How to Become MARCOS Commando: Eligibility & Selection Process

India takes pride in its bravery and valour. Our soldiers prioritise the obligation of serving the nation over themselves. However, our neighbouring difficulties persist, pushing us to build elite special forces ready to retaliate and crush the adversary. 

Take a look at the might of one such unit, MARCOS, and the process of becoming a respected Commando in their ranks.

Marine Commandos, or MARCOS, was established in the year 1987 as a special forces unit under the Indian Navy. From hostage rescue and marine counter-terrorism to surveillance and direct action, it takes care of several special operations.

Before you volunteer for this special force, you must be physically extremely strong and fit, as the entire process will be like a nightmare, the nightmare that leads to a reverie.

Given that you are a member of the Navy, either a sailor or an officer, you must volunteer for the MARCOS Special Forces. From this point on, the true challenges begin, as there are four phases of selection:

• Phase 1: Pre-Selection
• Phase 2: Selection
• Phase 3: Qualification Training
• Phase 4: Probation Period

The MARCOS Commando has the motto "The Few The Fearless," which suggests how difficult the training will be, as only a small number of people make it to the final selection, but those who do are synonymous with bravery. The following are the requirements for becoming a MARCOS commando.

• Gender: Male
• MARCOS commando age limit: 20s
• Qualification: must be a sailor or Officer in navy

There are 2 types of training processes, as stated below:

1. Five Week program

This five-week program's exclusive pack includes the following items:

• Morning runs around 20 km (12.4 miles).
• Night marches of 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) with a burden of 60 kilogrammes (132 pounds).
• Practise using live ammo.
• Carry a 60-kilograms (132 lb) load for 120 miles in a specific time restriction once every week.

2. Hell Week Selection

There is a Hell Week selection process based on the US Navy SEALs. It includes:

• A week of continuous training included nearly 20 hours of continuous physical exertion per day on average.
• Over the course of the week, candidates will be lucky if they get more than 4 hours of sleep.
• Candidates will be expected to 'race' through an 800-metre thigh-high mud-filled course known as the 'Death Crawl' with a 25 kg (55 lb) weight at the end of the week.
• Before that, one must finish a 2.5-kilometre (1.5-mile) obstacle course.
• From a distance of 25 metres, fire at a target with a fellow candidate standing exactly next to it.

The training occurs at numerous institutes, although INS Abhimanyu is the primary supervisor. Weapons handling training is part of the 10-week basic SF training at INS Abhimanyu. Whereas the Indian Army's Parachute Training School in Agra includes a 3-week Basic Parachute Course.

A MARCOS commando's wage is variable based on the service years, location, and rank. Usually, it begins at about ₹35,000 per month. 

Over time, with experience and promotions, this income can rise. MARCOS commandos are also eligible for benefits and allowances, like medical care, housing, and insurance coverage.

The path to being a MARCOS Commando may be difficult, but those who successfully complete it receive the honour of becoming a member of India's most prestigious special forces, protecting the country with unwavering valour.