to get into different Para (SF) battalions. In the mid-1980s, there were plans to take the three para commando battalions from the Parachute Regiment and bring them together under an individual special organization, the Special Forces Regiment. However, after several logistic and administrative obstacles, these plans were abandoned, and they continue to be trained and recruited by the Parachute Regiment. Para (SF) operates in assault teams, which work individually behind enemy lines. The total strength of the Parachute Regiment stands at about 8,000-10,000 this includes one Rashtriya Rifles and two Territorial Army battalions, while the Para (SF) includes between 5,000-6,000 personnel or maybe more currently. They have to hide their identity from the general public. The Special Group (aka 4 Vikas/22 SF/22 SG), a clandestine special forces unit which operates under Research and Analysis Wing, recruits from the PARA SF, MARCOS, Garud Commando Force. Currently the Para Special Forces consists of 15 battalions: 1 PARA (SF) – Western Command 2 PARA (SF) – Southern Command 3 PARA (SF) – South-Western Command 4 PARA (SF) – Northern Command 5 PARA (SF) – 50(I) Para Brigade 6 PARA (SF) – 50(I) Para Brigade 7 PARA (SF) – 50(I) Para Brigade 9 PARA (SF) – Northern Command 10 PARA (SF) – Southern Command 11 PARA (SF) – Eastern Command 12 PARA (SF) – Eastern Command 13 PARA (SF) – Southern Command 21 PARA (SF) – Eastern Command 23 PARA (SF) – 50(I) Para Brigade 29 PARA (SF) – 50(I) Para Brigade Functions Intelligence gathering and special reconnaissance Sabotage of vital enemy infrastructure and communications through deep penetration and surgical strikes behind enemy lines. Covert and overt/direct action special operations as part of the Indian Army's counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. Hostage rescue operations within and beyond Indian territory. The unit is tasked with missions such as special operations, direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defence, counter-proliferation, counter-insurgency, seek and destroy, and personnel recovery. Personnel Selection All Indian Special Forces operatives are volunteers. Some enter the Para regiments fresh from recruitment, while others transfer in from regular army units. They are put through a probationary period/selection process of three months for Para (Special Forces) battalions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 21, 23 and 29 PARA SF). In order to be a Para (Special Forces) operator, all personnel are first required to qualify as Paratroopers;