What is Ghatak Force ?
Ghatak Force: The Spearhead of the Indian Army's Infantry
In the vast structure of the Indian Army, where precision, courage, and strategy define operational success, there exists a specialized unit known as the Ghatak Force — the tip of the spear in any infantry battalion. These elite warriors are not ordinary foot soldiers. They are trained to strike deep, hard, and fast — long before the main troops arrive.
Let’s explore everything about the Ghatak Force — their role, training, structure, operations, and significance within the Indian Army.
Know Ghatak Force?
Meaning of the Name:
“Ghatak” is a Hindi word meaning “lethal” or “killer.”
It aptly represents the role of these soldiers — to neutralize enemy defenses, often by striking first.
Definition:
Ghatak Platoon is an elite infantry assault unit within every Indian Army battalion. It acts as a shock troop, capable of launching rapid, high-risk missions, such as raids, reconnaissance, direct assault, and special operations.
Each infantry battalion of the Indian Army (such as Rajput Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Gorkha Rifles, etc.) maintains one Ghatak Platoon, generally comprising 20-30 soldiers.
Primary Role of Ghatak Force
Ghatak soldiers are often the first to engage in close combat with the enemy. Their roles include:
Reconnaissance missions (gathering battlefield intelligence).
Search-and-destroy raids on enemy bunkers, supply lines, and artillery positions.
Clearing obstacles and fortified positions before the main battalion advances.
Capturing or destroying high-value enemy targets.
Special operations in limited areas, including jungle, mountain, and urban warfare.
📌 Note: Ghatak Force is not a separate regiment but a specialist platoon within each infantry battalion.
Structure of a Ghatak Force
Each infantry battalion in the Indian Army has one Ghatak Platoon, led by a Captain or Lieutenant. Here’s a typical structure:
| Rank/Role | Number |
|---|---|
| Officer (Leader) | 1 |
| JCOs (Junior Commissioned Officers) | 1-2 |
| NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) | 2-3 |
| Soldiers (Jawans) | 20-25 |
Many soldiers in Ghatak Platoons are volunteers chosen based on physical fitness, combat skills, and mental toughness.
Training of Ghatak Force Commandos
While Ghatak platoons are not part of the special forces like Para SF or MARCOS, they undergo rigorous training similar to elite commandos.
Where They Train:
Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), Mizoram.
High-Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), Gulmarg.
Commando School, Belgaum.
Key Skills Trained:
Close-quarter battle (CQB)
Urban and jungle warfare
High-altitude survival
Rock climbing, rappelling, and obstacle navigation
Explosives and demolition
Night operations and ambush tactics
Physical Standards:
Ghatak soldiers must clear gruelling physical and mental tests, including:
Long-distance runs with load
Weapon handling and shooting accuracy
Obstacle courses under time limits
Tactical navigation and endurance under pressure
Difference Between Ghatak Force and Special Forces
| Feature | Ghatak Platoon | Indian Special Forces (e.g., Para SF, NSG) |
|---|---|---|
| Belongs to | Each Infantry Battalion | Separate Special Forces Regiments |
| Selection | Internal (within the unit) | All-India, multi-stage, highly selective |
| Role | Tactical assault & recon | Strategic missions, counter-terror, deep strike |
| Training | Commando-level | Super-advanced, multi-environment |
| Deployment | Battalion-level ops | Cross-border, national security, foreign missions |
So, while Ghatak Forces are not elite SF, they are elite within their unit and play a critical tactical role.
Ghatak Force Operations and Deployment
Ghatak platoons have played pivotal roles in many Indian military operations:
Kargil War (1999):
Ghatak platoons were used extensively for capturing peaks and clearing bunkers during high-altitude combat.
Surgical Strikes (2016):
While Para SF led the cross-border operations, Ghatak units supported internal readiness and positioning.
Counter-Insurgency in Kashmir & Northeast:
Ghatak units often lead cordon and search operations and encounter missions in conflict zones.
Ghatak Force Weapons and Equipment
Ghatak troops are heavily armed for assault operations. Their standard kit includes:
INSAS, AK-47, and Tavor rifles
Carl Gustav (84mm rocket launcher)
Grenades and flashbangs
Night vision devices and laser sights
Light Machine Guns (LMG)
Bulletproof vests and tactical gear
They also often use communication and surveillance gadgets during recon missions.
Life of a Ghatak Force Commando
Being in the Ghatak Force is a matter of pride and honor.
High-risk operations demand top fitness and constant readiness.
Commando training is physically punishing and mentally intense.
They are often deployed in high-stress situations, especially in insurgency zones.
Most Ghatak troops see action much more frequently than regular infantry soldiers.
Quick Facts Table: Ghatak Force
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Unit Type | Elite Infantry Assault Platoon |
| Name Meaning | “Lethal” in Hindi |
| Size | 20–30 personnel per battalion |
| Leader | Commissioned Officer (Capt./Lt.) |
| Training Institutions | CIJWS, HAWS, Commando School |
| Known For | High-risk strikes, recon missions |
| Weaponry | Rifles, LMGs, explosives, RPGs |
| Special Traits | Stealth, aggression, endurance |
FAQs on Ghatak Force
Q1: Can civilians join the Ghatak Force?
No. Civilians must first join the Indian Army. Ghatak Platoon selection happens internally within a battalion.
Q2: Is Ghatak Platoon equivalent to Para SF?
No. Para SF is a strategic-level special force, while Ghatak Force operates at tactical battalion level.
Q3: Do all battalions have Ghatak Platoons?
Yes. Each infantry battalion in the Indian Army maintains one dedicated Ghatak Platoon.
Q4: Are Ghatak soldiers deployed during peace time?
Yes. They are often used in counter-insurgency, internal security, and border patrol missions.
Q5: Is there a specific insignia for Ghatak soldiers?
They often wear Ghatak badges and insignia on their uniform, but it varies slightly across regiments.
Also Read The Garud Commando Force Blog