Boasting the longest training programme in the world, the Indian Army Parachute Regiment requires three and a half grueling years to become a fully fledged member. It’s an ongoing process which stretches from basic to advanced training as trainees are taught everything from combat diving and survival skills to advance weapon courses and linguistic training. These skills will come to hand later as the unit handles a wide array of duties including direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, unconventional warfare and special reconnaissance.
The commando has special ties to the United States Special Operations Command and the United Kingdom Special Forces and often perform joint training exercises.
Kommando Spezialkräfte Marine
Formed in 1955 after Germany were accepted into NATO, the German special marines, or as they are known, the Kampfschwimmer (Combat Swimmers) are the only special force in the German Navy. The first set of recruits were made out of men with no ties to the Nazi party. Notoriously difficult to get into, recruits are required to pass strenuous physical tests to become a member of the unit. These include running 5000 metres under 24 minutes and various challenging underwater tasks. It should be noted though, that most candidates drop out during training not because of the physical hardship but rather the grueling psychological toll extracted.
During training candidates must go through what is known as "hate week" when trainees are deprived of sleep. Meanwhile, the punishing physical daily routine continues.
1st Raider/Paratrooper Brigade
This Greek elite unit is more widely known as the Raider Forces. On their uniform is the unit’s crest, a winged sword epitomizing the unit’s “deadly, silent and swift” approach. As a homage to the World War II fighters of the Free Greek Special Forces, scrolled across their insignia is the slogan “Who Dares Wins”. This deadly fighting unit carries out a wide variety of operations including though not limited to guerrilla warfare, reconnaissance, and airborne missions.
The original Free Greek Special Forces were known as the Sacred Squadron and were a precursor to today’s highly skilled unit.
Grup Gerak Khas
Formed in 1965, the GGK (short for 21 Gerup Gerak Khas - the 21st Special Service Group) are the Malaysian Army’s special forces unit. Their rallying cry is “Cepat Dan Cergas” which translates as “Swift and Agile”. They came to international attention between 1968 and 1989 when they successfully managed to tame the communist insurgencies in the Malay jungle.
Although they undertake a variety of missions involving guerrilla/anti-guerrilla warfare, sabotage and counter terrorism, their expertise lies in one unique skill – jungle warfare.
Japanese Special Forces Group
The SFGp (the Japanese Special Forces Group) was put together with the specific aim of deterring terrorist and guerrilla warfare on home soil. Recruits for this highly secretive unit are selected from the Japanese Airborne Brigade and their training takes place at their primary facility, the JGSDF Narashino Chiba camp. You’ll be hard pressed to see one of these guys as they hide their identities behind balaclavas and only reveal themselves once given permission by their commander.
Due to performing a similar role, the SFGp is often referred to as Japan's Delta Force. Coincidentally, their US counterpart also helped in the establishment of the Japanese unit.