Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational readiness of the distinguished 10 Para (Special Forces), commonly referred to as the “Desert Scorpions.” During his visit, the Army Commander was provided with an in-depth briefing that encompassed the unit’s strategic responsibilities, its developing warfighting capabilities, and the integration of cutting-edge equipment designed to bolster operational effectiveness.
The operational review addressed various facets of the specialized training programs implemented by the unit, focusing on vital skills such as aerial insertion techniques and combat diving abilities. These training elements are crucial for executing precise special operations across diverse and challenging landscapes. The briefing further underscored the unit’s enhanced combat capabilities tailored for desert warfare, which is aligned with its operational mandate to maintain superiority over the expansive desert regions extending from Punjab to Gujarat.
Established in 1967 after its separation from 9 Para (SF), the 10 Para (SF) has emerged as one of the leading special forces units in the Indian Army. The Desert Scorpions are renowned for their rigorous training regimen, which subjects them to extreme physical conditions, including prolonged periods of sleep deprivation, minimal rations, and heavy endurance loads. This comprehensive training approach is aimed at cultivating unmatched resilience among the soldiers. The courses include specialized modules on weaponry, navigation, communication, medical assistance, and demolition techniques at the Special Forces Training Centre.
The unit’s operational history is significant, having played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War where it executed the audacious Chachro Raid deep within enemy territory. Moreover, 10 Para (SF) has actively participated in India’s counter-insurgency initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir and has been involved in critical operations during the Kargil War.
During his visit, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth commended the Desert Scorpions for their unwavering commitment, high training standards, and relentless pursuit of excellence. He placed particular emphasis on the necessity for continuous innovation and adaptation in modern warfare, urging all ranks to uphold their operational supremacy and remain at the forefront of India’s special operations capabilities.
