MARCOS
| MARCOS | |
|---|---|
MARCOS Patch | |
| Active | February 1987 – present (38 years, 4 months) |
| Country | India |
| Branch | Indian Navy |
| Type | Special Operations Forces |
| Size | 1,200-2,000 (est.) (Classified) |
| Headquarters | INS Karna, Vishakapatnam, India |
| Nickname(s) | Magarmach (The Crocodiles), Dadhiwala Fauj (The Bearded Army) |
| Motto(s) | "The Few, The Fearless" |
| Anniversaries | 14 February |
| Engagements | Operation Cactus Operation Leech Operation Pawan Kargil War Operation Black Tornado Operation Cyclone Counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir |
| Insignia | |
| MARCOS badge | |
| Special Forces shoulder tab | |
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The Marine Commando Force (MCF), abbreviated to MARCOS, are the special forces of the Indian Navy. The MARCOS were originally named Indian Marine Special Force, which was later changed to Marine Commando Force to impart "an element of individuality" to it, according to the Indian Navy. The abbreviation 'MARCOS' was coined afterwards.
The MARCOS were founded in February 1987. The MARCOS are capable of operating in all types of environments; at sea, in air and on land. The force has gradually acquired more experience and an international reputation for professionalism. The MARCOS regularly undertake specialised maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the Jhelum River and Wular Lake, a 65 square kilometres (16,000 acres) freshwater lake, and conduct counter-insurgency operations in the region.
Some MARCOS units are a part of the tri-services Armed Forces Special Operations Division.