Inside Pakistan's Sharp Sword - The Special Service Group (SSG).

I cant see the pictures anymore.

 

Can you help me??

 

In early 1960's, intelligence reports started trickling in regarding some anti state activities in the agency by Khan of Jandole, a prominent personality of the area, along with some other notables of Dir State. They were getting support from across the border to pursue a rebellious design.
Since the reports from various agencies were not only sketchy but at times confusing as well, so the Special Service Group(SSG) was asked to send a team in disguise, to assess the real ground situation.

For the purpose Captain Rauf (who later joined the civil service and became Home Secretary of Balochistan), along with a team of four to five SSG personnel was deputed to proceed to the region in the guise of local inhabitants and send their factual assessment for any future action. From Chakdara onward they were to cover the area on foot while carrying the required stores and communication equipment on donkeys to look like the ordinary folks of the area.

However, after some time the communication was totally lost which created some panic in the concerned quarters. An urgent message was received from SSG to despatch two aircraft next morning to Peshawar for an important search mission. For the purpose Captain Mushtaq Madni and Captain A R Kallue (both retired as Lieutenant Colonels) were nominated.
The mission revolved around an aerial search for the lost SSG detachment.

Captain Kallue was selected for the mission as he was a good friend of Captain Rauf and could recognize him from some distance. Since the area was generally considered hostile so two promissory notes, duly signed and sealed by the appropriate authority were also given to both the pilots. Each promising a cash reward of rupees one hundred thousand if the pilot was handed over to the political authorities in case of any mishap.

From Peshawar, the pilots flew to Malakand and via Chakdara followed the only road leading to Khar area. Couple of miles short of Khar village, the group with two donkeys was spotted.

Low passes were made and Captain Rauf was recognized by Captain Kallue without any doubt.

This was the beginning and soon after intense aerial reconnaissance of Dir-Bajaur area by 7 Infantry Division, based at Peshawer, Kohat and Bannu got underway.

 

Is there any age limit for an army officer to volunteer for OACC at SSG school?

 

No age limit. but usually they went at the rank of Lt or Capt. However there are few exceptional motivated Majs also who had completed the course.

 

@blain2 I am aware that SSG is trained in different arts of martial arts, especially taekwondo, is Krav Maga or something similar to street self defence introduced in training regimen?

 

All sorts of unarmed combat training given. Including krav

 

Gen Mitta though is being considered as father of SSG but in fact he was not. The CQB coy was raised in infantry school in probably 1950/51 commanded by Maj Ali Haider which was moved to Attack Fort in 1954. This site was selected by British Col after due Consideration after visiting many other places mostly in KPK. Two cols by the name of Col Ali Haider( 18 Baloch) and Col Muhammad Sarwar ( Baloch) were selected to undergo a special course for one year in UK. Both the officers returned successfully after completion of the course. Col Ali Haider was selected to command this newly special op Bn at Attock Fort. He assumed the command of that unit but due to bad luck he met a very serious accident near Akora Khattak and got decapicitated for many months. This was the time when the luck smiled on Gen Mitta who was GSO-1 in Trg Dte GHQ to go and take over the command of that unit without any special qualifications. Who recommended it ,only God knows. Surprisingly the second Colonel, Col Muhammad Sarwar from Mera Mator village in suburb of Rawalpindi was not asked to take over who had successfully qualified from Britain . This again remains a mystery . It is believed that the son of Col Sarwar had risen to the rank of a Maj Gen. The facts can be confirmed from him. The son of Col Ali Haider is a retired Lt Col living in Chaklala III. His name is Lt Col Ijaz from 33rd long course. He has some photos of that era with a British Lt Col who was posted to over see the training and org the set up.

Any one interested in history must find the facts.

 

SSG in Russia for SCO peace training

 

I think back in the day SSG recieved a lot of training from GSG-9, SAS, SBS and American Delta and Rangers.

Now they seem to be formulating their own techniques. And borrowing some from the rest of the world.

 

We trained with them to fight sobiets and Indians in Kargil(Siachen)-Later. So both of our points make sense.

 

Zarrar ATU should be our designated Tier One unit, they're the ones going into tough ops, and they should be provided with some good helmets for heaven's sake, ACH or MICH.

 

Gen Mitha sacrificed much for this country and was treated badly as usual not in this country but common through out Muslim history. At least we should give him some respect. He was fully qualified when got command of Pak SF, and structured basis of a competent force. After retirement faced many hardships, salute to him for his bravery and feel ashamed for harsh treatment he faced like many true patriots.