights offer a fascinating comparison between the Indian Marcos and their US counterparts, the Navy SEALs. The Marcos, forged in the crucible of India’s diverse and challenging landscape, possess an innate resilience and adaptability that sets them apart. Hailing predominantly from rural backgrounds, they bring a unique blend of toughness and resourcefulness to their roles.
While the US Navy SEALs boast cutting-edge technology, the Marcos have proven their mettle through their ability to overcome adversity and excel in demanding conditions. Joint exercises have showcased the strengths of both forces, highlighting the complementary nature of their capabilities.
Survival Instincts: The Marco Way
The Marcos’ training is a testament to human endurance and ingenuity. From surviving on minimal resources to developing innovative survival techniques, the Marcos are masters of adaptation. The ability to extract water from dew, set traps for sustenance, and endure the most extreme physical discomfort are integral to their training. These experiences for
ge a mental toughness and resilience that few can match. Captain Suresh Babu’s account of their training is a stark reminder of the challenges these commandos face.
A Glimpse into the Unknown
The Marcos operate in a realm cloaked in secrecy, their actions often shrouded in the shadows of night. The mantra of stealth, surprise, and speed is the cornerstone of their operations.
Captain Suresh Babu offers a unique perspective on the underwater world, a realm where silence reigns supreme. The absence of noise, the tranquillity of the deep, creates a serene environment that contrasts starkly with the high-pressure world above. The Marcos have pushed the boundaries of technology, developing breathing apparatus that eliminate the telltale trail of bubbles, ensuring their covert movements remain undetected.
The Ghazi Incident: A Mystery of the Deep
In the heat of the 1971 war, a cloak of mystery shrouded one of the most intriguing naval incidents: the Ghazi Incident. The adversary’s mission was clear and perilous—target and sink our prized aircraft carrier. For this audacious task, the Pakistani Navy deployed its pride, the PNS Ghazi, on a covert mission.
For months, this subterfuge held, and the adversary, believing the ruse, dispatched PNS Ghazi to Vishakhapatnam harbour. On the 28th of November, the order was given: sink the Vikrant. One prevailing
theory suggests that as the Ghazi approached to identify the target with its periscope, it misjudged the situation. Spotting a larger vessel and fearing a collision, the crew performed an emergency dive. This maneuver likely triggered an internal explosion of the torpedoes meant for the Vikrant, sealing the fate of the Ghazi and its mission.
The Menace of Piracy and India’s Response
In the early 2000s, the rise of Somalian piracy threatened global maritime trade. To combat this, a coalition of nations, including India, initiated joint patrols. The Indian Navy has played a key role in safeguarding the Gulf of Aden, providing escorts with Marine Commandos on board to protect Indian merchant vessels.
Merchant ships have been required to include a citadel—a fortified compartment where the crew can secure themselves and maintain control during an attack. These citadels are equipped with communication systems to request naval assistance. Additionally, merchant ships use defensive measures like water cannons and acoustic deterrent devices to delay pirates, giving naval forces time to intervene.
How did 26/11 happen?
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks exposed vulnerabilities in India’s coastal security, highlighting the challenges posed by a vast coastline and the difficulty in distinguishing between legitimate and hostile vessels. To counter these threats, India has significantly enhanced its coastal defence. This includes the formation of the Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) for harbour security, improved co
ordination among the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police, and stricter surveillance. While these measures have strengthened India’s maritime defences, the ongoing threat of infiltration and the complexity of maritime operations necessitate continuous vigilance and adaptation.
Life-Threatening Experience
As a naval diver, I frequently encountered hazardous situations involving sunken vessels. On one particular occasion, a fishing trawler had been deliberately scuttled in our harbour. Our team was tasked with its recovery, a process involving the attachment of buoyancy aids to lift the vessel.
The bottom of the trawler was a maze of ropes and drums, and we were preparing to secure the last set of drums to fill with air. As the team leader, I decided to go down and check the setup. My supervisor advised me, “Sir, don’t wear a lifeline.” Normally, we always wear a lifeline that extends to the surface, allowing communication through pulls and signals.
Trusting his judgment, both my supervisor and I descended with our independent diving sets to conduct the check. Suddenly, the entire trawler capsized, and chaos ensued with drums and ropes flying in all directions. If I had worn a lifeline, it would have tangled in the confusion. Reflecting on that day, I realize that following my supervisor’s advice saved my life. If I hadn’t listened, I wouldn’t be here to tell the tale.
The Weight of Duty
The Marcos, aptly named Abhimanyu after the legendary warrior, embody a similar spirit of valor and sacrifice. Recruits entering this elite force understand the high stakes involved. The possibility of not returning is a stark reality, a conscious choice they make in service to their nation. While meticulous exfiltration plans are always in place, the priority often lies in mission accomplishment. This unwavering dedication necessitates comprehensive training, including deep cultural immersion in the target region. Such preparation equips Marcos operatives not only with tactical expertise but also with a profound understanding of the environment they’ll operate in. Ultimately, the families of these brave men and women are acutely aware of the risks involved, their support a testament to the nation’s indomitable spirit.
Conclusion:
We owe a huge thank you to our soldiers. They stand strong, so we can sleep peacefully. Their courage is our shield.
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