The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently made an announcement on its official website regarding the release of the marks, ranks, and results of candidates recommended for CDS 2 2022. The UPSC has shared detailed information about the written examination as well as the SSB Interview.
CDS 2 2022 Merit List
In a significant update, the UPSC has now published the final merit list for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Indian Naval Academy (INA) candidates who have successfully cleared their respective SSB Interviews. This list comprises a total of 204 candidates, whose positions are determined based on their performance and ranking. It is worth mentioning that these candidates have qualified for the 155th (DE) Course of the Indian Military Academy located in Dehradun, the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala, and the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad for the No. 214 F(P) Pre-Flying Training Course.
The Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2022 was conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in September 2022. Following the written examination, the candidates underwent the SSB interviews conducted by the Services Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence. The 204 candidates mentioned in the final merit list have successfully cleared both these stages and have been recommended for admission to the respective academies.
It is essential for the candidates to refer to the official UPSC website for further details, including their individual marks, ranks, and other relevant information. This recent announcement provides transparency and allows the candidates to ascertain their positions in the CDS 2 2022 examination.
CDS 2 2022 Cut Off
Course
Minimum qualifying marks in each Subject
Minimum aggregate marks of the last qualified candidate
An imposter posing as a Lieutenant Colonel of the Indian Army was apprehended by the Siliguri Metropolitan Police from Salugara area in West Bengal on Monday. Based on specific input provided by TriShakti Corps, a joint operation was carried out by Siliguri Metropolitan Police.
The apprehended individual, identified as Dalchand Verma and son of Late Parchand Verma, is a resident of Lower MG Marg in Sikkim’s Gangtok. The suspect was involved in fake recruitment and forgery of documents.
UPSC has published the official cut-off marks for CDS 2 2022 written exam. Candidates can check the CDS 2 2022 cut off marks for IMA, OTA, AFA and INA. AFA has the maximum cut off marks i.e. 136 marks and for OTA men and women the cut off is minimum i.e. 98 marks. 20% is the sectional cut off marks for CDS 2 2022.
CDS 2 2022 Cut-Off Details
Total of 249 Marks was scored by last the recommended candidate for Indian Military Academy.
Total of 248 Marks was scored by last the recommended candidate for Indian Naval Academy.
Total of 258 Marks was scored by last the recommended candidate for Indian Air Force Academy.
Total of 180 Marks was scored by last the recommended candidate for OTA (Men).
Total of 179 Marks was scored by last the recommended candidate for OTA (Women).
It is possible to ask questions related to ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission in an SSB (Services Selection Board) interview. The SSB interview is conducted for the selection of candidates for various officer-level positions in the Indian Armed Forces. The interview aims to assess the candidate’s personality, knowledge, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.
Chandrayaan-3 Updates:
Departing from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, the Chandrayaan-3 mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a successful lunar landing after a 40-day voyage. The Vikram lander touched down on the Moon’s surface at 6.04 PM IST on August 23.
Currently, ISRO is diligently tracking the condition of all systems within the mission. The Pragyan rover is anticipated to begin its operations in the imminent hours.
Chandrayaan-3 is the successor to the 2019’s Chandrayaan-2 mission, during which the Vikram lander unfortunately impacted the lunar terrain. The central aim of this mission is clear-cut: demonstrate ISRO’s proficiency in achieving a lunar soft landing. With this accomplishment, India proudly stands alongside an elite trio of nations— the United States, the Soviet Union, and China— that have achieved this feat.
During the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s climactic moments, the following four stages transpired, often referred to as the “15 minutes of terror,” leading up to its triumphant soft landing on the Moon:
Rough Braking Phase: In this stage, the lander’s horizontal speed was diminished from a staggering 6,000 kilometres per hour to almost a standstill, setting the stage for a gentle landing.
Attitude Holding Phase: As the lander hovered approximately 7.43 kilometres above the Moon’s crust, it transitioned from a horizontal alignment to a vertical stance, all while traversing a span of 3.48 kilometres.
Fine Braking Phase: Spanning around 175 seconds, the lander shifted roughly 28.52 kilometres across the lunar expanse to its designated landing spot, concurrently descending its altitude by about 1 kilometre. It’s noteworthy that Chandrayaan-2 faced challenges between the Attitude Holding and Fine Braking phases.
Terminal Descent: Marking the mission’s culmination, the vertically-aligned lander undertook its final descent, alighting gracefully upon the lunar terrain.
Since space technology and scientific advancements are relevant areas for defense and national security, questions related to space missions, including Chandrayaan-3, may be asked to assess the candidate’s awareness, general knowledge, and scientific aptitude. It is always advisable to stay updated on current affairs, technological advancements, and space missions, including those by ISRO, to prepare for such questions in an SSB interview.
What is Chandrayaan-3
Chandrayaan-3 is the next mission after Chandrayaan-2, aiming to showcase the complete ability to safely land and navigate on the lunar surface. The mission comprises a Lander and Rover configuration and will be launched from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, using LVM3. The propulsion module will transport the Lander and Rover to a lunar orbit of 100 km. The propulsion module is equipped with the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload, which is designed to study Earth’s spectral and polarimetric measurements from the lunar orbit.
Chandrayaan-3 SSB Interview Questions
Question 1: What is the objective of Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to demonstrate safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, conduct rover roving on the Moon, and perform in-situ scientific experiments.
Question 2: What are the payloads carried by the lander in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The lander in Chandrayaan-3 carries the following payloads:
Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) for measuring thermal conductivity and temperature.
Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) for measuring lunar seismicity.
Langmuir Probe (LP) to estimate plasma density variations.
Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) from NASA for lunar laser ranging studies.
Question 3: What are the payloads carried by the rover in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The rover in Chandrayaan-3 carries the following payloads:
Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) for deriving elemental composition.
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) for elemental analysis and mineralogical composition determination.
Question 4: What is the propulsion module in Chandrayaan-3 responsible for?
Answer: The propulsion module in Chandrayaan-3 is responsible for carrying the lander and rover configuration from launch vehicle injection to a lunar orbit of 100 km. It also carries the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to study Earth from the lunar orbit.
Question 5: What are some of the advanced technologies present in the lander of Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: Some of the advanced technologies present in the lander of Chandrayaan-3 include altimeters (laser and RF-based), velocimeters (laser Doppler velocimeter and lander horizontal velocity camera), inertial measurement systems (laser gyro-based inertial referencing and accelerometer package), propulsion systems (throttleable liquid engines), navigation, guidance, and control systems (powered descent trajectory design and associated software elements), and hazard detection and avoidance systems (lander hazard detection and avoidance camera and processing algorithm).
Question 6: What are the touchdown specifications for the lander in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The touchdown specifications for the lander in Chandrayaan-3 are as follows:
Vertical velocity: ≤ 2 m / sec
Horizontal velocity: ≤ 0.5 m / sec
Slope: ≤ 120°
Question 7: What is the identified launcher for Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The identified launcher for Chandrayaan-3 is GSLV-Mk3.
Question 8: What are the power generation capabilities of the propulsion module, lander module, and rover in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The power generation capabilities are as follows:
Propulsion Module: 758 W
Lander Module: 738 W (with bias)
Rover: 50 W
Question 9: How long is the mission life of the lander and rover in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The mission life of the lander and rover in Chandrayaan-3 is approximately one lunar day, which is equivalent to about 14 Earth days.
Question 10: What communication systems are used in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: In Chandrayaan-3, the propulsion module communicates with the IDSN (Indian Deep Space Network), the lander module communicates with the IDSN and the rover, and there is also a contingency link planned with the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter.
Question 11: What are the scientific payloads carried by the lander module and rover in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The scientific payloads carried by the lander module are Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA), Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA), and Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA). The rover carries the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) and Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS).
Question 12: What is the objective of the Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The objective of the SHAPE payload in Chandrayaan-3 is to study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit, which can contribute to future discoveries and understanding of habitable exoplanets.
Question 13: How is the plasma density near the lunar surface measured in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The plasma density near the lunar surface is measured using a Langmuir Probe (LP) carried by the lander module in Chandrayaan-3.
Question 14: What is the purpose of the Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP) in the lander of Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The purpose of the Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP) in the lander of Chandrayaan-3 is to provide precise navigation and acceleration measurements during the mission.
Question 15: What is the mass of the propulsion module, lander module, and rover in Chandrayaan-3?
Answer: The mass of the propulsion module is 2148 kg, the lander module is 1752 kg (including the rover of 26 kg), and the total mass is 3900 kg.
Question 16: Why Chandrayaan-2 Failed?
Answer: Chandrayaan 2 failed because the Vikram lander couldn’t control its speed and tumbled down.
Question 17: Why is Chandrayan 3 exploring the Moon’s south pole?
Answer: One primary objective of the mission is to search for water-ice. Researchers believe this could pave the way for future human settlement on the Moon. Additionally, it has the potential to provide fuel for spacecraft traveling to Mars and beyond.
Specifications for Chandrayaan-3
Sl No.
Parameter
Specifications
1.
Mission Life (Lander & Rover)
One lunar day (~14 Earth days)
2.
Landing Site (Prime)
4 km x 2.4 km 69.367621 S, 32.348126 E
3.
Science Payloads
Lander:Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA)Chandra’s Surface Thermo physical Experiment (ChaSTE)Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) Rover:Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS)Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) Propulsion Module:Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE)
4.
Two Module Configuration
Propulsion Module (Carries Lander from launch injection to Lunar orbit)Lander Module (Rover is accommodated inside the Lander)
5.
Mass
Propulsion Module: 2148 kgLander Module: 1752 kg including Rover of 26 kgTotal: 3900 kg
6.
Power generation
Propulsion Module: 758 WLander Module: 738W, WS with BiasRover: 50W
7.
Communication
Propulsion Module: Communicates with IDSNLander Module: Communicates with IDSN and Rover. Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter is also planned for contingency link.Rover: Communicates only with Lander.
8.
Lander Sensors
Laser Inertial Referencing and Accelerometer Package (LIRAP)Ka-Band Altimeter (KaRA)Lander Position Detection Camera (LPDC)LHDAC (Lander Hazard Detection & Avoidance Camera)Laser Altimeter (LASA)Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV)Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC)Micro Star sensorInclinometer & Touchdown sensors
9.
Lander Actuators
Reaction wheels – 4 nos (10 Nms & 0.1 Nm)
10.
Lander Propulsion System
Bi-Propellant Propulsion System (MMH + MON3), 4 nos. of 800 N Throttleable engines & 8 nos. of 58 N; Throttleable Engine Control Electronics
To carry out the measurements of thermal properties of lunar surface near polar region.
3.
Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA)
To measure seismicity around the landing site and delineating the structure of the lunar crust and mantle.
4.
LASER Retroreflector Array (LRA)
It is a passive experiment to understand the dynamics of Moon system.
Sl. No
Rover Payloads
Objectives
1.
LASER Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS)
Qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis & To derive the chemical Composition and infer mineralogical composition to further our understanding of Lunar-surface.
2.
Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS)
To determine the elemental composition (Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca,Ti, Fe) of Lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site.
Sl. No
Propulsion Module Payload
Objectives
1.
Spectro-polarimetry of HAbitable Planet Earth (SHAPE)
Future discoveries of smaller planets in reflected light would allow us to probe into variety of Exo-planets which would qualify for habitability (or for presence of life).
These captivating photographs of NDA cadets were skillfully captured by Akshay Mahajan during his visit to the esteemed National Defence Academy. Reflecting on his experience, he stated, “In 2013, I had the privilege to journey to the NDA and immortalize the portraits of cadets hailing from one of the most significant military academies in the post-colonial world.” Presented below are these remarkable images, showcasing the NDA cadets undergoing rigorous training at the iconic National Defence Academy located in Khadagwasla.
In case you are wondering how to join the NDA, Pune you can read about it more on SSBCrack. If you are preparing for the NDA exam, do not forget to check out the NDA Online Coaching.
The life of NDA (National Defence Academy) cadets is both challenging and rewarding. NDA is a premier institution that trains cadets to become future officers in the Indian Armed Forces. Here’s an overview of the life of NDA cadets:
Routine and Discipline: NDA cadets follow a strict routine and adhere to a disciplined lifestyle. They have a well-structured schedule that includes physical training, academics, extracurricular activities, and military training. Cadets are expected to maintain punctuality, cleanliness, and personal discipline in all aspects of their daily routine.
Physical Fitness: Physical fitness is of utmost importance in the life of NDA cadets. They undergo intense physical training sessions that include running, swimming, obstacle courses, and various sports activities. Regular physical training is aimed at developing their endurance, strength, agility, and overall fitness level.
Academic Education: NDA provides a comprehensive academic curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects. Cadets receive education in disciplines such as mathematics, science, humanities, and social sciences. The aim is to provide them with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges they will face as military officers.
Military Training: NDA cadets undergo rigorous military training to develop leadership qualities, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. They learn about weapon handling, map reading, field craft, drill, and other essential military skills. Training also includes mock combat exercises and simulations to prepare cadets for real-world military operations.
Character Development: NDA emphasizes character development and inculcates values such as integrity, honor, courage, and selflessness. Cadets learn to lead by example and develop a strong sense of duty towards the nation and their fellow citizens.
Camaraderie and Esprit de Corps: Life at NDA fosters strong bonds of camaraderie among cadets. They live, study, and train together, forming lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. The spirit of teamwork and unity is instilled in cadets, creating a strong sense of esprit de corps.
Leadership Opportunities: NDA offers numerous opportunities for cadets to develop their leadership skills. They are given responsibilities to lead their peers in various activities, fostering qualities like decision-making, teamwork, and effective communication.
Cultural and Extracurricular Activities: NDA encourages participation in cultural events, sports competitions, debates, and other extracurricular activities. This provides cadets with a platform to showcase their talents, enhance their interpersonal skills, and foster a well-rounded personality.
Stress and Challenges: Life at NDA can be demanding, both physically and mentally. Cadets face intense training, strict deadlines, and high expectations. However, these challenges are designed to develop their resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for the demanding nature of military service.
Career Prospects: Upon graduation from NDA, cadets receive a bachelor’s degree and are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces. They have the opportunity to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force and pursue various specialized roles and career paths within the military.
Pictures of NDA Cadets At National Defence Academy
In the realm of Indian military and para-military forces, the Balidaan Badge holds a significant position as a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and indomitable courage. This article aims to explore the rich history, meaning, and significance behind the Balidaan Badge, highlighting its profound importance and the valor it represents.
What is Balidaan Badge
Historical Background
The origins of the Balidaan Badge can be traced back to the elite special forces of the Indian Army known as the Parachute Regiment. The Parachute Regiment is renowned for its exceptional combat skills, swift deployment, and unwavering determination. The idea behind the Balidaan Badge emerged as a way to honor and recognize the supreme sacrifice made by soldiers in the line of duty.
Meaning and Symbolism
The term “Balidaan” is derived from the Sanskrit language, where “bali” means sacrifice, and “daan” means offering. Thus, the Balidaan Badge signifies the selfless act of sacrificing one’s life for the nation’s greater good. It embodies the valor, bravery, and dedication of the soldiers who have given their all to safeguard the sovereignty of India.
Design and Appearance
The Balidaan insignia holds a significant place within the special forces of the Parachute Regiment. This distinctive emblem encompasses a commando dagger pointed downwards, accompanied by wings that extend upwards from the blade. Additionally, there is a scroll superimposed on the blade, displaying the inscription “Balidaan” in the Devanagari script.
Eligibility and Awarding
The Balidaan badge holds the highest honor in the Indian Army, exclusively worn by the special forces battalions of the Parachute Regiment. All Indian paratroopers are volunteers, with some joining the Para regiments directly after recruitment, while others transfer from regular army units. To become a Para (Special Forces) soldier, individuals must undergo a rigorous probationary period or selection process. Initially, all personnel must qualify as Paratroopers before they can choose to advance to the Special Forces selection.
The Special Forces selection is conducted twice a year, in the spring and autumn. It is renowned as one of the most challenging and lengthy training regimens globally, involving sleep deprivation, humiliation, exhaustion, and intense mental and physical challenges. Tragically, deaths have been reported during this arduous selection process. The attrition rate is extremely high, with the selection rarely exceeding 10 percent.
Even if a candidate successfully completes the selection process, they are not formally inducted into the regiment until they complete the “balidan padh.” This phase involves active operations in a hostile zone for a year. If the candidate survives this challenging period, they are awarded the Balidaan badge and officially inducted into the regiment.
Recognition
Wearing the Balidaan Badge is a testament to the extraordinary courage and unwavering commitment of the soldiers. It serves as a constant reminder of their sacrifice and a way to perpetuate their memory. The badge is typically worn on the right breast pocket of the uniform, close to the heart, signifying the eternal connection between the nation and Para SF.
Emotional Significance
The Balidaan Badge holds immense emotional significance for the families of the Para SF commandos. It serves as a source of pride and solace, offering a tangible symbol to honor their loved ones’ sacrifice. The badge represents the nation’s gratitude and serves as a constant reminder that their duty and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The Balidaan Badge stands as an enduring emblem of sacrifice, valor, and dedication within the Indian military. It symbolizes the selfless spirit of the soldiers who are ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. By honoring their memory and acknowledging their bravery, the Balidaan Badge ensures that their legacy lives on, inspiring future generations of soldiers to serve their country with unwavering commitment and honor.
If you happen to have a background in IT, computer science, artificial intelligence or machine learning and mention Chat GPT or any related technology during the SSB interview, the interviewing officer might ask you general questions about Chat GPT to gauge your understanding and knowledge in that field.
Here are 15 SSB Interview questions that could be asked in about Chat GPT, along with sample answers:
Question: What is Chat GPT and how does it work?
Answer: Chat GPT is an advanced language model developed by OpenAI. It uses deep learning techniques to understand and generate human-like text. It works by analyzing patterns and context in the input it receives and generating appropriate responses based on its training data.
Question: How does Chat GPT differ from traditional chatbots?
Answer: Chat GPT differs from traditional chatbots in its ability to generate more coherent and contextually relevant responses. It can understand and respond to a wide range of queries and conversations, making it more versatile and engaging.
Question: What are some potential applications of Chat GPT?
Answer: Chat GPT can be used in various applications such as customer support, virtual assistants, language translation, content generation, and more. Its natural language understanding capabilities make it useful in tasks that require interaction and communication with users.
Question: What are the limitations of Chat GPT?
Answer: Chat GPT may sometimes produce incorrect or nonsensical responses, especially when faced with ambiguous or incomplete inputs. It can also be sensitive to biased or inappropriate training data, which may lead to undesirable outputs. Ongoing research is being conducted to address these limitations.
Question: How can Chat GPT be fine-tuned for specific tasks or domains?
Answer: Chat GPT can be fine-tuned by providing it with additional training data specific to the desired task or domain. By exposing the model to relevant examples and guiding its learning, it can be tailored to generate more accurate and specific responses.
Question: What steps are taken to ensure the ethical use of Chat GPT?
Answer: OpenAI follows strict guidelines to ensure the ethical use of Chat GPT. They actively address concerns related to bias, misinformation, and harmful outputs. They also encourage feedback from users to continuously improve the system and mitigate potential risks.
Question: Can Chat GPT replace human interaction in customer support?
Answer: While Chat GPT can handle certain aspects of customer support, it cannot entirely replace human interaction. It can assist by providing initial information, answering common queries, or performing simple tasks. However, complex or sensitive issues may still require human intervention.
Question: How can Chat GPT contribute to language translation?
Answer: Chat GPT can facilitate language translation by understanding input text in one language and generating corresponding output text in another language. It can help bridge communication gaps and enable more efficient and accurate translation processes.
Question: What are the potential challenges in deploying Chat GPT in real-world applications?
Answer: Deploying Chat GPT in real-world applications may face challenges such as scalability, maintaining consistent performance, handling large user volumes, ensuring data privacy and security, and addressing potential biases or ethical concerns.
Question: How can Chat GPT be leveraged for content generation?
Answer: Chat GPT can assist in content generation by providing suggestions, expanding ideas, or even generating complete drafts based on given prompts. It can help writers, marketers, and content creators enhance their productivity and creativity.
Question: Can Chat GPT learn from user feedback and adapt over time?
Answer: Yes, Chat GPT can learn from user feedback. OpenAI encourages users to provide feedback on problematic outputs, which helps them identify and improve system weaknesses. This iterative feedback loop allows the model to adapt and enhance its performance over time.
Question: Does Chat GPT have the ability to learn new information or update its knowledge?
Answer: Chat GPT does not inherently possess the ability to learn new information or update its knowledge after its training phase. However, it can be periodically retrained using updated data to incorporate new information and improve its understanding of current trends or events.
Question: Can Chat GPT be used in the Armed Forces?
Answer: There can be some indirect applications of language models like Chat GPT in the armed forces. For example, they can be utilized in information retrieval, language translation for communication with non-native speakers, or even in simulating scenarios for training purposes.
Question: Can India Build something like Chat GPT?
Answer: Yes, India has the potential to develop its own language models similar to Chat GPT. India has a strong presence in the field of technology, with a growing community of researchers, engineers, and innovators in artificial intelligence and natural language processing. In response to doubts expressed by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, regarding India’s capability to train an AI model similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, CP Gurnani, the CEO of Tech Mahindra, has confidently announced that the company’s AI think tank is prepared to tackle the task of developing its own technology.
Question: How can Chat GPT contribute to research and development in various fields?
Answer: Chat GPT can contribute to research and development by assisting researchers with information retrieval, suggesting ideas or methodologies, and helping analyze and interpret complex data. It can act as a valuable tool in accelerating progress across different domains.
In the Indian Army, the position of subedar major (SM) holds a significant role, despite being junior to a commissioned officer like a lieutenant. SMs are highly experienced and are respectfully addressed as SM Sahab. They have the capability to lead either a single unit or a headquarters with troops under their command. In recognition of their exceptional service record, SMs are often bestowed with honorary ranks such as Honorary Lieutenant and Honorary Captain.
It is noteworthy that subedar majors and other Junior Commissioned Officers in the Indian Army are considered equivalent to Group-B gazetted officers in India.
Leadership and Discipline: The Subedar Major is responsible for maintaining discipline, order, and morale within the unit. They serve as a role model and provide guidance to junior non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Administrative Duties: The Subedar Major assists the commanding officer in the administrative functioning of the unit. They play a crucial role in personnel management, including promotions, postings, leaves, and welfare of soldiers under their command.
Training and Development: The Subedar Major is involved in the training and development of soldiers. They help in organizing training programs, ensuring that soldiers are well-prepared for operational tasks, and maintaining the standards of the unit.
Communication and Liaison: As a link between officers and soldiers, the Subedar Major relays instructions, orders, and information from officers to the troops. They also represent the concerns and grievances of the soldiers to the higher command, ensuring effective communication and coordination.
Ceremonial and Protocol Duties: The Subedar Major plays a vital role in ceremonial and protocol events, ensuring that they are conducted with precision and adherence to military traditions. They may lead parades, guard of honor, and other ceremonial activities.
Welfare and Morale: The Subedar Major focuses on the welfare and well-being of the soldiers, addressing their concerns, and ensuring their needs are met. They act as a bridge between the troops and the unit’s leadership, fostering a positive environment and boosting morale.
Command and Control: In the absence of higher-ranking officers, the Subedar Major may assume temporary command of the unit. They ensure operational readiness, maintain cohesion, and make tactical decisions as necessary.
However, the core responsibilities outlined above reflect the general role and significance of the Subedar Major in the Indian Army.
Among the world’s elite special operations forces, SEAL Team Six, officially known as the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), stands out as one of the most renowned and secretive units. Established in the aftermath of the failed Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, DEVGRU has evolved into a highly specialized and lethal force, conducting counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and other classified missions. This article aims to shed light on the history, selection process, training, and operational capabilities of SEAL Team Six.
What is Seal Team Six aka DEVGRU
The Origins of SEAL Team Six: Following the lessons learned from the Iran hostage crisis, the U.S. military recognized the need for a dedicated counter-terrorism unit within the Navy SEALs. In 1980, the Navy established SEAL Team Six, also known as DEVGRU, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Richard Marcinko. Its primary purpose was to develop and execute highly sensitive and high-risk missions.
The selection process for SEAL Team Six is extraordinarily rigorous. Candidates are typically drawn from the existing ranks of the Navy SEALs, who are already considered elite. Prospective operators undergo an intensive selection course known as Green Team. This physically and mentally demanding evaluation tests their endurance, resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to operate effectively under high-stress conditions.
Successful candidates then proceed to the Operator Training Course (OTC), a nine-month training program that hones their skills in close-quarters combat, advanced marksmanship, explosive breaching, intelligence gathering, and other critical areas. OTC is designed to push operators to their limits and prepare them for the complex and dynamic challenges they will face in real-world operations.
Operational Capabilities
SEAL Team Six specializes in counter-terrorism operations, including hostage rescue, direct action, and intelligence gathering. They have conducted numerous high-profile missions, such as the capture of Panama’s Manuel Noriega, the hunt for war criminals in the Balkans, and the takedown of Osama bin Laden in Operation Neptune Spear.
DEVGRU is known for its ability to operate in any environment, including land, sea, and air. They are proficient in conducting complex maritime operations, such as boarding ships, underwater demolitions, and amphibious assaults. They often work in close collaboration with other elite military units, such as the Delta Force, the Special Air Service (SAS), and the Central Intelligence Agency’s Special Activities Division (SAD).
Equipment and Technology
To execute their missions with precision and efficiency, SEAL Team Six utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology. They are equipped with a wide array of firearms, including assault rifles, sniper rifles, and pistols, as well as specialized tools for breaching doors and walls. They also employ advanced communication systems, night vision devices, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Blue Squadron Operators in Afghanistan 2002 tasked to protect Hamid Karzai. The operator 2nd from the right is SOCS John “Dusty” Marcum, Dusty was killed during a firefight in Bagram, Afghanistan.
Secrecy and Media Coverage
One of the distinguishing features of SEAL Team Six is its exceptional level of secrecy. The unit operates covertly and maintains a low profile, with little information released to the public. The identities of its operators are carefully protected, and their faces are seldom shown in official photographs or videos. This secrecy is crucial to the unit’s effectiveness, allowing them to carry out sensitive operations without compromising national security.
SEAL Team Six, also known as DEVGRU, represents the pinnacle of elite military units. Their unparalleled selection process, rigorous training, and operational proficiency have solidified their reputation as the world’s foremost special operations force. With a history marked by successful high-risk operations, SEAL Team Six continues to play a vital role in protecting national security and combating global terrorism. As an elite force operating in the shadows, SEAL Team Six exemplifies the dedication, skill, and bravery of those who serve in the special operations community.
Upon completing their basic training at the Parachute Regimental Centre, recruits have the opportunity to join either the Parachute Battalions (airborne) or the Parachute Special Forces (SF) Battalions, based on their preferences and available vacancies.
Para SF Hell Week
At the unit level, these recruits may be joined by other volunteer soldiers from different Arms/Services battalions or regiments of the Indian Army. This combined group of recruits undergoes a scheduled selection and training procedure known as the para/SF probation. While the exact duration of this procedure may vary (typically ranging from 90 to 180 days), it serves as a crucial phase for evaluating the candidates. The para/SF probation is known for its challenging nature, resulting in high drop-out rates.
Only those individuals who successfully complete the probation period are accepted by the unit and subsequently posted to their designated unit by the Para Records.
During this probation period, candidates who have successfully completed the initial selection process for the Para SF undergo rigorous training to further develop their physical fitness, mental toughness, and specialized skills required for special operations. The training includes various aspects such as combat skills, parachute jumps, endurance training, navigation, and other specialized training modules.
The training program for Para Special Forces (Para SF) commandos is designed to be highly rigorous, physically demanding, and mentally challenging. It aims to develop the skills and capabilities required for special operations and to ensure that candidates are prepared for a wide range of combat scenarios.
Overview of the key elements typically involved in Para SF commando training.
Basic Training: Candidates undergo initial basic military training to develop their physical fitness, discipline, and teamwork abilities. This phase focuses on physical conditioning, weapon handling, field craft, navigation, and small unit tactics.
Parachute Training: Para SF commandos are renowned for their airborne operations. Candidates undergo extensive parachute training to become proficient in various types of jumps, including static line jumps, HALO (High Altitude Low Opening) jumps, and HAHO (High Altitude High Opening) jumps.
Combat Training: Commandos receive specialized combat training, which includes close quarters combat (CQC), marksmanship, sniper training, urban warfare, counter-terrorism tactics, demolitions, and handling of various weapons and explosives.
Unconventional Warfare: Candidates learn unconventional warfare tactics, which involve operating behind enemy lines, conducting reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare techniques. They are trained to adapt to different terrains and environmental conditions.
Survival Training: Commandos undergo survival training to learn how to survive in extreme conditions, such as jungles, deserts, mountains, and underwater environments. They learn techniques for finding food and water, shelter construction, and navigation without modern technology.
Specialized Skills: Para SF commandos may receive training in specialized skills, such as combat diving, combat medical procedures, HALO/HAHO techniques, advanced communications, and intelligence gathering.
Endurance and Physical Fitness: The training program emphasizes physical fitness and endurance to ensure commandos can perform at their peak under challenging circumstances. This includes long-distance running, obstacle courses, high-intensity interval training, and other demanding physical exercises.
It’s important to note that the training for Para SF commandos is highly selective, and candidates undergo a stringent selection process before being accepted into the training program. The actual duration and specific components of the training may vary based on the organization, mission requirements, and evolving training methodologies. The training is designed to prepare commandos for the complex and demanding nature of special operations, where they may be deployed in high-risk environments to execute critical missions.
