Pakistan's Special Operations Forces: SSG | SSGN | SSW | SOW | SOG

[PanzerKiel]

Brig Saleem Zia, Group Commander SSG in mid 70s.

SSG during APS Op

 

[Indos]

NCTC (National Counter Terrorism Training Center), near Pabi.

The Pakistani in the pics are regulars..

How do you know they are regulars ? I dont think we will send special force if Pakistani use regular troops on the training. In wikipedia it said that Kopassus has joint exercise with Pakistan Special Service Group https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Service_Group

I dont think we can determine special force from their uniform as Kopassus also dont use their uniform on that training but just use basic Army uniform. But unlike Pakistani, we bring our beret that identify it is Kopassus.

Any way Kopassus is not a small special force, it has around 6000 troops.

This is Kopassus uniform

They use basic Army uniform during exercise in Pakistan

 

[PanzerKiel]

How do you know they are regulars ? I dont think we will send special force if Pakistani use regular troops on the training. In wikipedia it said that Kopassus has joint exercise with Pakistan Special Service Group https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Service_Group

I dont think we can determine special force from their uniform as Kopassus also dont use their uniform on that training but just use basic Army uniform. But unlike Pakistani, we bring our beret that identify it is Kopassus.

Any way Kopassus is not a small special force, it has around 6000 troops.

This is Kopassus uniform

They use basic Army uniform during exercise in Pakistan

The last pic is with PA NCTC instructors.

 

[HRK]

I dont think we can determine special force from their uniform as Kopassus also dont use their uniform on that training but just use basic Army uniform. But unlike Pakistani, we bring our beret that identify it is Kopassus.

In National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) we train regular troops for counter Terrorism Operations or in other words after attending NCTC our relugular do not remain Regular Regulars but 'Regulars with Counter Terrorism Specialities' .... so this might be the reason for Indonesian Special forces to have joint exercises with Counter Terrorism Specialists in NCTC of Pakistan

Professional members of the forum might explain it better with details.

 

[PanzerKiel]

How do you know they are regulars ? I dont think we will send special force if Pakistani use regular troops on the training. In wikipedia it said that Kopassus has joint exercise with Pakistan Special Service Group https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Service_Group

I dont think we can determine special force from their uniform as Kopassus also dont use their uniform on that training but just use basic Army uniform. But unlike Pakistani, we bring our beret that identify it is Kopassus.

Any way Kopassus is not a small special force, it has around 6000 troops.

This is Kopassus uniform

They use basic Army uniform during exercise in Pakistan

Troops from PA 34 SSD, LCB units participate .

How do you know they are regulars ? I dont think we will send special force if Pakistani use regular troops on the training. In wikipedia it said that Kopassus has joint exercise with Pakistan Special Service Group https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Service_Group

I dont think we can determine special force from their uniform as Kopassus also dont use their uniform on that training but just use basic Army uniform. But unlike Pakistani, we bring our beret that identify it is Kopassus.

Any way Kopassus is not a small special force, it has around 6000 troops.

This is Kopassus uniform

They use basic Army uniform during exercise in Pakistan

In the last pic , GOC 34 SSD and one of his brigade Commanders are there.

 

[HRK]

@Indos follow the two mention threads on Light Commando Battalion (LCB) to have a clear understanding about their role and training regime
Thread 1, Thread 2

 

[Indos]

@Indos follow the two mention threads on Light Commando Battalion (LCB) to have a clear understanding about their role and training regime
Thread 1, Thread 2

OK. Thanks.

 

[blain2]

Both Col SG Mehdi and Brig Saleem Zia were non-SSG qualified officer to be promoted to command the SSG. While no bar on their persons, this created significant challenges for those serving under them. After the initial years, this practice was changed in the 70s and now no officer in command of any SSG unit, let alone the divisional command, can be a non-SSG officer.

 

[PanzerKiel]

On Gen Musa's visit to SSG, late 50s. Gp photo along with SSG officers.

 

[blain2]

Ameer Faisal Alvi, Group Command and later GOC SSG (here as Commander of 19 IABG, late 90s)

For those who may not be aware, Capt Muhammad Iqbal was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurrat for his conspicuous bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. This is the highest gallantry award ever to be awarded to an SSG officer or jawan despite the fact that the SSG is the most awarded outfit in the Pakistan armed forces.

The second point of note is that Hilal-e-Jurrat is usually reserved for living (as compared to NH which is posthumously awarded) or general staff officers in recognition of their conduct during military operations. Capt Iqbal's case was as such that his actions were considered worthy of a much higher recognition than the Sitara-e-Jurrat which is typically what is awarded to field ranking officers yet he was deemed to not fit the criteria for NH. These were the 80s and we were far removed from the memories of large scale wars and in my humble opinion, had Capt. Iqbal operated in the way he did on Siachen during the Kargil conflict as an example, without a doubt he would have been awarded the NH.

Brave man, who was well liked by the men and peers alike. God bless!

 

[Cuirassier]

For those who may not be aware, Capt Muhammad Iqbal was awarded the Hilal-e-Jurrat for his conspicuous bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. This is the highest gallantry award ever to be awarded to an SSG officer or jawan despite the fact that the SSG is the most awarded outfit in the Pakistan armed forces.

The second point of note is that Hilal-e-Jurrat is usually reserved for living (as compared to NH which is posthumously awarded) or general staff officers in recognition of their conduct during military operations. Capt Iqbal's case was as such that his actions were considered worthy of a much higher recognition than the Sitara-e-Jurrat which is typically what is awarded to field ranking officers yet he was deemed to not fit the criteria for NH. These were the 80s and we were far removed from the memories of large scale wars and in my humble opinion, had Capt. Iqbal operated in the way he did on Siachen during the Kargil conflict as an example, without a doubt he would have been awarded the NH.

Brave man, who was well liked by the men and peers alike. God bless!

Iqbal's HJ was an anomaly thanks to our weird award system. In '65, SJs were reserved till LTC rank for actions not fitting critieria for NH (as per citation that is) - hence redtapes were the ones who got HJs. TJs were given to NCOs & ORs with JCOs getting SJs if criteria met. This changed in '71 when HJs were awarded to LTC rank too.

Even in Op Koh-e-Paima - none got an HJ despite exhibiting tremendous gallantry. If not NH then SJ, if not that then TJ & so on.

In PA, HJ is unfortunately usually reserved for officers with stars - in the case of IA I appreciate their generosity; even ORs can get the MVC, their second-highest gallantry award. The Indian 3/4 Gorkha won 3 x MVCs in this particular action - two of them going to NCO/ORs AFAIK.

 

[Metal 0-1]

Ahh, Pakistani SOF Command. How long do you gonna stick with old school gear, weapon manipulation/handling and operational skills??

 

[PanzerKiel]

Capt Sikander, 2 Cdo

Capt Sikander, 2 Cdo, on the right while Col Suleman, CO 2 Cdo in the centre. Both attained shahadat in the famous ambush on Ghazi company of 2 Cdo.

 

[PanzerKiel]

Both Col SG Mehdi and Brig Saleem Zia were non-SSG qualified officer to be promoted to command the SSG. While no bar on their persons, this created significant challenges for those serving under them. After the initial years, this practice was changed in the 70s and now no officer in command of any SSG unit, let alone the divisional command, can be a non-SSG officer.

Do please clarify the term.... NON SSG QUAL OFFICER..... For the benefit of all who are here.

 

[PanzerKiel]

Old but good