| MNDF Special Forces | |
|---|---|
Special Forces Badge |
|
| Active | 2008 - Present |
| Country | Maldives |
| Branch | Maldives National Defence Force |
| Type | Special Forces, Airborne |
| Role | Reconnaissance, Unconventional warfare, Counter insurgency, Counter terrorism, Special Weapons operations. |
| Nickname | SF |
| Colours | Black or Combat Green & Maroon |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lt.Col Ahmed Giyas |
| Ceremonial chief | Vacant |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
Maroon beret with regimental badge |
The Special Forces Team is the elite Special Forces and Airborne unit of the Maldives National Defence Force capable of planning and conducting a broad range of special operations across the operational continuum.[1] They are specialized in carrying unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, counter insurgency, hostage rescues operations. Special forces was recently inaugurated by president and Commander-in-chief Mohamed Nasheed during a special ceremony held on October 27, 2009.[2]
Contents |
Special Forces of the MNDF are popular for their specialization in a wide variety of unique special operations skills, attained through a high level of training. The SF undergoes an intense yearlong calendar cycle of scrupulous special forces training which demands stringent physical agility, psychological wellbeing and intelligence.[3] They also take pride in frequent cross training with foreign élite forces such as the US Army Special Forces, the US Navy Seals, the British SAS, the National Security Guards of India and the Army Commandos of Sri Lanka.[3] The Soldiers are generally qualified in Parachuting and specializes on marksmanship, slithering, diving and other Special Ops tactical skills. On the whole, a profound emphasis is placed on physical fitness and skill training so that the each member will be able to withstand the rigors of real time tactical operations.[3]
Recruitment of the First batch
"Operation Dolphin" was the first major operation carried out by the Special Forces since it was founded. The élite combat team of the special forces travelled to Gan in an Indian Air Force aircraft. The primary task of the operation was to handle the security of all VVIPs who would attend the 17th SAARC summit in Addu and also to carry out counter-terrorism operations.[5]
In order to prepare for this operation, the Special Forces carried out joint training programmes in the Maldives and abroad with US Army Special Forces.[5]