Pune: The Indian Army and the Maharashtra Police 's Force One , a specialised commando force, conducted a joint exercise to synergise their operating methods and enhance operational readiness. Force One was formed after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai to carry out specialised urban-centric terrorist operations . The primary area of responsibility of Force One is Mumbai and its surrounding regions.
The Army's 15 Assam Regiment has covered various operational aspects, including building and hostage interventions. According to the officers, the exercise was conducted on the regiment's and Force One training grounds in Mumbai between August 18 and August 22. "The Army unit is highly experienced in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the border regions.
They have a solid understanding of the various drills for these operations as they have practised and implemented them for years in the border regions. Thus, they are capable of operating in highly challenging security scenarios," a senior army officer told TOI. "During this exercise, a group of 25 police commandos and our troops participated.
Together, they carried out various drills and operational activities. Also, our trained and experienced instructors held classes and lectures for the commandos to teach the nuances of various drills. Later, they practised those drills in the exercise," the officer added.
The Force One commandos are trained mainly for urban-centric terrorist operations and weapon handling. Col. VB Shinde (retd), who has trained Force One Commandos since 2008, told said, "The commandos are equipped with advanced weapons, including M 98 Barret Snipers.
They are experts in building and hostage intervention operations. However, they do not have operations experience as such. Thus, it becomes vital for them to do joint exercises with army units.
It will enhance their various operational skills." The Maharashtra police's commandos are trained only for anti-terrorism operations. The total strength of the commandos is about 300, including officers, said a police official.
"We do carry out various internal operational exercises, including weapon firing drills. The commandos are physically fit and capable of operating in tough situations," a senior police officer said. A group of commandos had undergone a special training module at the College of Military Engineering (CME) on handling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the use of jammers to strengthen interoperability between state police and the Army in July, said an army officer.
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