In Nahan, Army gets its cutting edge

Today Col V B Shinde, commandant of the School is busy planning a host of new courses that complement the proposed modernisation. ‘‘Even if we were imparting advanced skill to the special forces men, there is no standardised training for the Special Forces officers like the special forces courses in the US or UK. Some day the school could fill that gap ’’ says a retired senior general. At a point in time, it has also been proposed that the conventional infantry’s ghataks are also trained at the school to ensure a standardisation of the army’s special operations skills.

In the meantime, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) trooping into the School are picking up skills unheard of a few months ago. Through brainstorming sessions and exercises in the School grounds, they learn to be combat leaders in battle and polish their ability to plan and execute operations on their own. ‘‘It makes the teams independent and increases the potency of the special forces’ NCOs to cause damage to the enemy,’’ says an officer.

New surveillance techniques, target designation and other related skills are also finding a pride of place in the School.

Under the aegis of Artrac, NCOs are also travelling to key establishments to understand the strategic role they would have to play when the balloon goes up. ‘‘If they have to hit strategic targets, they must know what is where. Site visits help them appreciate the importance of particular structures and establishments and help them identify vulnerable points that could cripple the enemy,’’ says an officer. Interestingly, if the proposed Special Aviation squadron for the Special Forces comes through, the school will have a larger role to play. Alongside a rigorous fitness regime, the new breed of soldiers at Nahan are also expanding their intellectual horizons, key to the success of any special forces team. The ‘students’ discuss and analyse sharpshooting skills to gauge how to cause the maximum damage through minimum effort.

The Special Forces School is also looking at a substantial increase in funds; the Wing, so long, received an annual training grant.