The Garud Commando Force is the Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was formed in September 2004 and has a strength of approximately 2000 personnel.
Garud trainees undergo a 72 week basic training course which is longest among all the Indian special forces. The total duration of training before a trainee can qualify as a garud commando is around 3 years.
The garud are entitled to wear “IAF-GARUD” titles on the sleeves.
The initial plan mooted in October 2002 called for specialization force with 2000 commandos. The group was originally called “Tiger-Force” but was later renamed as “Garud- Force”.
The Gard commando were first seen publicaly during the air force day celebration at new delhi on 8 october 2004.
The Garuds used to wear a black beret, instead of the traditional maroon beret of the other Indian Special Forces units, but now wear the maroon beret.