Ghatak Platoon - Revision history

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← Older revision		Revision as of 06:25, 25 November 2022
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	{{Cleanup bare URLs\|date=August 2022}}		{{Cleanup bare URLs\|date=August 2022}}
	{{More citations needed\|date=August ~~2022~~}}		{{More citations needed\|date=August 2007}}
	{{Infobox military unit		{{Infobox military unit
	\| unit_name = Ghatak Platoon		\| unit_name = Ghatak Platoon
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	[[Special Operations capable]]		[[Special Operations capable]]
	\| role = [[Reconnaissance]]<br />[[Target acquisition]]		\| role = [[Reconnaissance]]<br />[[Target acquisition]]
	\| size = 7,000<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121112/main4.htm\|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May ~~2022~~}}</ref>		\| size = 7,000<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121112/main4.htm\|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May 2016}}</ref>
	\| command_structure = {{army\|India}}		\| command_structure = {{army\|India}}
	\| garrison =		\| garrison =
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	\| aircraft_general =		\| aircraft_general =
	}}		}}
	A '''Ghatak Platoon''', or '''Ghatak Commandos''', is a [[special operations]] capable [[reconnaissance]] [[platoon]] that is present in every [[infantry battalion]] in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=tv>{{cite web\|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-about-ghatak-commandos-the-invincible-special-forces-of-in-33442.html\|title=Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India\|date=8 August 2014\|publisher=[[India Tv]]\|accessdate=12 September ~~2022~~}}</ref> Ghatak is a [[Sanskrit]] word meaning "killer" or "lethal". Their name was given to them by [[General]] [[Bipin Chandra Joshi]]. They act as [[shock troops]] and spearhead assaults ahead of the [[battalion]].<ref name=tv/>		A '''Ghatak Platoon''', or '''Ghatak Commandos''', is a [[special operations]] capable [[reconnaissance]] [[platoon]] that is present in every [[infantry battalion]] in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=tv>{{cite web\|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-about-ghatak-commandos-the-invincible-special-forces-of-in-33442.html\|title=Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India\|date=8 August 2014\|publisher=[[India Tv]]\|accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref> Ghatak is a [[Sanskrit]] word meaning "killer" or "lethal". Their name was given to them by [[General]] [[Bipin Chandra Joshi]]. They act as [[shock troops]] and spearhead assaults ahead of the [[battalion]].<ref name=tv/>

	==Role==		==Role==
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	==Equipment==		==Equipment==
	Ghatak platoons are equipped with the [[Tavor\|IWI Tavor TAR-21]], [[INSAS]], or a version of the [[AK-47]] as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the [[Dragunov SVD]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]] [[designated marksman rifle]]s. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.<ref name=tv/> Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, [[grenades]], [[rocket launchers]], laser target designators and [[night vision]] equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=inbrief&lang=en#Customers\|title=OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May ~~2022~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en\|title=Weapons : Indian Ordnance Factories\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May ~~2022~~}}</ref> As part of modernization, [[SIG Sauer SIG516\|SIG-716]] and [[AK-203]] rifles were introduced in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-to-equip-all-infantry-battalions-not-just-frontline-troops-with-us-sig-sauer-rifles/621984/\|title = Army to equip all infantry battalions, not just frontline troops, with US Sig Sauer rifles\|date = 15 March 2021}}</ref>		Ghatak platoons are equipped with the [[Tavor\|IWI Tavor TAR-21]], [[INSAS]], or a version of the [[AK-47]] as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the [[Dragunov SVD]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]] [[designated marksman rifle]]s. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.<ref name=tv/> Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, [[grenades]], [[rocket launchers]], laser target designators and [[night vision]] equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=inbrief&lang=en#Customers\|title=OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en\|title=Weapons : Indian Ordnance Factories\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May 2016}}</ref> As part of modernization, [[SIG Sauer SIG516\|SIG-716]] and [[AK-203]] rifles were introduced in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-to-equip-all-infantry-battalions-not-just-frontline-troops-with-us-sig-sauer-rifles/621984/\|title = Army to equip all infantry battalions, not just frontline troops, with US Sig Sauer rifles\|date = 15 March 2021}}</ref>

	Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter [[body armour]], personal communication sets, [[anti-materiel rifle]]s and various other mission specific equipment.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20101201.aspx \|title=Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators \|publisher=Strategypage.com \|date=2010-12-01 \|accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with [[Brügger & Thomet\|M/S B&T Switzerland]] for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]] [[sub-machine guns]] for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|title=India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army\|publisher=defencenow.com\|accessdate=2012-04-30\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503224154/http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|archivedate=2012-05-03}}</ref> Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/>		Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter [[body armour]], personal communication sets, [[anti-materiel rifle]]s and various other mission specific equipment.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20101201.aspx \|title=Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators \|publisher=Strategypage.com \|date=2010-12-01 \|accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with [[Brügger & Thomet\|M/S B&T Switzerland]] for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]] [[sub-machine guns]] for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|title=India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army\|publisher=defencenow.com\|accessdate=2012-04-30\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503224154/http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|archivedate=2012-05-03}}</ref> Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/>

Bot: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

2022-11-25T00:55:13Z

robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:25, 25 November 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{~~Refimprove~~\|date=August ~~2007~~}}		{{Cleanup bare URLs\|date=August 2022}}
			{{More citations needed\|date=August 2022}}
	{{Infobox military unit		{{Infobox military unit
	\| unit_name = Ghatak Platoon		\| unit_name = Ghatak Platoon
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	\| branch =		\| branch =
	\| type = [[Infantry]]		\| type = [[Infantry]]
	\| role = [[Reconnaissance]]<br>[[~~target~~ acquisition]]		[[Special Operations capable]]
	\| size = 7,000<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121112/main4.htm\|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May ~~2016~~}}</ref>		\| role = [[Reconnaissance]]<br />[[Target acquisition]]
			\| size = 7,000<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web\|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121112/main4.htm\|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May 2022}}</ref>
	\| command_structure = {{army\|India}}		\| command_structure = {{army\|India}}
	\| garrison =		\| garrison =
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	\| aircraft_general =		\| aircraft_general =
	}}		}}
	A '''Ghatak Platoon''', or '''Ghatak Commandos''', is a [[special operations]] capable [[reconnaissance]] [[platoon]] that is present in every [[infantry battalion]] in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=tv>{{cite web\|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-about-ghatak-commandos-the-invincible-special-forces-of-in-33442.html\|title=Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India\|date=8 August 2014\|publisher=[[India Tv]]\|accessdate=12 September ~~2014~~}}</ref> Ghatak is a [[Sanskrit]] word meaning "killer" or "lethal". Their name was given to them by [[General]] [[Bipin Chandra Joshi]]. They act as [[shock troops]] and spearhead assaults ahead of the [[battalion]].<ref name=tv/>		A '''Ghatak Platoon''', or '''Ghatak Commandos''', is a [[special operations]] capable [[reconnaissance]] [[platoon]] that is present in every [[infantry battalion]] in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=tv>{{cite web\|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-about-ghatak-commandos-the-invincible-special-forces-of-in-33442.html\|title=Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India\|date=8 August 2014\|publisher=[[India Tv]]\|accessdate=12 September 2022}}</ref> Ghatak is a [[Sanskrit]] word meaning "killer" or "lethal". Their name was given to them by [[General]] [[Bipin Chandra Joshi]]. They act as [[shock troops]] and spearhead assaults ahead of the [[battalion]].<ref name=tv/>

	==Role==		==Role==
	[[File:Indra2018-32.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Ghatak platoon commandos.]]		[[File:Indra2018-32.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Ghatak platoon commandos.]]
	Their operational role is similar to [[Scout Sniper Platoon]]s and [[STA platoon]]s of the [[US Marine Corps]], the Commando platoons of the [[British Army]], [[75th Ranger Regiment\|Army Rangers]] of the [[US Army]] and the Commando Ranger Regiments of the [[Republic of Korea Army]]. They can be tasked by the [[battalion]] or [[brigade]] commander to carry out tasks such as [[special reconnaissance]], raids on enemy artillery positions, airfields, supply dumps and tactical headquarters or other special operations at a tactical level. They are also capable of directing artillery and air attacks on targets deep within enemy lines.<ref name=tv/>		Their operational role is similar to [[Scout Sniper Platoon]]s and [[STA platoon]]s of the [[US Marine Corps]], the Commando platoons of the [[British Army]], [[75th Ranger Regiment\|Army Rangers]] of the [[US Army]] and the Commando Ranger Regiments of the [[Republic of Korea Army]]. They can be tasked by the [[battalion]] or [[brigade]] commander to carry out tasks such as [[special reconnaissance]], raids on enemy artillery positions, airfields, supply dumps and tactical headquarters or other special operations at a tactical level. They are also capable of directing artillery and air attacks on targets deep within enemy lines.<ref name=tv/>
			[[File:Yudh Abhyas 2018 1.jpg\|thumb\|250px\|Ghatak platoon commandos armed with [[Brugger & Thomet MP9]] during Yudh Abhyas 2018 exercise.]]

	==Unit composition==		==Unit composition==
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	==Equipment==		==Equipment==
	Ghatak platoons are equipped with the [[Tavor\|IWI Tavor TAR-21]], [[INSAS]], or a version of the [[AK-47]] as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the [[Dragunov SVD]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]] [[designated marksman rifle]]s. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.<ref name=tv/> Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, [[grenades]], [[rocket launchers]], laser target designators and [[night vision]] equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=inbrief&lang=en#Customers\|title=OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories:\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May ~~2016~~}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en\|title=Weapons : Indian Ordnance Factories:\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May ~~2016~~}}</ref>		Ghatak platoons are equipped with the [[Tavor\|IWI Tavor TAR-21]], [[INSAS]], or a version of the [[AK-47]] as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the [[Dragunov SVD]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]] [[designated marksman rifle]]s. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.<ref name=tv/> Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, [[grenades]], [[rocket launchers]], laser target designators and [[night vision]] equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=inbrief&lang=en#Customers\|title=OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en\|title=Weapons : Indian Ordnance Factories\|publisher=\|accessdate=20 May 2022}}</ref> As part of modernization, [[SIG Sauer SIG516\|SIG-716]] and [[AK-203]] rifles were introduced in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-to-equip-all-infantry-battalions-not-just-frontline-troops-with-us-sig-sauer-rifles/621984/\|title = Army to equip all infantry battalions, not just frontline troops, with US Sig Sauer rifles\|date = 15 March 2021}}</ref>

	Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter [[body armour]], personal communication sets, [[anti-materiel rifle]]s and various other mission specific equipment.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20101201.aspx \|title=Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators \|publisher=Strategypage.com \|date=2010-12-01 \|accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with [[Brügger & Thomet\|M/S B&T Switzerland]] for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]] [[sub-machine guns]] for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|title=India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army\|publisher=defencenow.com\|accessdate=2012-04-30\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503224154/http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|archivedate=2012-05-03}}</ref> Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/>		Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter [[body armour]], personal communication sets, [[anti-materiel rifle]]s and various other mission specific equipment.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20101201.aspx \|title=Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators \|publisher=Strategypage.com \|date=2010-12-01 \|accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with [[Brügger & Thomet\|M/S B&T Switzerland]] for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]] [[sub-machine guns]] for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|title=India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army\|publisher=defencenow.com\|accessdate=2012-04-30\|url-status=dead\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503224154/http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html\|archivedate=2012-05-03}}</ref> Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/>

	==Honours==		==Honours==
	~~Gren.~~ [[Yogendra Singh Yadav]] of the 18th Battalion, [[The Grenadiers]] was a part of the Ghatak platoon during the [[battle of Tiger Hill]] in the [[Kargil War]], for which he was awarded India's highest gallantry award, the [[Param Vir Chakra]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-independence-day-special-the-hero-of-tiger-hill/20120814.htm \|title=Independence Day Special: The Hero of Tiger Hill - Rediff.com News \|~~publisher~~=Rediff.com \|date= \|accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref>		Grenadier (later [[Subedar Major]]) [[Yogendra Singh Yadav]] of the 18th Battalion, [[The Grenadiers]] was a part of the Ghatak platoon during the [[battle of Tiger Hill]] in the [[Kargil War]], for which he was awarded India's highest gallantry award, the [[Param Vir Chakra]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-independence-day-special-the-hero-of-tiger-hill/20120814.htm \|title=Independence Day Special: The Hero of Tiger Hill - Rediff.com News \|work=Rediff.com \|date= \|accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref>

	~~Lt.~~ [[Navdeep Singh (Ashok Chakra)\|Navdeep Singh]] of the 15th Battalion, [[Maratha Light Infantry]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during an operation to ambush 17 well-trained and armed terrorists who had infiltrated into [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)\|Jammu and Kashmir]] state, for which he was posthumously awarded India's highest peacetime gallantry award, the [[Ashoka Chakra Award\|Ashok Chakra]].<ref name=Confer>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79890 President to Confer Ashoka Chakra on Lt. Navdeep Singh (Posthumous)], Press Information Bureau, 25-January 2012, pib.nic.in</ref><ref name=tribune>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120126/jaltrib.htm Ashok Chakra to Lt Navdeep Singh posthumously], Jalandhar, January 25, 2012, tribuneindia.com</ref>		Lieutenant [[Navdeep Singh (Ashok Chakra)\|Navdeep Singh]] of the 15th Battalion, [[Maratha Light Infantry]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during an operation to ambush 17 well-trained and armed terrorists who had infiltrated into [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)\|Jammu and Kashmir]] state, for which he was posthumously awarded India's highest peacetime gallantry award, the [[Ashoka Chakra Award\|Ashok Chakra]].<ref name=Confer>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79890 President to Confer Ashoka Chakra on Lt. Navdeep Singh (Posthumous)], Press Information Bureau, 25-January 2012, pib.nic.in</ref><ref name=tribune>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120126/jaltrib.htm Ashok Chakra to Lt Navdeep Singh posthumously], Jalandhar, January 25, 2012, tribuneindia.com</ref>

	~~Capt.~~ Chander Choudhary Sihag, the Ghatak platoon commander in [[The Grenadiers]], was [[killed in action]] on 9 September 2002, during a search and destroy operation against insurgents in Dubri village in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.		Captain Chander Choudhary Sihag, the Ghatak platoon commander in [[The Grenadiers]], was [[killed in action]] on 9 September 2002, during a search and destroy operation against insurgents in Dubri village in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.

	Captain [[Neikezhakuo Kenguruse]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during a night operation during [[Operation Vijay (1999)\|Operation Vijay]] in 1999 during the [[Kargil War]]. After sustaining a bullet wound, he still carried on with the operation, finally shooting dead two men and killing two others using his knife in hand to hand combat. He was posthumously awarded the [[Mahavir Chakra]].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/neikezhakuo-kenguruse\|title=Neikezhakuo Kenguruse {{!}} Gallantry Awards\|last=\|first=\|date=\|website=gallantryawards.gov.in\|url-status=live\|archive-url=\|archive-date=\|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref>		Captain [[Neikezhakuo Kenguruse]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during a night operation during [[Operation Vijay (1999)\|Operation Vijay]] in 1999 during the [[Kargil War]]. After sustaining a bullet wound, he still carried on with the operation, finally shooting dead two men and killing two others using his knife in hand to hand combat. He was posthumously awarded the [[Mahavir Chakra]].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/neikezhakuo-kenguruse\|title=Neikezhakuo Kenguruse {{!}} Gallantry Awards\|last=\|first=\|date=\|website=gallantryawards.gov.in\|url-status=live\|archive-url=\|archive-date=\|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref>

			Lieutenant (later Colonel) [[Balwan Singh]] led his Ghatak Platoon on 3 July 1999 up to the top of [[Tiger Hill, Kargil\|Tiger Hill]] under intense artillery fire. He was seriously injured during the operation where he was able to neutralize four enemy soldiers. He was awarded the [[Mahavir Chakra]] for his bravery.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://thelogicalindian.com/trending/india-celebrates-22nd-kargil-vijay-diwas-the-war-that-made-ordinary-soldiers-a-household-heroes-29854\|title = India Celebrates 22nd Kargil Vijay Diwas: The War That Made Ordinary Soldiers a Household Heroes\|date = 26 July 2021}}</ref>

			Sepoy Gurtej Singh belonging to the Ghatak Platoon of the 3rd Battalion, [[Punjab Regiment (India)\|Punjab Regiment]] engaged in hand to hand combat with Chinese troops at [[Galwan]] valley on 15 June 2020 where he killed 12 enemy soldiers, including several with this [[kirpan]], before his death. He was posthumously awarded the [[Vir Chakra]] for his bravery.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.femina.in/trending/in-the-news/23-yo-gurtej-singh-an-inspiration-162269.html\|title = 23 YO Gurtej Singh: An Inspiration for Today's Youth}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}

	[[Category:~~Military~~ units and formations of ~~the Indian Army~~]]		[[Category:Army units and formations of India]]
	[[Category:~~Special forces of India~~]]		[[Category:Army reconnaissance units and formations]]

>SReader21: /* Ghatak Platoon */

2021-05-25T16:52:35Z

Ghatak Platoon

New page

{{Refimprove|date=August 2007}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Ghatak Platoon
| image =
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| country = {{flag|India}}
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| branch =
| type = [[Infantry]]
| role = [[Reconnaissance]]<br>[[target acquisition]]
| size = 7,000<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121112/main4.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Main News|publisher=|accessdate=20 May 2016}}</ref>
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A '''Ghatak Platoon''', or '''Ghatak Commandos''', is a [[special operations]] capable [[reconnaissance]] [[platoon]] that is present in every [[infantry battalion]] in the [[Indian Army]].<ref name=tv>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/know-about-ghatak-commandos-the-invincible-special-forces-of-in-33442.html|title=Know about Ghatak commandos, the invincible Special Forces of India|date=8 August 2014|publisher=[[India Tv]]|accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref> Ghatak is a [[Sanskrit]] word meaning "killer" or "lethal". Their name was given to them by [[General]] [[Bipin Chandra Joshi]]. They act as [[shock troops]] and spearhead assaults ahead of the [[battalion]].<ref name=tv/>

==Role==
[[File:Indra2018-32.jpg|thumb|250px|Ghatak platoon commandos.]]
Their operational role is similar to [[Scout Sniper Platoon]]s and [[STA platoon]]s of the [[US Marine Corps]], the Commando platoons of the [[British Army]], [[75th Ranger Regiment|Army Rangers]] of the [[US Army]] and the Commando Ranger Regiments of the [[Republic of Korea Army]]. They can be tasked by the [[battalion]] or [[brigade]] commander to carry out tasks such as [[special reconnaissance]], raids on enemy artillery positions, airfields, supply dumps and tactical headquarters or other special operations at a tactical level. They are also capable of directing artillery and air attacks on targets deep within enemy lines.<ref name=tv/>

==Unit composition==
A Ghatak platoon is usually 20-men strong, consisting of a commanding [[Captain (land)|Captain]], 2 [[non-commissioned officer]]s and some specialised soldiers like [[designated marksman]], [[light machine gun]]ners, [[medic]]s and [[radio operator]]s. The remaining soldiers act as assault troopers.
Officers and soldiers from combat support arms such as Engineers, Signals, Artillery, etc are also deputed for specialist roles during operations.
<ref name=sp>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20120423.aspx |title=Special Operations: Indian Commandos Set Free |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=2012-04-23 |accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref><ref>http://defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?id=5LRDP7jQa5g=</ref>

==Training==
The most physically fit and motivated soldiers of all arms and services of the Indian Army either volunteer or are selected to be a part of the Ghatak platoon. Personnel attend training at the Commando Training Course in [[Belgaum]], [[Karnataka]].<ref name=tv/> As a part of the training, the soldiers are evaluated through speed marches in battle gear ranging from 20 to 60 km, carrying their rifles and 20 kg of weight in their rucksacks. Depending on their role and parent unit, the successful individuals often undergo specialized training in demolition, close quarter battle, navigation, rock climbing and heliborne assault. Some operators are sent to the [[High Altitude Warfare School]] and the [[Counterinsurgency and Jungle Warfare School]] as well.<ref name=tv/> However, most of them are not [[parachute]] qualified. It is mandatory for all infantry officers to pass the Commando Training Course.<ref name=tv/>

==Equipment==
Ghatak platoons are equipped with the [[Tavor|IWI Tavor TAR-21]], [[INSAS]], or a version of the [[AK-47]] as their primary assault rifle. The marksmen are equipped with the [[Dragunov SVD]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]] [[designated marksman rifle]]s. They wear standard issue camouflage and body armour.<ref name=tv/> Depending on the mission, they may carry other items like ropes, climbing gear, [[grenades]], [[rocket launchers]], laser target designators and [[night vision]] equipment. Some of the equipment for them are manufactured indigenously by the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], while other items are obtained from foreign suppliers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=inbrief&lang=en#Customers|title=OFB in Brief : Indian Ordnance Factories:|publisher=|accessdate=20 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en|title=Weapons : Indian Ordnance Factories:|publisher=|accessdate=20 May 2016}}</ref>

Currently, the Indian Army is upgrading the equipment of these units by procuring lighter [[body armour]], personal communication sets, [[anti-materiel rifle]]s and various other mission specific equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20101201.aspx |title=Special Operations: Broken Promises Rattle Indian Operators |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=2010-12-01 |accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref> A deal worth $5.75 million was signed with [[Brügger & Thomet|M/S B&T Switzerland]] for the acquisition of 1,568 advanced [[Brügger & Thomet MP9]] [[sub-machine guns]] for the Ghatak platoons of infantry battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html|title=India Fast-Tracks Acquisitions, Inks Three Defence Deals for the Army|publisher=defencenow.com|accessdate=2012-04-30|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503224154/http://www.defencenow.com/news/654/india-fast-tracks-acquisitions-inks-three-defence-deals-for-the-army.html|archivedate=2012-05-03}}</ref> Additionally, door breaching ammunition and non-lethal systems like stun grenades and ballistic shields are being procured for counter-insurgency operations.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/>

==Honours==
Gren. [[Yogendra Singh Yadav]] of the 18th Battalion, [[The Grenadiers]] was a part of the Ghatak platoon during the [[battle of Tiger Hill]] in the [[Kargil War]], for which he was awarded India's highest gallantry award, the [[Param Vir Chakra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-independence-day-special-the-hero-of-tiger-hill/20120814.htm |title=Independence Day Special: The Hero of Tiger Hill - Rediff.com News |publisher=Rediff.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-19}}</ref>

Lt. [[Navdeep Singh (Ashok Chakra)|Navdeep Singh]] of the 15th Battalion, [[Maratha Light Infantry]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during an operation to ambush 17 well-trained and armed terrorists who had infiltrated into [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] state, for which he was posthumously awarded India's highest peacetime gallantry award, the [[Ashoka Chakra Award|Ashok Chakra]].<ref name=Confer>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=79890 President to Confer Ashoka Chakra on Lt. Navdeep Singh (Posthumous)], Press Information Bureau, 25-January 2012, pib.nic.in</ref><ref name=tribune>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120126/jaltrib.htm Ashok Chakra to Lt Navdeep Singh posthumously], Jalandhar, January 25, 2012, tribuneindia.com</ref>

Capt. Chander Choudhary Sihag, the Ghatak platoon commander in [[The Grenadiers]], was [[killed in action]] on 9 September 2002, during a search and destroy operation against insurgents in Dubri village in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.

Captain [[Neikezhakuo Kenguruse]] was the Ghatak platoon commander during a night operation during [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]] in 1999 during the [[Kargil War]]. After sustaining a bullet wound, he still carried on with the operation, finally shooting dead two men and killing two others using his knife in hand to hand combat. He was posthumously awarded the [[Mahavir Chakra]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/neikezhakuo-kenguruse|title=Neikezhakuo Kenguruse {{!}} Gallantry Awards|last=|first=|date=|website=gallantryawards.gov.in|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-03-31}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Military units and formations of the Indian Army]]
[[Category:Special forces of India]]