SFF Full Form

What is the full form of SFF ?

SFF stands for Special Frontier Force. It is a Special Force in the Indian army. It is known to be India's most secretive commando unit. Most of their operations remain unknown to the world. The existence of SFF soldiers remains a mystery for people. They are one of the most covert armed units in the Indian army. They have made numerous sacrifices for the country by defending the Indian territory in the most difficult terrains, yet their victories are never celebrated.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of SFF ?
2. SFF as establishment 22
3. Major operation by special frontier forces(SFF)

What is special frontier forces(SFF)?

Special Frontier Force, also known as Vikas Batallion is the armed force of the Indian army. It is formally also known as Establishment 22. It is not a part of the Indian army but under the direct control of IB and RAW. It is under the authority of the Cabinet Secretariat. The Major General of SFF reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office. Its headquarter is in Chakrata, Uttarakhand India. SFF works on Clandestine, covert, counterterrorism, and other special operations. With all the other goals, their primary goal is covert operations.

Their unit tune is “One Day we will without a doubt shows China a thing or two” This unit is an ethnic mix of Tibetans and Gurkhas from Nepal. Women are equally recruited in this force for special operations. SFFs are known to be the most ruthless soldiers. They are the best-trained mountaineers.

History of special frontier forces(SFF)?

Special Frontier Force (SFF) was created on 14 November 1962 by then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It used to consist of Tibetan refugees. It was formed with the primary purpose to run operations for the Chinese border after the 1962 Sino-India war.

The idea of forming a special force with Tibetan soldiers against China was first presented by General K S Thimayya. At that time, he was leading the Indian Army. Finally, at the end of 1962, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on the advice of IB Chief Bhola Nath Mulik, permit the formation of a special elite commando unit for mountain terrain. In the beginning, 5000 men were recruited in this unit. Most of these were Khampas, a local tribe. The training center was a new Mountain Training Facility at Chakrata near Dehradun, Uttaranchal.

Initially, training was managed by Intelligence Bureau Special Operations Unit. Both RAW and CIA used to assist in training this force. Later, the command of this force was given to Special Service Bureau. In the early 1970s CIA backout from training because the US was trying to improve its bilateral relationship with China.

SFF as establishment 22

When Special Frontier Force (SFF) was formed, it was known as Establishment 22. It was named after its first Inspector General Major General Sujan Singh Uban. During the Second World War, he commanded his unit in North Africa (Unit named Long Range Desert Squadron). For his contribution during the World War by commanding the 22nd Mountain Regiment of the Royal Indian Artillery, SFF was named after him as Establishment 22.

Major operation by special frontier forces(SFF)

Special Frontier Force(SFF) runs many covert operations for defending the country. Mainly operations assigned to SFF are along the Chinese border, but many times Indian government raised SFF for various operations. Here are some of the most important covert operations by Special Frontier Forces.

1. Operation eagle

Special Frontier Force in 1971 helped the Indian Army in neutralizing the Pakistan Army from its positions in East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh.

2. Operation bluestar

During the communal riots at the Akal Takht of the Golden Temple Amritsar, the Special Frontier Force(SFF) in 1984 runs a combat operation. To clear the riots and resolve the national crises.

3. Operation meghdoot

Siachin Glacier which is still one of the most inhospitable battle zones in the world. Special Frontier Force in 1985, played a significant part in guarding the glaciers.

4. Operation vijay

During the Kargil war in 1999, Special Frontier Force played a pivotal role in counter-insurgent operations for the country.

5. Operation snow leopard

This is one of the recent operations commanded by Special Frontier Force which took coverage by news all over the world. In 2020 September, during the conflicts with PLA, the Indian Army run a joint operation with the SFF in the area of Gurung Hills, Rezang La, and South Pangong Tso range.

Training for special frontier forces(SFF)

Special Frontier Force(SFF) is a special force unit especially raised for unconventional and covert operations to defend Indian territory. Their training at least lasts for six months. As a result of this, SFF soldiers undergo extreme training to be prepared for the most difficult possible outcomes behind enemy lines. They are well equipped with guerrilla tactics, parachute jumps, mountain warfare, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism operations.

They are drilled for battles in various terrain and climate conditions both day and night. They are required to perform all their duties while carrying heavy loads and wearing a heavy rucksack with body armor. They get training for parachuting in water and on the ground by un-ropped ladders and cliffs. For night operations they assault while wearing night vision goggles and use Special Operations Insertion and Extraction techniques.

Role of special frontier forces(SFF)

The primary role of Special Frontier Force(SFF) is covert operations on the Chinese borders. Along with this, they have many roles and purposes for different specialized missions. Their roles are not limited to the following but include these:

1. Counter-terrorism operations, operations run to eliminate terrorism in the country using different special tactics and strategies.

2. Anti-hijack operations, operations to resolve hijacks whenever the country faced this issue.

3. During conventional conflicts, they employed trans-border

4. Clandestine and sensitive missions, there are operations that generally go unnoticed by people or the locals.

5. Direct action missions, these are the mission for small-scale raids, ambushes, and sabotage.

6. Unconventional warfare, operations known as military or quasi-military operations. These are the ones raised with the aim to avoid conventional or international conventions.

Hierarchy in special frontier forces(SFF)

Special Frontier Force (SFF) has its own hierarchy and ranking structure which is considered to be the same as raking in the Indian Army.

Officer Ranking in SFF is divided into four rank groups. SFF retains ranks in General/Flag, Field/Senior, Junior, and Cadets Groups respectively.

Similarly, Special Frontier Force enlisted ranks are in the order of Subedar Major, Subedar, Naid Subedar, Havildar, Naik, Lance Naik, Sepoy.

A glimpse of bravery by SFF

Although any story cannot ever cover the exceptional bravery shown by SFF soldiers, we have a short glimpse from the diaries of Special Frontier Force units. This SFF soldier has shown valor and courageous actions for which he was awarded by Shaurya Chakra from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

Jigmey Namgyal Bhutia, a 35-year-old Naik Subedar of the Special Frontier Force(SFF) had conquered Mount Everest twice, first in 2001 and his second in 2003. For the first time, he hikes through the southeast route the Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hilary route on May 24, 2001. Again, in 2003 on May 26 through the northeast route he summits the peak.