NSG's Black Cat commandoes get an upgrade

It’s makeover time for India’s Black Cat commandoes of the National Security Guards, a specialised counter-terrorism and anti-hijack force that came into being in 1986. The commandoes of the elite force, modelled on the pattern of the UK’s SAS and Germany’s GSG-9, have now been equipped with a new bullet-resistant shield and smarter communication sets besides getting a better weapon profile to enhance their fire power and abilities to counter the threat facing political figures they protect. Dalip Singh takes a look.

Game-changing equipment in the close-protection regime...
Bullet-resistant shield that is folded like a thin briefcase and carried by one of the Black Cat commandoes moving ahead of the VVIP protectee


HOW IT WORKS
The commando is supposed to flick the case open which unfolds into a hanging shield to cover the VIP against incoming bullets. Until now only the SPG, which guards Prime Ministers, had this handy protector.

Commandoes now get hands-free communication sets (ear piece sets) — bulky walkie talkies that kept their hands occupied are now a thing of the past Fire power has been enhanced Automatic sub-machine guns used include: Heckler & Koch MP5, assault rifles like AK-47, Glock pistol and Glock knife.

Reorienting commandoes with global best practices in personal security
Idea is to lend an element of sophistication to business of protection, to make it look effortless Stay below the radar: Globallyaccepted proximate security principle demands that guards movements should be innocuous to catch intruders by surprise Commandoes allowed to wear goggles; aim is to use physical appearance as a psychological deterrence tool Trained for better observation and threat perception techniques during movement in public

Skillsets introduced for NSG commandoes on VIP security duty...
Black Cats taught muzzle discipline — pointing barrel of the gun towards the earth and not up in the air.

The earlier drill of encircling the protectee has been dispensed with and replaced by a dynamic and flexible walkabout depending upon the situation.

Coaching others forces as well...
State/paramilitary forces and Army personnel also taking lessons from the NSG to hone their skills for VIP protection.

State police — which forms outer layer of protection — being sensitised for better coordination Training classes for Sri Lankan security force personnel.