Indian MARCOS, US Navy SEALs, Submarine & Dangerous Missions - Abhishek Kankan | FO 258 Raj Shamani

This episode of Figuring Out features Commander Abhishek Kankan, an ex-MARCOS and Submariner, who shares his incredible experiences and insights. Kankan, a Gallantry award awardee and Mt Everest summiteer, discusses the demanding life of submariners and the elite MARCOS commandos. The conversation covers everything from submarine mechanics and training to the critical role of naval forces in national security and the challenges faced by special forces.

Key Takeaways

• Submariner Training is Rigorous: It involves extensive classroom learning, covering mechanical, electrical, and navigational aspects, followed by critical escape training (TS Escape Training School) to prepare for emergencies.
• Submarines are Stealth Weapons: They are vital for intelligence gathering and can cripple a nation's economy by disrupting sea lines of communication.
• MARCOS are Elite: Their training is based on US Navy SEALs standards, focusing on resilience, adaptability, and operating in all four dimensions: air, land, surface water, and underwater.
• Naval Importance: 95% of global trade happens via sea, making naval power and submarines crucial for economic and national security.
• Challenges at Sea: Surviving in the ocean is tough due to constant motion, enclosed spaces, and the need to manage resources like air and water, making it a unique psychological and physical challenge.

The Life of a Submariner

Becoming a submariner is a voluntary process, with individuals from various branches like executive, technical, mechanical, and electrical, as well as sailors, being selected based on their performance and background. The training begins with a six-month classroom phase where trainees learn about all aspects of submarine operations. Unlike ship duty, submariners must gain a working knowledge of multiple disciplines, including electrical and executive functions, even if their primary specialization is mechanical.

A critical part of this training is the TS Escape Training School. Here, submariners learn how to escape from a sunken submarine. This involves using torpedo tubes as escape hatches, a process that requires immense courage and mental fortitude due to the confined space and the psychological pressure of being underwater.

Submarines themselves are complex vessels, often described as cigar-shaped or teardrop-shaped, designed to operate mostly submerged. They maintain their depth using ballast tanks and hydroplanes. The importance of submarines lies in their stealth capabilities. They are often deployed on intelligence-gathering missions, observing enemy movements, and can also serve as potent weapon platforms, capable of launching torpedoes and missiles.

The Might of MARCOS

MARCOS (Marine Commandos) are India's elite special forces unit, with training modelled after the US Navy SEALs. Their operational capabilities are unique, allowing them to function effectively in air, land, surface water, and underwater environments. This makes them a formidable force, capable of undertaking highly sensitive and dangerous missions.

Their training emphasizes extreme resilience and adaptability. For instance, they are trained to survive in harsh conditions, even using natural water sources when necessary, showcasing their superior endurance and immunity. The comparison with US Navy SEALs highlights a difference in approach, with MARCOS often demonstrating greater resourcefulness and a willingness to adapt to situations, sometimes even breaking from strict protocols when the mission demands it.

Submarine Operations and Capabilities

Submarines are essential for national security. They are considered stealth weapons, making them difficult for enemy forces to detect. Their primary role includes intelligence gathering, surveillance, and projecting power. By disrupting sea lines of communication, a submarine can significantly impact a country's economy, as approximately 95% of global trade relies on maritime routes.

Advanced submarines are typically nuclear-powered and capable of launching ballistic missiles (SLBMs). These are the most sophisticated submarines, with fewer than ten countries possessing them. India is among these nations. The strategic importance of nuclear submarines lies in their role in a nation's nuclear triad, providing a second-strike capability that deters potential adversaries.

Life inside a submarine for extended periods is challenging. Crew members live in cramped conditions, with limited personal space and strict rules regarding water usage and hygiene. They operate on a watch system, with a portion of the crew always on duty. The diet is supplemented with extra rations, including fruits, nuts, and chocolates, to maintain morale and energy levels.

Navigating Maritime Threats

Maritime security is a constant concern, with threats ranging from piracy to illegal drug trafficking. Pirates, particularly off the coast of Africa, pose a significant threat to merchant shipping, often engaging in hijackings for ransom. The Indian Navy, including MARCOS, actively participates in anti-piracy operations, successfully rescuing vessels and crews.

Illegal activities, such as drug smuggling, also heavily utilize sea routes. Monitoring vast coastlines and identifying suspicious activities is incredibly difficult due to the sheer scale of the ocean and the use of disguised fishing boats. This makes intelligence gathering and robust patrolling by naval and coast guard forces absolutely critical.

Border Security and International Waters

Defining maritime boundaries is governed by international law, establishing territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. Beyond these zones lie international waters, where activities are less regulated, though piracy and smuggling are still subject to international maritime law. Vulnerable areas, such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are strategic points due to their proximity to major shipping lanes and potential for external influence.

China's growing naval power and its strategic expansion in the South China Sea are significant geopolitical considerations. Their naval strategy focuses on building a powerful fleet, including submarines, to project influence globally. The comparison between the Indian Navy and the Merchant Navy highlights their distinct roles: the Indian Navy is focused on national defense and power projection, while the Merchant Navy is primarily involved in transporting goods and commerce.