The Commandant of the Garud Regimental Training Centre received the Chief Guest and provided a comprehensive briefing on the various phases of training undergone by the commandos. The training is designed to test physical endurance, mental resilience, tactical intelligence, and operational adaptability.
Addressing the newly inducted Garuds, the Chief Guest congratulated them on successfully completing the arduous training cycle. He emphasised that in a rapidly evolving security environment, continuous skill enhancement and rigorous preparedness are critical for Special Forces to remain effective and mission-ready.
Symbol of Excellence: The Maroon Beret
During the ceremony, the Chief Guest presented the Maroon Beret, Garud Proficiency Badge, and Special Forces Tabs to the successful trainees. These insignia are not merely ceremonial but represent excellence, discipline, and the highest standards of combat readiness within the Indian Air Force.
Trophies were also awarded to outstanding performers who displayed exceptional skill, leadership, and determination during the training. The Maroon Beret Parade stands as a moment of pride for the trainees, their instructors, and the Indian Air Force as a whole.
Demonstration of Combat Skills
The passing out parade featured impressive demonstrations by the Garuds, showcasing the breadth and depth of their training. The commandos executed combat firing drills, hostage rescue operations, assault explosive techniques, and coordinated firing maneuvers with precision.
Additional demonstrations included obstacle crossing, wall climbing, slithering, rappelling, and military martial arts. These displays highlighted the Garuds’ ability to operate in hostile terrain, urban environments, and high-altitude conditions with equal effectiveness.
Strengthening IAF’s Special Operations Capability
The induction of the newly trained Garud Special Forces operators is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities. The Garuds play a critical role in protecting vital air force assets, conducting special operations, and supporting joint missions with other armed forces.
Officials noted that the enhanced strength of the Garud force gains added importance in the context of evolving mission profiles and lessons drawn from recent operations, including Operation Sindoor. The newly inducted commandos will be integral to executing newly defined and technologically advanced special missions.
Pride, Preparedness, and the Road Ahead
The Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade marked the culmination of an extremely demanding training schedule, representing the transition of trainees into ‘Young Special Forces Operators’. The event reinforced the Indian Air Force’s emphasis on professionalism, preparedness, and operational excellence.
With the successful passing out of this batch, the Garud Regimental Training Centre once again reaffirmed its role as a premier institution for shaping elite air commandos.