Upgrading Pakistan’s Special Operations Forces in a cost effective way.
Pakistani Special Forces are one of the world best SOF in the world. Thanks to its past joint training with UK SAS and SBS and US Special Forces. They adopted their western counterparts training regime and added their own touch simply making it better.
Special Operations not only depend upon specially trained operators but also some special gadgets. We see our SOF community is still lagging behind in this regard. Yes budget is main problem. In this article I’ll focus on equipping them in a cost effective way and still providing them with quality gear.
We don’t have to equip them all at same time things will take time. Start by giving gear to Tier 1 units like Zarrar, No.3 Powindah’s Cdo. Batt. and Musa Coy. Naval and Air Force components are our small spear heads so we can equip them all.
*All the equipment will be low in price but good in quality and reliability. (Some equipment is pricey but not too much)
Starting off,
1. Helmets.
We know FAST helmets are being used now in Pakistan as well. But still we need to do something about old PASGT helmets used by Army SSG. They deserve better. We can start off by providing them all with FAST high cut helmets. These helmets also need reasonable upgrades.
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These above Helmet setups are being used by Professionals around the world.
MICH helmet also allows couple of neat setups.
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For this purpose:
1: 3M Comtac III peltor Two way (Protection + Communication) headset. Mount to helmet if not using helmet wear them with headbands.
(600$)
2: IR Strobes for IFF or Distress or Marking positions. (You can through older MS2000 strobes towards enemy because of they are strong)
(100$)
3: Counter Weights OR Battery boxes (For Powering NVGs) to balance out weight of NVG so that neck strain is reduced.
4: Use a white flashlight if you want.
2. NVGs/ NODs
For a long time our armed forces using single tube
PVS-14s. No its time to move on to Dual tube night visions which provide wide field of view than looking through single tube. PVS-15 is expensive like
12,000$. As I promised cost effective Just buy more
PVS-14s (Cost 3,000$ Aprrox Per unit) and bridge them into two. That’ll be around 7000$.
View attachment 633419
3. Optics (For Guns)
We do have optics like Aimpoints and EO-Techs but those are for short range battles. After 200 yard you literally can’t ID bullet impact. What if we want to shoot at like 500/600yard? Aimpoints don’t work. Trijicon ACOGs are expensive. So we want a affordable optic that is Bushnell Optics, Drop Zone Reticle Riflescope with Target Turrets, Matte Black, 1-4x/24mm (150$).
View attachment 633420
It’s not a massive scope so don’t worry.
4. Gun Upgrades (Reasonable)
Don’t you think our M-4s are bit old looking don’t have modern accessories which do look cool but they are very helpful.
- First and foremost, Rail extension (Available around 70-100$).
View attachment 633421
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Yeah they sound crazy so why extended rail system.
Firstly, there’s the way it’s mounted - the KAC M4 RAS uses the original delta ring and front handguard ring, meaning a shift in the rail system (from gripping, rests, barricades) is translated to the barrel, affecting accuracy. Systems like the DD RIS II use a barrel ring or other method at the receiver end which
means the handguard does not contact the barrel further down, “free floating” the handguard and resulting in little to no accuracy shift.
Secondly, you have more rail space closer to the muzzle. This allows you to mount accessories not only in such a way that you’re afforded a better grip on the weapon, but also for weapon lights to be mounted so that they cause less shadow (barrel/muzzle blocking light beam and limiting FOV) as well as glare (light bouncing off the barrel/muzzle affecting vision and giving away position).
And most importantly C-Grip OR C-Clamp.
- Better Fore-grips: There are in plenty at affordable prices.
- Suppressors: They come in handy in clearing out buildings/ Hostage Rescue/ Night time operations.(400$).
5. Battle Dress Uniforms:
Yes we are using combat shirts. But still not using padded combat shirts and pants.
Give this job to POF clothing factory.
6. Combat Boots:
There are plenty of tactical boots available on market at cheaper prices.
(200$)
7. Misc. Equipment:
- GPS (Not for everyone just for team leader)
- SOFLAMS, Laser Designators to pinpoint CAS from rotary or fixed wing aircrafts.
- IR Strobes for IFF by your squad mates and Air Support above your heads. Visible Chem lights and IR Chem Lights for marking positions. Or they can be used to show your location to incoming friendly helicopters. Tie one end with cord and swing around in a circle.
So pretty much it.
That's a Total of 10,000$ Generously per person.
Note: This article is based on personal views. Some of you are not going to agree with this.
Open for Criticism, Suggestions or Discussion.
