National Security Guards (NSG)
Introduction
The National Security Guard (NSG) is a counter-terrorism unit operating under the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Since its inception in 1984, the NSG has played a significant role in maintaining national security and countering a variety of threats.
The NSG is a Federal Contingency Deployment Force that handles all facets of terrorism in the country. It is designed to tackle all types of terrorist situations which cannot be handled by local police or other armed forces. Because it is a specialized force, it's often referred to as India's SWAT team.
NSG personnel are often referred to as "Black Cats" due to the black dress and black cat insignia worn on their uniform. The force is not tasked with regular law and order duties; rather, it is meant to respond to specific situations, like a terrorist attack or hijacking.
Origin and Mandate
The NSG was created following Operation Blue Star and the assassination of Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India. In the early 1980s, the need for a specialized, well-trained, and highly equippedunit to counter internal security threats became apparent. This led to the formation of the NSG,modeled on the pattern of Germany’s GSG 9 and the British SAS.
The NSG’s primary roles include counter-terrorism, counter-hijacking operations, bomb disposal, and protection of high-ranking officials. It also serves as a ‘Federal Contingency Force’ to tackle all facets of terrorism in the country.
Structure and Composition
The NSG is a task-oriented force, divided into two groups: the Special Action Group (SAG) and the Special Ranger Group (SRG). The SAG, comprising army personnel, is primarily responsible for conducting counter-terrorist activities, while the SRG, composed of personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and State Police, provides logistical and intelligence support.
Each group is commanded by an officer of the rank of Inspector General (IG), and the overall command and administration lie with a Director General (DG) of the Indian Police Service (IPS)
Training and Selection
Being a member of the NSG is no small feat. Selection is highly competitive, with rigorous physical and psychological assessments. The basic training period lasts for about 90 days, but additional specialized training can extend the total period to 14 months.
Training encompasses a range of specialized skills, including martial arts, close quarter battle (CQB),sniping, bomb disposal, languages, and high-risk driving. Emphasis is also placed on developing a high degree of mental toughness and physical fitness. Only a fraction of those who apply are ultimately selected to serve in the NSG.
Equipment and Capabilities
The NSG uses some of the most advanced weaponry and equipment available, similar to those used by SWAT teams in the U.S. and other counter-terrorism units around the world. This includes corner shot rifles and pistols, MP5 submachine guns, sniper rifles, and state-of-the-art night vision and surveillanced Sevices.
The NSG also has a dedicated bomb disposal squad and is one of the few Indian units that can handle chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Notable Operations
The NSG has been involved in several significant operations, demonstrating their effectiveness in high-risk situations. This includes Operation Black Thunder in 1988, which successfully ended a siege at theGolden Temple in Amritsar, and Operation Ashwamedh in 1999, during which they neutralized hijackers of the Indian Airlines Flight IC 814.
One of their most notable missions was Operation Black Tornado in 2008, during which they were instrumental in neutralizing terrorists during the Mumbai attacks.
Conclusion
The National Security Guard remains a critical element of India’s internal security apparatus. Through its rigorous selection and training process, advanced capabilities, and a track record of successful high-risko perations, the NSG continues to serve as a testament to India’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining national security.
More Information About Selection Process for the National Security Guard (NSG)
The selection process for the National Security Guard (NSG) is one of the most challenging and demanding in India’s security forces, designed to identify and train individuals who are capable of operating under extreme pressure and uncertainty.
Eligibility
Potential candidates for the NSG usually come from two sources: the Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). For the Special Action Group (SAG), the primary operational wing of the NSG, candidates are chosen from the Indian Army. For the Special Ranger Group (SRG), which provides logistical and intelligence support, candidates are selected from the CAPFs.
Initial Selection
Candidates are initially screened based on their service records, physical fitness, and overall suitability for the role. This preliminary selection includes a thorough medical examination, which candidates must pass to proceed to the next stage of the selection process
Physical Efficiency Test:
After initial screening, candidates are put through a series of Physical Efficiency Tests (PET). These tests are designed to assess an individual's physical stamina and resilience and include rigorous activities like running, swimming, obstacle courses, and more.
Psychological Evaluation:
Candidates who pass the physical tests are then subjected to comprehensive psychological evaluations. This includes psychological profiling and a series of interviews with a psychologist. This step is crucial, as the NSG’s work often involves high-stress situations that require mental fortitude and resilience.
Training Phase
Candidates who pass all the tests are then inducted into the initial training phase, which lasts around 90days. This phase is considered a probation period and includes rigorous physical and tactical training,after which the trainees are screened again.The candidates who pass this training phase are then moved into the final stages of training, which include advanced counter-terrorism techniques, counter-hijacking, close quarter battle, bomb disposal, intelligence gathering, and more. This phase lasts around 9-14 months.
Final Selection:
Only after completing all these stages of training and evaluation does a candidate finally become an NSG commando. But even after selection, the training and learning continue, as the nature of NSG’s operations requires the personnel to be up-to-date with the latest techniques, technologies, and tactics in the field of counter-terrorism.
Voluntary Retirement or Return:
Service in the NSG is voluntary, and the duration of service varies. Personnel may choose to return to their parent organizations after a few years of service or opt for voluntary retirement. However, their experience and training in the NSG often positions them for more prominent roles within their parent Oganizations.
Overall, the selection process for the NSG is an arduous journey that tests every facet of an individual’s physical and mental capabilities. The few who make it through this demanding process join the ranks of one of the most elite counter-terrorism units in the world.