The Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan is an elite force and also one of the oldest Special Forces (SF) outfits in Asia. It has been ranked the best among the top Special Forces in the world. It has been icon of courage, professionalism and diversification since 1956 in the country. SSG personnel are experts in unarmed combat.
SSG: Ever-Ready
Ever-ready to defend their country they are especially trained to cope with extraordinary situations. They are called for action when the situation goes out from the reach of other forces. They dare to do what others fear to do. Martyrdom is their motto.
Effective Force
The SSG is a small but very effective force. Whenever it is employed it inflicts damages on the enemy out of proportion to its size. Due to its remarkable achievements the SSG becomes a critical force multiplier. They are strategic assets and precision instruments. While surprise is their main weapon, their success also depends on the quality of intelligence, since their operational plans are based on it.
SSG and War against Terrorism
In the ongoing fierce war against terrorism they are the best available option of the Armed Forces that can create fear and uncertainty in the minds of the terrorist and insurgents, a situation that should repeatedly be exploited by the army to break the militants both mentally and physically.
SSG ranked the Best
Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG), is recently ranked the best Elite Special Force in the world by Business Insider Australia. Pakistan’s SSG topped the list and once again, India failed to even make it to this list.
According to Business Insider, “The Special Services Group, SSG, in Pakistan is better known in the country as the “Black Storks” due to the commandos’ unique headgear. Training reportedly includes a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a five-mile run in 20 minutes in full gear.” SSG commandos played very important role in the ongoing war against terrorism. They go where other soldiers fear to tread, scoping out potential threats, taking out strategic targets, and conducting daring rescue missions. They really are the best of the best.
| Ranking | Name of the Elite Force | Country |
| 1 | Special Services Group, (SSG) | Pakistan |
| 2 | Naval Special Warfare Force | Spain |
| 3 | Alpha Group | Russia |
| 4 | National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) | France |
| 5 | Sayeret Matkal | Israel |
| 6 | Special Air Service | UK |
| 7 | Special Boat Service | UK |
| 8 | Navy SEALS | US |
| 9 | Marines | US |
SSG: An Independent Commando Division
Special Service Group (SSG) is an independent commando division of the Pakistan Army. It is an elite special operations force similar to the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and the British Army’s SAS.
Formation
It was formed with US Army assistance in 1953-54. Initially it was named The 10 Baloch Regiment and the battalion was posted to a new headquarters at Cherat near Attock City. A Mobile Training Team (MTT) from the US Army Special Forces Group (Airborne) visited Pakistan to set up a new airborne school at Peshawar for 19 Baloch in March 1964. The school included basic and jumpmaster courses. All members of 19 Baloch were airborne-qualified. The training team also included four riggers who helped train Pakistani counterparts.
19 Baloch
In its early days of formation and rigorous training 19 Baloch was considered the SSG (Special Services Group) which was divided into 24 companies. Each company had specialization units, specialized in desert, mountain, ranger, and underwater warfare. The desert companies participated in training exercises with US Army Special Forces Mobile Training Team in late 1964. The scuba company in Karachi was renowned for its tough physical training.
Anti-Terrorist Role
With the passage of time, an anti-terrorist role was added in 1970. It was given to the Musa Company, an independent formation within SSG. The name was given after the name of Prophet Musa. The company was originally formed in 1970 as a combat diver unit. In 1980 however each company was given a diver unit. After the Musa Company was converted to an anti-terrorist unit, it received training by British SAS advisors in Cherat during mid-1981.
As policy SSG regularly sends students to the US for special warfare and airborne training. Later on due to the Siachen crisis, a Snow and High Altitude Warfare School was also established.
SSG and Sri Lankan Paramilitary Militia Forces
SSG began a large-scale basic training program for Sri Lankan Paramilitary militia forces in 1986. Commando and airborne training was given to members of the Sri Lankan Commando Regiment. It paid its dividends in the war of sever insurgence in Sri Lanka against Tamil Tigers.
SSG and Afghanistan’s War
SSG played a crucial role in Afghanistan during the Afghan war. They have been very successful in covert operations. They are now placed at strategic locations within the country. Each SSG battalion numbers 700 men in four companies. Each company is split into platoons and further sub-divided into 10 men teams. Battalions are commanded by Lieutenant Colonels, the group is currently run by a Colonel.
Selection
SSG stands for toughness and accuracy. It is an ideal combination of passion and obsession due to which selection for service with the SSG is tough. Volunteers from all over the Pakistan Army apply but 2/3 are rejected during the initial selection phase, and 1/3 of the selected fall out during the training phase due to lack of physical and mental resilience that is required during the training.
Training
| Different Stages | Details |
| Training | A SSG officer must have at least two years of prior military experience and volunteer from other formations for three-year assignments with the SSG. They have to undergo forced marches in which they have to cross 36 miles of rugged terrain in nine hours while wearing full combat loads. Typical exercises involve round-the-clock movement for five days and nights without sleep, while carrying only two days-worth of food and water. Once that runs out, they must live off the land and the few villages in the area are kept under surveillance by the trainers. |
| NCO/Enlisted Men | NCO and enlisted men volunteer from other formations to serve permanently in the SSG. |
| Duration | All trainees must participate in an eight-month SSG course. |
| Course | It emphasizes tough physical conditioning. Included is a 36-mile march in 12 hours, a grueling requirement that was first institutionalized by 19 Baloch. |
| Physical Endurance | They are also required to run 5 miles in 40 minutes with full gear. |
| Airborne School | Following the SSG course, trainees must volunteer for Airborne School. The course last four weeks, with wings awarded after seven (five day, two night) jumps. Non SSG airborne students only have to complete the five day jump. |
Additional Specialist Training
Many SSG commandos are selected for additional specialist training where following courses are offered.
HALO Course: HALO stands for (high altitude, low opening) or HAHO (high altitude, high opening) jumps. It is given with a “skydiver” tab awarded after 5 freefall jumps.
Mountain Warfare: A qualification badge is given after completing a course at the Mountain Warfare School.
Combat Diver: A badge is awarded for the course held by the Naval Special Services Group SSGN at Karachi.
Combat Swimmers: The classes of combat swimmers are arranged. 1st class to those completing an 18-mile swim; 2nd class to those finishing a 12-mile swim; and 3rd class for a 6-mile swim.
During the wars of 1965 and 1971 the SSG proved first line of defence with the mandate of specialising in asymmetrical warfare, the SSG has since gone from brigade to division strength. The secret of its success was stealth and secrecy. They are proficient in handling machine guns, sub-machine guns and pistols. They are trained to fire from the hip with speed and accuracy, even when on the move. Experts in unarmed combat, they are deadly even with no weapons other than their hands and feet. They are experts of conventional and unconventional warfare. They have also expertise in both guerrilla and anti-guerrilla operations. The most recently launched military operations Khyber-I & II and Zarb-e-Azb witnessed the ruthlessness, accuracy and endurance levels of SSG officers. Even Operation Rah-e-Raast in Swat and North & West Waziristan endorsed SSG the best in the country. Descending from helicopters, the commandos quickly secured the heights, attacked downhill, forcing the insurgents to descend into the waiting arms of the infantry in the valley.
SSG and most Demanding Operations
The most demanding operations for the SSG officers are those that are carried out deep behind enemy lines, cut off from supplies, support or even an escape route. These operations demand the highest state of physical and mental toughness, resourcefulness, and the ability to remain cool and motivated far beyond the bounds of conventional human endurance.
The above diagram clearly shows that SSG operation is an ideal combination of science and art. It is the combination of management and planning and requires proper preparation, execution and courage to face the enemy in its own soil. The element of surprise upholds its chances of success. Each and every part of its operation plays a very decisive role because if it is not properly planned, prepared the elements of intelligence and surprise are compromised.
SSG Infiltration
Often, SSG teams infiltrate behind enemy lines either by land, air or sea. Insertion by land is gigantic and energy, time-consuming as it involves crossing the frontlines, whereas the air option, in which the preferred means is by helicopter, is the least hazardous and quickest. SSG is best used in support of the army’s offensives to create a strategic impact on the enemy that can then be exploited by conventional forces.
Diversified Operations
The SSG has been trained to carry out the following special operations.
| Sr. No | Nature of Operations |
| 1 | Unconventional |
| 2 | Foreign Internal Defence |
| 3 | Special Recon Missions |
| 4 | Direct Action |
| 5 | Hostage Rescue |
| 6 | Covert/Clandestine Operations |
| 7 | Personnel Recovery |
| 8 | Counter-Terrorism |
| 9 | Counter-Proliferation |
| 10 | Mountain Warfare |
| 11 | Special Operations |
| 12 | Asymmetric Warfare |
| 13 | Nuclear |
| 14 | Biological |
| 15 | Chemical Warfare |
| 16 | Counter Insurgency |
| 17 | Parameter Defence |
| 18 | Air/Under-Water/Land borne Operations |
| 19 | VVIP Escorts |
| 20 | Arctic Warfare |
Formation
As a result of close study of the special operations conducted during WWII by the allies and German alike, the Pakistan Army realized the benefits of having a force that could operate behind enemy lines and sabotage the war efforts of its adversary. The SSG doctrine and tactics have evolved independently of the influences of any of the world’s other prominent SF outfits.
Major Expansion
After the war 1965 it went under a major organization (vertical & horizontal) expansion. Two new battalions were formed.
Current SSG
It has been maintained at 3 battalions with approximately 700 men each. These battalions are further divided into 4 companies each that are split into platoons consisting of 10 men each. The battalions continue to be commanded by officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while a Brigadier oversees the SSG as whole from the Group HQ.
The Independent Musa Company has evolved into a genuine and sole counter-terrorism capability in the country. Due to immense experience as result of the many wars with India, Siachen Glacier, The Afghan War, War on terrorism, proxies, etc, the SSG has evolved as the best in the world.
Different Modes of Training
Internal security, assault and small unit tactics, sniping, demolition, survival, languages, small arms familiarization, fighting in built up areas (FIBUA), close quarter battle tactics (CQB), long range recce patrol (LRRP), Martial arts, espionage, psychoanalytic, criminal psychology courses.
Different Types of Missions
| Sr. No | Nature of the different Missions |
| 1 | Unconventional Warfare |
| 2 | Long-Range Reconnaissance |
| 3 | Intelligence Gathering |
| 4 | Riverine Operations |
| 5 | Counter-Terrorism |
| 6 | Tactical Assaults |
Universal Advisory Role
The SSG helped to train members of Sri Lankan Special Forces to counter Tamil Elan Fighters in mid 1980s due to which Sri Lanka Army successfully defeated Tamil Tigers and ultimately restored peace in the different troubled areas. SSG was tasked to train Special Services Regiment of the Malaysian Army in high-attitude warfare in 1994 which they successfully used in Bosnia’s operations.
The SSG has been conducting regular bi-annual exercises with so many regional countries especially Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran and Malaysia. The SSG even have been staging joint training exercises with UK and US being our strategic partners against the war of terror.
The SSG have been conducting joint sessions of training exercises with Turkish Special Forces, which have been named “Ataturk” series. During 1980-90 it held many training exercises with US Special Forces termed “Inspired Venture”. It has been conducting training programs with Jordanian, Iranian and Saudi Arabian Special Forces too. SSG officers have been imparted to UK, Malaysia and US for higher training programs during 1990s. It has also comprehensive joint training program with Chinese (Iron Brother) called “Youyi” exercise.
Different Famous Operations
| Name of the Operations | Details |
| Afghanistan’s War | It regularly trained the Afghan fighters in guerilla tactics due to which they damaged the core strength of USSR forces. |
| Grand Mosque Seizure (1979) | The SSG jointly launched operation Clean Wash Water with French forces and killed all the terrorists in Holy Kaaba. |
| Soviet-Afghan War (1979-89) | The history witnessed the might of the SSG officers in shape of gradual defeat and withdrawal of former USSR forces from the soil of Afghan. The SSG remained very instrumental in diversified sabotage activities and trained the Afghan fighters in disguised manners. |
| Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers (1980) | The close cooperation and collaboration to the extent of rigorous training programs, the Sri Lankan Army rooted-out the menace of insurgency from the troubled areas possessed by Tamil Tigers. |
| Counter-Insurgency Operation (1974) | Balochistan has had been center for insurgencies sponsored by foreign agencies and countries. The SSG played instrumental role in elimination and marginalization of different factions of trouble-makers. |
| Indian Airline Hijacking (1981) | The SSG (Musa Company) rescued all the 45 passengers and arrested all the hijackers. |
| PAN AM Flight 73 Hijacking (1986) | A Boeing 737 was hijacked which was rescued by the SSG officers. One terrorist was killed while others were arrested. It was complete show of better communication and physical skills of the SSG where elements of surprise and preciseness played decisive role. |
| School Bus Hijacking Islamabad (1998) | Three Afghan hijacked school bus which was rescued by the SSG commanders. 57 passengers were released afterwards. |
| Kargil Operation (1999) | Pakistan Army conducted a covert operation within the soil of India in 1999 for achieving some strategic goals in 1999. The SSG officers/commandos played very important role and captured strategic positions. |
| War on Terror (2001-2015) | Pakistan has been at receiving end due to front line state against terrorism since 2001. The SSG conducted so many covert operations to safeguard the best interests of the country. |
| (a) Enduring Freedom (2001-02) | It was partially successful in its prime objectives of overthrowing the Taliban regime and capturing some supporters of al Qaeda. |
| (b) Al-Mizan (2002-06) | It continued against militants in selected parts of NWA with different intensities at different times. It was a successful operation in which Pakistan Army and SSG fought jointly. |
| (c) Rah-e-Haq (Nov 2007) | It was launched in 2007 and basic objective of its first phase was to tackle the TNSM in Swat valley. |
| (d) Zalzala (Jan-May 2008) | It carried out in Spinkai, SWA, concluded with mixed results as the army had successfully captured the area. |
| (e) Rah-e-Rast (2007-09) | It was an offensive against barbaric Taliban militant in Mingora, and Swat. |
| (f) Sher Dil (Sept 2009) | It was launched by Pak army in Bajaur agency to target all militant groups which were threat to Pakistan security. |
| (g) Rah-e-Nijat (2009-10) | It was launched against militants in South Waziristan. Gunship helicopters and aircraft were used. |
| (h) Koh-e-Sufaid (2008-11) | It continued from 2008 to 2011. It had many objectives including elimination of Taliban militants and reopening of Thall-Parachinar road which consistently remained under attack of Taliban. |
SSG and Zarb-e-Azb
The military operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched by the Pakistan Army on June 15, 2014 following a brazen militant attack on Karachi’s international airport and failure of peace talks between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) negotiators. It is noted that there has been a significant decline in major terrorist attacks after the launch of Zarb-e-Azb due to close collaboration between Pakistan Army and the SSG Units. It is a major immediate achievement of the operation. Several top TTP leaders have either fled from Pakistan or have been killed or have gone underground to escape action by security forces.
SSG’s Reorganization
Its restructure plan was approved in 2003. It has been reorganized by creating the newly created units by raising it to the divisional level of Brigade level. It also included the creation of sub-HQ to support various SSG units during operations.
Moreover, three commandos Battalion was converted into a Special Operations Battalion (Spec Ops Bn) to deal with Low Intensity Conflicts (LIC) A four commando Battalion was also formed to fill this gap.
Concluding Remarks
The Special Services Group (SSG) Pakistan is a symbol of accuracy, professionalism and swiftness. It is the pioneer of all types of covert operations in the country and stands for dutifulness and determination. It has already accomplished many missions vital for the security and peace of the country and its people alike. It is the icon of smart power. It has diverse skills to cope with any kind of danger. It has capabilities of preemptive and offensive strikes. The SSG is a strategic asset which cares about the strategic interests of the country and its important installations.
We are living in a complex world, obsessed by power politics. Conspiracy, confront and destruction are the mantra of the enemy. The era of “Hybrid Warfare” has changed the concept of the theater of war where stability of socio-economic-politico plays very important role. Our enemy has already announced to start propaganda campaigns against “Pak-China Economic Corridor” which needs to be defused with the help of all the available agency apparatus, media, good governance, Pakistan Armed Forces and the last but not the least, SSG. Moreover, covert operations of RAW in many parts of our country (Balochistan, Karachi, KPK, and funding to TTP and insurgents) requires complete cooperation and coordination among all the agencies and SSG.
After the tragic incident of APA School there is an urgent need of overhauling of secret agencies, law enforcement department and training patterns of Pakistan Police and Frontier Constabulary. SSG can play instrumental role to training all the people of security in order to restore the peace and harmony in the country.
We are living in a “Cyber Warfare Doctrine” which must be an important part of training programs of new SSG officers. Internet and Social Media are the two main suppliers of ISIS and other terrorist’s outfits which need to be dismantled with the cyber warfare unit of Armed Forces and SSG.
The Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan has been at the forefront of training other Special Operations from Pakistan Armed Services. The special services wing (SSW) of Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Group Nay (SSGN) of Pakistan Navy, Special Operations Wing (SOW) of the Pakistan’s Frontier Corps, Rapid Action Teams (RAT) of Pakistan Rangers and Elite Units of the Pakistan Police are trained by SSG.
