Brig Subodh Kaul, VSM (retd), Director, Training Indianeye Institute of Homeland Security

2.  Varying perceptions as to what constitutes SF.
 Spl Ops: “Small Scale Clandestine, covert or overt ops of an
unothrodox and frequently high risk nature to achieve significant
political or military objectives in support of foreign policy”. —
M. Tugwell & D Charters
 High strategic Utility force for achieving National or Strategic
Objectives.
 Employment
• At Strategic, Operational or Tactical levels.
• For Strategic, Political, Economic gains in furtherance of National
Objectives.
• Across entire spectrum of conflict.

3.  Politico-Military control and over seeing.
 Criticality-High value, high risk. Results out of proportion to effort.
 Planning & Preparation. Through Planning, Preparation, Intelligence and
training required.
 Surprise—essential for success.
 Atypical Operation: Small scale, precise, low visibility, lethal but
discriminate use of force.
 High Level of Skills.
 Patience essential- except in time sensitive roles (Hijack/ hostage
rescue).

4.  Direct Action: To seize and/or destroy specific critical targets including
Raids, Ambushes, direct Assault, hostage rescue, Stand off attacks.
 SR. Clandestine Ops in hostile territory to gain significant information.
 Unconventional warfare.
 FID(Internal Security): Joint Civil and Military Ops to protect host nation.
 Counter Terrorism.
 Counter Proliferation of WMD
 Civil Affairs : For transition from Military to Civil Governance
 PSYOPS: Psychological Ops to reinforce attitudes favorable to National
objectives.

5.  Intelligence
 Surveillance, Reconnaissance & Psychological Ops.
 Covert Ops, Rival/Pseudo gang Ops
 Infiltrating Terrorist Groups.
 Neutralizing Terrorist Leaders.
 Counter Hijack, Hostage rescue

6.  ARMY PARA (SF)
 AIR FORCE GARUDS
 NAVY MARCOS
 SFF
CI/CT
 NSG
 RR Bn
 COBRA

7.  Real time video feeds from Multiple locations and agencies at mobile
command post
 Broad Band Radios capable of heavy traffic. Software defined Radios.
 Radio gateways to enable communication on radio network through
various devices including Mobile phone.
 Real time Two way audio & video communication to frontline soldier.
 See through wall capability.
 Precision Weapons & equipment for day/night full spectrum capability.
 C-IED detection and remote disposal capability.

8. Intelligence
 Audio/video bugs & repeater
 Laser listening devices
 Fiber optic scope
 Eyeball video
 See through wall radar
Sights
 Night sights ,night vision goggles
 Sniper night sights
 Holographic sights ,Hybrid sights
Equipment
 Fire resistant Overall
 Non skid tactical shoes
 Protective eye Goggles, Knee/elbow
Pads
 Ghille suits
 Helmets, BPJ
 Door busters
 Abseiling /Rappelling equipment
 Rope ladders throw line
 Electronic targets for reflex shooting
Weapons
Assault Rifle
Light support weapons
Corner shot
Anti material rifle, Sniper rifle
Advance taser
Communication Equipment
Broadband radios
MESH Radio
VSAT Airborne Platform
Counter IED
NBC Suits & Eqpt
Real time X-Ray Viewing system
Radiation dosimeter
EOD response vehicle
TCV, ROV
Water jet disrupter
Remote op wirec utter , Thermal cutter
RSP tools
NLJ,Fiber optic svl set
Detection kits

9. Intervention and Interdiction Skills & Techniques.
Counter Hijack and negotiation skills
Unarmed combat skills
Joint Training with similar elite’ forces the world over eg; SAS, Delta
Force, GIGN, GSG9,Sayret matkal, spetnaz etc.
Live training in high intensity CI/CT environment.
VIP Security.

11. US doctrine of Joint Spl Operations in its Dec 17th 2003 publication states
“special operations are conducted in hostile , denied or politically
sensitive environment to achieve military, diplomatic, informational, and/or
economic objectives, employing military capabilities for which there is no broad
conventional force requirements.” it goes on to add that these ops often require
covert clandestine and low visibility capabilities