Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Force One, the Maharashtra Police’s elite commando force, underwent a special training module at the College of Military Engineering (CME) in Pune on handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and the use of jammers to strengthen interoperability between state police and the Army.
Formed in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Force One is a specialised counter-terrorism commando force constituted on the lines of the National Security Guard (NSG). The primary area of responsibility of Force One is Mumbai and its surrounding regions.
“A team of 30 Force One Commandos, the special unit of the Maharashtra State Police Force, visited the College of Military Engineering, Pune. The team received training on various aspects of bomb disposal, handling of IEDs and the use of jammers at CME. This visit marked a significant step in fostering mutual cooperation and sharing expertise, aimed at strengthening interoperability and innovation.” said a post on X by Southern Command of the Indian Army.
The CME is a premier technical training institution of the Corps of Engineers and the Indian Army. The establishment trains officers and personnel of the Corps of Engineers and other formations of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Paramilitary forces, police and also civilian entities. Personnel from friendly foreign countries are also trained.
A police officer said that as part of the training module, the Force One commandos attended sessions on various compositions of IEDs, their identification, and methods to disarm and neutralise them in urban settings. They also demonstrated various equipment used by armed forces. The officer said jamming technologies are an important tool in countering the IED threat by disrupting remote detonation signals. The training module included key aspects of deployment and use of jammers.
Officials said that the CME Faculty of Combat Engineering conducted the training for Force One commandos. The faculty conducts courses in combat engineering, bridging, bomb and IED disposal, and strategic camouflage. It also advises training establishments on tactical concepts, equipment, and technical directions pertaining to military engineering.
Another officer from the Maharashtra Police said, “Force One is the elite commando force of the Maharashtra Police. Its personnel and officers continuously undergo training sessions with other expert entities. In the past, the teams have undergone courses and visits at various defence establishments.”
Over a week ago, CME hosted personnel and officers from the Maharashtra Intelligence Academy. During the visit, the instructors of the Indian Army shared vital aspects of bomb disposal, IEDs and jamming technology.
