Republic Day Parade: Debutant NSG commandos are ready to steal the show
The National Security Guard is making its debut at the Rajpath in New Delhi on this Republic Day, when a team of 140 commandos will showcase their spectacular skills during the parade.
Picture for representation. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 13, 2017 13:00 IST
The commandos of the elite National Security Guard (NSG) are all set to make a stunning debut at New Delhi's Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade.
For the first time since their inception in 1984, these commandos will be part of the marching contingent on the Rajpath, where the NSG will show the glimpses of their anti-terror, anti-hijacking and special operations capabilities.
NSG COMMANDOS AT REPUBLIC DAY PARADE: THINGS TO KONW
- The NSG commandos are practising rigorously to make a mark at the Republic Day Parade at the Rajpath.
- Before the break of dawn in the chilly winter, 140 men NSG commandos make their entry at Rajpath. It is not the usual marching contingent. But, being usual is not the NSG.
- With nerves of steel, these men 'Hop' singing the NSG anthem written by famous poet and writer Gulzaar after 26/11 Mumbai attacks- Hain Na Hai Na Hum Hindustan, Hum Rang Rang Hain, Phir Bhi Sang Hain. The faces of commandos are masked with balaclava headgear with beats on their lips.
- Of the 140 commandos, 70 do the double time march. These are India's counter terror force, dressed in their trademark black uniform, balaclava headgear and special assault rifles MP-5 along with the iconic commando dagger.
- The other 70 commandos are on seven vehicles- four with ladders mounted on them. They have six gypsies.
- The most impressive NSG vehicle is 'Sherpa' an anti Hijacking vehicle, which is also making its debut in the parade. The vehicle is as tough as the commando. It is a bullet proof armoured vehicle, which can withstand powerful explosions. The vehicle can go under water and on steep inclines. It is a 'commando' itself.
- Anti-hijack team: Commandos atop the vehicle are important part of this team. The Hydraulic ladder gives them access to inside of a plane. The commandos are accompanied by their canines. Their two dogs are part of the counter terror and bomb disposal component.
- Anti-sabotage team: Noticeably on mounted on ladders are our hi-tech soldiers with LED light, night vision capability, monocular strapped to their helmet. They are part of anti-sabotage and anti-hijack crack teams.
- Combat free-fallers: Similar to para-commandos, these men can be para-dropped to take on terrorist anywhere. Besides the gadgetry, these men are strapped with protective pads known as the exo-skeletons.
- CBRNE team: This is one of the most advanced teams with commandos wearing radiation protective suits to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense measures. This is the only terror fighting force to deal with radiological or nuclear terror threat or an attack.
- Deep divers: These commandos will not just swim but can prove to be lethal to enemies under water. They have modified firearms, which can kill enemies under water.
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