Special Services Group Logo outside their headquarters.

Special Service Group (SSG) is an independent commando division of the Pakistan Army. It is an elite special operations force similar to the Special Air Service and United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets). Official numbers are put at 2,100 men, in 3 Battalions; however the actual strength is classified. It is estimated to have been increased to 4 Battalions, with the eventual formation of 2 Brigades of Special Forces (6 Battalions). Image File history File links Size of this preview: 760 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1319 × 1040 pixel, file size: 297 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) HBT Marathon File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 760 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1319 × 1040 pixel, file size: 297 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) HBT Marathon File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... For other uses, see Commando (disambiguation). ... Look up division in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Pakistan Army Flag The Pakistan Army (Urdu: پاک فوج) is the largest branch of the Pakistan military, and is responsible for protection of the state borders, the security of interests of Pakistan within the framework of its international obligations. ... Special forces or special operations forces is a term used to describe relatively small military units raised and trained for reconnaissance, unconventional warfare and special operations. ... The Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) is the principal special forces unit of the British Army. ... The United States Army Special Forces—or simply Special Forces (capitalized)—is an elite Special Operations Force of the United States Army trained for unconventional warfare and special operations. ... The United States Army Special Forces—or simply Special Forces (capitalized)—is an elite Special Operations Force of the United States Army trained for unconventional warfare and special operations. ... Symbol of the Austrian 14th Armoured Battalion in NATO military graphic symbols A battalion is a military unit usually consisting of between two and six companies and typically commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. ...

Overview

Based out of Cherat and Attock, the SSG started out in the 1950s with active support from U.S. Special Operations Forces. That year the 19th Battalion of the Baloch Regiment (19 Baloch)was selected for conversion to a Special Operation Force. As a result of this, SSG has inherited many of the traditions and insignia of the Baloch regiment. Cherat is a town in NWFP, Pakistan. ... Attock (Urdu: اٹک) is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. ... This does not cite any references or sources. ... The United States Special Operations Forces is the official category where the U.S. Department of Defense lists the U.S. military units that have a training specialization in unconventional warfare and special operations. ... Symbol of the Austrian 14th Armoured Battalion in NATO military graphic symbols A battalion is a military unit usually consisting of between two and six companies and typically commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. ... The Baloch (Persian: بلوچ alternative transliterations Baluch, Balouch, Balooch, Balush, Balosh, Baloosh, Baloush et al. ...

SSG officers must have at least two years of prior military experience and volunteer from other formations for three-year assignments with the SSG; NCO and enlisted men volunteer from other formations to serve permanently in the SSG.

Pakistan's SSG Commandos during an exercise

All trainees must participate in an eight-month SSG courses which includes 36-mile march or more in 12 hours, a grueling requirement that was first institutionalized by 19 Baluch. They are also required to run 5 miles in 40 minutes with full gear, fully loaded. Following the SSG course, trainees must volunteer for Airborne School. This course lasts for four weeks and all SSG recruits must pass this course and wings are attained after conducting 5 day and 2 night static-line jumps. A large number of the SSG operators are also HALO/HAHO qualified. Additionally, a Counter-terrorist hostage rescue company commonly referred to as Zarrar Company (all companies and Battalions of the SSG have names ascribed to them) is also part of the SSG. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 640 × 426 pixelsFull resolution (640 × 426 pixel, file size: 93 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) HBT Marathon File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 640 × 426 pixelsFull resolution (640 × 426 pixel, file size: 93 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) HBT Marathon File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... HALO and HAHO are acronyms that describe methods of delivering personnel, equipment, and supplies from a transport aircraft at a high altitude via free-fall parachute insertion. ...

Many are selected for additional specialist training. A course is given at Peshawar with a 'skydiver' tab awarded after 5 free fall jumps. A "Mountain warfare" qualification badge is given after completing a course at the Mountain Warfare School in Abbottabad; and a "Combat Diver" badge is awarded for the course held by the Naval Special Services Group SSGN at Karachi. Three classes of combat swimmers were recognized: 1st class to those completing an 18-mile or more swim in designated time period; 2nd class to those finishing a 12-mile swim; and 3rd class for a 6-mile swim. Skydiver about to land Parachuting, or skydiving, is a recreational activity, competitive sport and method of deployment of military personnel (and occasionally, firefighters). ... Mountain warfare refers to warfare in the mountains. ... Abbottabad (Urdu: ایبٹ آباد) is the principal city of the Abbottabad District in the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. ... SSGN is the United States Navy hull classification symbol for a cruise missile submarine. ... Karachi (Urdu: كراچى, Sindhi: ڪراچي) is the capital of the province of Sindh, and the most populated city in Pakistan. ...

Initially, SSG officers were sent in large numbers to the United States for Special Forces training. Today, it consists of various companies within each battalion specialized in specific roles including desert warfare, ranger, mountain warfare. Due to the Siachen crisis, a Snow and High Altitude Warfare School was also established. Desert warfare is combat in deserts. ... In general, a ranger is a keeper, guardian, or soldier who ranges over a region to protect the area or enforce the law. ... ...

Operations

• The SSG were first used in 1965 in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Codenamed Operation Gibraltar, their aim was continued reconnaissance, sabotage of Indian Military facilities and eventual liberation of Kashmir from Indian control. This Operation was a failure after the infiltrators were discovered and nearly 4,000^[1] were either killed or captured. India also attacked Pakistan in retaliation for trying to instigate uprisings, thus sparking the Second Kashmir War.
• As the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 broke out, the SSG was used as a full-fledged unit with unimpressive results. The SSG commandos, numbering approx. 180, were airdropped into Indian territory with the intention of sabotaging these airbases in Western India. However, due to poor planning and lack of information about the targets (3 Indian Airbases), it ended in failure. The Indian troops managed to detect and foil the attempt, capturing most of the intruders (~160) and killing some SSG personnel in the process. Only around 20 commandos managed to make it back to Pakistan.
• In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 they were once again used, this time in assistance to regular infantry units and for non-conventional and rescue operations. SSG conducted what would be considered to be "classic special forces missions" against Indian forces during this war. Eventually faced against massive political and military onslaught in East Pakistan, the SSG could do little in turning the tide of war. Of note is that Pervez Musharraf commanded a company of commandos during the war.

Pakistan's SSG Commandos

• The SSG was active in Afghanistan in the 1980s during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, conducting different type of covert and direct action missions. Again when the balance of power shifted, it led some covert operations against the very Afghan government (Taliban) that Pakistan (along with Saudi Arabia and UAE) had once aided, this time as part of the allied forces in operation Enduring Freedom. The SSG has aided in the capture of many senior Al Qaeda leaders, most notably Abu Zubaida and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and conducts regular operations as part of the Pakistani Special Operations Task Force in the Tribal Areas of North West Pakistan.
• The SSG has also conducted many operations in Siachen Glacier against Indian positions. The most noted one took place in 1987 when Pervez Musharraf (then Brigadier) orchestrated an SSG unit assault on Indian posts, but was eventually beaten back.^[2] In 1995, SSG troops attempted once again to wrest control of an outpost held by th Sikh battalion, Indian Army, but were repulsed back, suffering 40 casualties.^[3]
• In addition, some covert Operations in United Nations Military missions in Bosnia Herzegovina, Somalia and Sierra Leone have also been executed by SSG operators.
• The involvement in the Kargil War involved early gains which were later lost due to political pressure and Indian military attacks, resulting in the eventual retreat of Pakistani forces to the Line of Control.

1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1965 calendar). ... Jammu and Kashmir is a historic state in Asia which is currently disputed between India, Pakistan, and to a lesser extent, China. ... Operation Gibraltar was the name given to the Military Plan by Pakistan to Liberate Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Occupied and bring the Dispute to a logical end. ... Mixed reconnaissance patrol of the Polish Home Army and the Soviet Red Army during Operation Tempest, 1944 Reconnaissance is the military term for the active gathering of information about an enemy, or other conditions, by physical observation. ... German supply train blown up by the Armia Krajowa during World War II Sabotage is a deliberate action aimed at weakening an enemy, oppressor or employer through subversion, obstruction, disruption, and/or destruction. ... The military of India, officially known as the Indian armed forces, is the primary military organisation responsible for the territorial security and defense of India. ... Kashmir (or Cashmere) may refer to: Kashmir region, the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent India, Kashmir conflict, the territorial dispute between India, Pakistan, and the China over the Kashmir region. ... The 1965 war between India and Pakistan, also known as the Second Kashmir War, was the culmination of a series of skirmishes that occurred between April 1965 and September 1965. ... Combatants India Pakistan Commanders Gen J N Chaudhuri, Lt Gen Harbakhsh Singh Field Marshal Ayub Khan, Gen Musa Khan Casualties 3,264 killed[1] 8,623 wounded[1] (From July to ceasefire) 3,800[2] - 6,917 killed[3] (17 day period alone) 4,000 - 7,000 killed/ captured[4... A C-130 Hercules airdropping a light tank. ... German supply train blown up by the Armia Krajowa during World War II Sabotage is a deliberate action aimed at weakening an enemy, oppressor or employer through subversion, obstruction, disruption, and/or destruction. ... A map of West India. ... An Airbase, sometimes referred to as a military airport or airfield, provides basing and support of military aircraft. ... Combatants India Pakistan Commanders Sam Manekshaw J.S. Aurora A. A. K. Niazi # Strength 500,000+ troops 400,000+ troops Casualties 3,843 killed[1] 9,851 wounded[1] c. ... (PA – 6920) General Pervez Musharraf (Urdu: پرويز مشرف); born August 10, 1943) is the President, the Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army and the fourth Pakistani General to govern the country in the wake of a coup. ... A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 100-200 soldiers. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... This article cites very few or no references or sources. ... A Soviet soldier on guard in Afghanistan in 1988. ... For the position of women during the Talibans rule, see Taliban treatment of women. ... UAE redirects here; for other uses of that term, see UAE (disambiguation) The United Arab Emirates is an oil-rich country situated in the south-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia, comprising seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain. ... Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) is the military response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States . ... Al-Qaeda (also al-Qaida or al-Qaida) (Arabic: ‎ , translation: The Base) is an international alliance of militant jihadist organizations established by Osama bin Laden and others around the time of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989. ... Abu Zubaydah is the highest_ranking al-Qaida leader in U.S. custody Abu Zubaydah (1973 - present) (Arabic: ابو زبيدة) was a high_ranking member of al-Qaida and close associate of Osama bin Laden. ... Khalid Sheikh Mohammed: Prosecution Exhibit from the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (Arabic: خالد شيخ محمد; also transliterated as Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, , commonly referred to as KSM and also known by as many as twenty-seven aliases[1] (b. ... The North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)-(also known as, Subha Sarhad)- is the smallest of the four provinces of Pakistan and is home to the Pashtuns (Afghans) and various other groups. ... The Siachen Glacier is marked in orange The Siachen Glacier is located in the East Karakoram/Himalaya, at approximately . ... 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... (PA – 6920) General Pervez Musharraf (Urdu: پرويز مشرف); born August 10, 1943) is the President, the Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army and the fourth Pakistani General to govern the country in the wake of a coup. ... Brigadier (IPA pronunciation: ) is a military rank, the meaning of which has a considerable variation. ... Religions Sikhism Scriptures Guru Granth Sahib Languages English, Punjabi and Hindi A Sikh( or ; Punjabi: , , IPA: ) is an adherent to Sikhism. ... The Indian Army is the largest branch of the Armed Forces of India and has the primary responsibility of conducting land-based military operations. ... The foundation of the U.N. The United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are to facilitate co-operation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress and human rights issues. ... Combatants India Pakistan, Kashmiri secessionists, Islamic militants (Foreign Fighters) Strength 30,000 5,000 Casualties Indian Official Figures: 527 killed,[1][2][3] 1,363 wounded[4] 1 POW Pakistani Estimates: 357–4,000+ killed[5][6] (Pakistan troops) 665+ soldiers wounded[5] 8 POWs. ... Definition Withdrawing is the act of removing all or part of a military force from combat and moving to a safe location. ... Shown in green is the Kashmiri region under Pakistani control. ...

SSG interaction with other elite units

SSG conducts regular (bi-annual) exercises with the Turkish Special Forces which have been designated as the "Ataturk" series. The first of these exercises was held in December, 1998. The Turkish force included 21 officers and 14 non-commissioned officers. The second exercise of this series was held in November of 2000, while Ataturk-III concluded in September 2002. ^[4] Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881—November 10, 1938), Turkish soldier and statesman, was the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. ... A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer), also known as an NCO or noncom, is a non-commissioned member of an armed force who has been given authority by a commissioned officer. ...

During the 80’s and then into the 90’s, SSG held many similar training exercises with US Special Forces called “Inspired Venture”. These exercises were usually held during the early months of January and February with approximately 150 US troops. The exercises were focused on weapons familiarization and use, mountain-warfare along with tactics, raids and ambushes, and eventually airborne operations. This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

SSG has also been reported to train with the Jordanian and Iranian special forces and regularly conducts training for Special Forces of other friendly Middle Eastern countries who opt to come to Cherat even though other venues such as Fort Bragg (USSF) and Credenhill (SAS) are also available. Cherat is a town in NWFP, Pakistan. ... Fort Bragg is a census-designated place and United States Army base, or post, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, near Fayetteville. ... Credenhill is a village in Herefordshire, 4. ...

In addition, during the 80’s and early 90’s scores of SSG officers were sent to the US for advanced training with the US Rangers and other special forces. Training was also imparted to the SSG personnel in UK and Malaysia. United States may refer to: Places: United States of America SS United States, the fastest ocean liner ever built. ...

With a new phase in U.S.-Pakistan relations, military cooperation has been restarted and joint exercises have already started anew. Pakistan has long been seen as an ally of the United States. ...

Organization

Pakistani Special Forces have 3 battalions (bns):

• 1st "Yaldram" Commando Battalion,
• 2nd "Powindah" Commando Battalion,
• 3rd "Rahbar" Commando Battalion.

Plus two independent Commando companies: For other uses, see Commando (disambiguation). ...

• "Zarrar" Company - Anti terrorist company and,
• "Musa" Company - A combat diver unit.

Components of the Battalions are constantly rotated between Cherat, Attock, and any other hot spot (such as Pakistan-India border or when Pakistani forces are deployed overseas as part of the UN Peace Keeping operations) in order to provide experience to the operators. Cherat is a town in NWFP, Pakistan. ... Attock (Urdu: اٹک) is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. ...

The SSG is also used for providing security to various vital points such as the strategic nuclear facilities in Pakistan. It is thought that a number of SSG operators are stationed in Saudi Arabia for the protection of the Saudi royal family. Many SSG Officers and other ranks are routinely seconded to the Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for clandestine and reconnaissance missions. The House of Saud refers to the royal family of Saudi Arabia. ... Military manpower Military age 16 years of age Availability 39,028,014 (2005) Males ages 16-49 Reaching military age males: 1,969,055 (2005) Active troops 620,000 (Ranked 7th) Military expenditures Dollar figure $3. ... Look up clandestine in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

The SSG also has a unit in the Pakistan Navy modeled on the Navy SEALs : NSSG, otherwise known as SSGN. The SSGN currently maintains headquarters in Karachi headed by Pakistan Navy Commander. It has a strength of one company and is assigned to unconventional warfare operations in the coastal regions. During war it is assigned to Midget submarines.Operatives are also trained in Underwater Demolition and Clearance Diving.All other training is similar to the Army SSG with specific marine oriented inputs provided at its Headquarters. The strength of the Navy commandos is put at 1,000. Pakistan Navy jack Branches of Service Pakistan Army Pakistan Air Force Pakistan Navy Pakistan Coast Guard Pakistan Paramilitary Forces Leadership Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Ehsan ul Haq Chief of Army Staff General Pervez Musharraf Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Ahmed Chief of Naval Staff... SEALs in from the water. ... Karachi (Urdu: كراچى, Sindhi: ڪراچي) is the capital of the province of Sindh, and the most populated city in Pakistan. ... A midget submarine is a small submarine, typically with one or two crew and no on-board living accommodation. ...

Appearance and Equipment

Uniforms

Pakistan's SSG Commandos on the March 23rd Military Parade in Islamabad

The commandos are distinguished by their insignia of maroon berets (reflecting their decent from 19 Baluch) with a silver metal tab on a light blue felt square with a dagger & lightning bolts, and a wing on right side of chest. The combat uniform of the SSG is similar to the US woodland pattern camouflage coat and Khaki Pants. Other uniforms include cammies and black dungarees (for the CT team). Image File history File links SSG-03. ... Image File history File links SSG-03. ... ... The maroon beret has been the international symbol of airborne forces since its selection for use by the British Parachute Regiment in 1942. ... A selection of 4 different felt cloths. ... Bold text This article is about the weapon. ... Lightning Bolt is a noise rock duo from Providence, Rhode Island, presently composed of Brian Chippendale and Brian Gibson. ... Limber Pine woodland, Toiyabe Range, central Nevada Biologically, a woodland is a treed area differentiated from a forest. ... Countershaded Ibex are almost invisible in the Israeli desert. ... Khaki is a common material in military uniforms Khaki is a type of fabric or the colour of such fabric. ... Look up overall in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

SSGN (SSG Navy) is distinguished by a dark blue beret with three versions of the "fouled anchor" Navy badge for officers, NCOs and enlisted men. A metal SSGN qualification badge featuring a vertical dagger superimposed over a midget submarine is worn over the left pocket on dress uniforms. Parachute wings are worn over the right pocket. A stocked ships anchor. ...

Equipment

The SSG is equipped with an array of modern weaponry which includes, Steyr AUG, HK G3, and Chinese Type-81/56 rifles, Colt M4 Carbines, and FN P90 and HK-MP5 (many diff. variants) Submachine guns. Light machine gun in use is Rheinmetall MG3 (locally produced along with HK G3s and MP5s). In sniper or Marksman role, the SSG CT (Counter-Terrorism) teams are equipped with Steyr MPi 69, Finnish Tikka bolt-action and HK PSG1 and Dragunov SVD Semi-automatic rifles. Side arms includes various HK models. Most of the gear in use by the SSG is (and has been) of US origin. Steyr AUG is a family of firearms, first introduced in 1977 by the Austrian company Steyr Mannlicher. ... The Heckler und Koch G3 The G3 (G3A3) series battle rifle is manufactured by Heckler und Koch. ... The Chinese Type 81 Assault Rifle is the principal automatic rifle used by the Peoples Liberation Army. ... The Chinese Type 56 military rifle is a copy of the AK-47 Kalashnikov. ... Rampant Colt - The original logo of Colts Firearms Colts Manufacturing Company was founded in Hartford, Connecticut in 1847 by Samuel Colt in order to produce revolvers, which Colt held the patent on, during the Mexican-American War. ... The M4 Carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 made by ArmaLite. ... The P90 is a compact submachine gun developed and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal (FN Herstal). ... It has been suggested that Heckler & Koch MP5K be merged into this article or section. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... A machine gun is a fully-automatic firearm that is capable of firing bullets in rapid succession. ... The MG3 is an air-cooled, belt-fed general purpose machine gun manufactured by the German firm Rheinmetall. ... The MP5 is a submachine gun, developed by German weapons designer Heckler und Koch (HK) in the 1960s. ... Arkansas Army National Guard soldiers practice sniper marksmanship at their firing range near Baghdad, Iraq on February 15, 2005. ... A marksman is mostly to be found in a military context. ... The Steyr MPi 69 is a 9 mm submachine gun of the late 20th century made by the Austrian firm Steyr. ... Half opened bolt on a Winchester Model 70. ... Heckler und Koch PSG-1 sniper rifle The PSG-1 is a widely known semi-automatic sniper rifle designed by the German company Heckler und Koch. ... The Dragunov (Драгунов) is a Russian sniper rifle, more formally known as the Snaiperskaya Vintovka Dragunova (Снайперская винтовка Драгуно&#1074... A semi-automatic rifle is a type of rifle that fires a single bullet each time the trigger is pulled, without the need to manually operate a bolt, lever or other firing or loading mechanism. ... A Browning 9 millimeter Hi-Power Ordnance pistol of the French Navy, 19th century, using a Percussion cap mechanism Derringers were small and easily hidden. ...

Notes

1. ^ Kashmiris didn’t back Pakistan in 1965: Gohar
2. ^ The new face of AL-Qaeda in Pakistan by Wilson John - Jamestown Foundation
3. ^ Kashmir Sentinel - A fortnightly publication.
4. ^ Special Service Group (Army)

The Jamestown Foundation (founded 1984) is an American think tank whose mission is to inform and educate policy makers about events and trends which are current strategic importance to the United States. ... A fortnight is a unit of time equal to two weeks: that is 14 days, or literally 14 nights. ...

Sources and external Links

• SSG history and Missions
• More info and pictures on SSG
• Navy SSG information
• Orbat on SSG