Surprising Facts About SSG Commandos of Pakistan
Introduction
The Special Service Group (SSG) is the primary special operations force of the Pakistan Army. The SSG is a regiment-sized unit, and is headquartered at Tarbela Cantonment. It is headed by a major-general and divided into eight battalions. Each battalion comprises 700 men in four companies, with each company split into platoons and then into 10-man teams. Each battalion is commanded by a lieutenant colonel.
Military Operations
1965 Indo-Pak war
The SSG guerrillas were initially deployed along the Afghan border to repel Afghan incursions into Pakistan, but their first major deployment came during the war of 1965. By 1971, the SSG had grown to 3 battalions with 1 permanently stationed in East Pakistan
1971 Indo-Pak war
n 1971, SSG comprised three battalions of which one (3rd Commando Battalion) was stationed in East Pakistan. In one of the raids on an Indian artillery regiment during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, 1 Commando Battalion incapacitated number of their guns
1979-1988 Soviet-Afghan War
During Operation Magistral, it is alleged that the SSG came into regular contact with Soviet forces. One of these incidents was the Battle for Hill 3234, where a company of Soviet paratroopers engaged a force of Mujahideen believed to be SSG. The Mujahideen wore black uniforms with rectangular black-yellow-red stripes.[5][6] It is claimed by at least two sources that the Mujahideen were actually members of the SSG.[7] According to the Soviet estimates, the SSG lost over 200 men.
Siachen and Kargil Wars
The SSG was also active on the eastern border with India and they have fought in Siachen.
Organization
SSG has eight battalions:[citation needed]
1: Commando Battalion [Yaldram]
2: Commando Battalion [Rahber]
3: Commando Battalion [Powindahs] - Special Operations Battalion
4: Commando Battalion [Yalghar]
5: Commando Battalion [Zilzaal]
6: Commando Battalion [Al-Samsaam]
7: Commando Battalion [Babrum]
8: Commando Battalion [Al-Azb]
Each battalion consists of 700 men in four companies, with each company split into platoons and then into 10-man teams. Battalions are commanded by Lieutenant Colonels.
Training