Choose the Right Force for Assistant Commandant Position

The Central Armed Police Forces or CAPF is the combination of various forces for the central police organizations in India. CAPF is overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). CAPF are paramilitary forces, which wereoriginally known as the Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF). Every year, UPSC holds a defence exam for the recruitment of assistant commandants for various forces in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). UPSC CAPF has 253 Assistant Commandant positions for group A.

Types of Security Units Under CAPF

The various security units that function under the authority of the Indian Minister of Home Affairs, and the top 5 that fall under CAPF are:

• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Central Industrial Security Force(CISF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Modes of Recruitment

1. Gazetted Officers: Officers with official titles are hired through the UPSC-conducted Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination.
2. Subordinate Officers: Also known as DASOs, Sub Inspectors are hired through a competitive examination held by the Staff Selection Commission (Directly Appointed Subordinate Officers).
3. Constables: The Staff Selection Commission holds a competitive test to recruit constables.

Factors to Consider While Choosing Assistant Commandant Profile

Getting appointed as an assistant commandant in CAPF is a matter of honour and prestige. Many aspirants go above and beyond while preparing at their dream defence academy for UPSC CAPF. So, when it comes to BSF, CRPF, and CISF there are several factors to consider. This article talks about important factors that can help aspirants to decide on the right assistant commandant profile.

Border Security Force (BSF)

The Border Security Force (BSF) is the largest border security force in the world. BSF is appointed to guard the borders between India and Pakistan and India and Bangladesh. BSF also serves as the Indian government's representative in UN peacekeeping.

The BSF's core duty is border protection, but as threats to India's internal security have increased, the BSF has been given other responsibilities, including counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, disaster management, and domestic peacekeeping.

The BSF has 159 battalions and 220,000 members and is commanded by a director-general. In terms of disaster management, BSF plays a crucial role. Several BSF battalions are trained in disaster management procedures, and many of them were a part of the National Disaster Response force. If we talk about the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, BSF was the first force to reach the area to help out people.

Duty until death - the motto of BSF, is the perfect defence motivational quote for aspirants.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is among the most renowned Central Armed Police Forces in the nation. Its main duty is to help state governments and the union territories maintain peace and order and fight insurgency.

In volatile regions of Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast, and the Naxal corridor, the CRPF executes counterterrorism, counter-militancy, and counterinsurgency operations. The CRPF may also be sent out to guard crucial infrastructures, like power plants, railroad stations, and airports.

In the event of natural catastrophes and disaster relief operations, CRPF units are deployed. If we look into previous missions, the CRPF team has excelled in rescue and relief efforts during natural disasters like the Odisha super cyclone (1999), Gujarat earthquake (2001), J&K earthquake (2005), etc.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Central Industrial Security Forceis a police force created to help with industrial unit security. More than 300 industrial units are within the jurisdiction of the CISF.

Security for the nation's vital infrastructure facilities is a responsibility of the CISF.

Among these are nuclear power plants, space facilities, airports, seaports, important government structures, and even historical sites. Over 58 airports are now protected by the CISF, 18 of which are deemed "sensitive."

Private companies and corporations can benefit from the highly competent security consulting services provided by CISF. Threat perception and risk assessments, security and fire audits, crowd control and management techniques, crisis management plans, etc. are among the services provided.

Roles and Responsibilities of Assistant Commandant

In addition to the basic objectives of border guards and patrolling the industrial corridors, Assistant Commandant (AC) leads a company of around 150 armed soldiers assigned to hold elections and preserve normality (CISF). Although one such force, the CRPF, is actively involved in upholding law and order and aiding the local government.

The Assistant Commandant is responsible for tasks like planning and leading operations, ensuring on-the-job training to maintain the company's operational readiness for any situation, organizing an independent intelligence network for operational effectiveness, and ensuring the effectiveness and serviceability of the company's armaments.

Also, Check

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Assistant Commandant CAPF

Q1. Is Group A Job for Assistant Commandant CAPF?

Ans. The Assistant Commandant of the CAPF is a Group A Job. Most assistant commandants retire at the IG/DIG level and salary band. Some of them are directors general in addition to their current positions.

Q2. How can I become a commandant of the CISF?

Ans. The UPSC conducts the CAPF AC test each year for those interested in becoming Assistant Commandants in the CISF. CISF AC applicants will be chosen based on merit.

Q3. Who is our defence minister?

Ans. India's current defence minister is Rajnath Singh.

Q4. Where is the regional training centre at the ministry of defence?

Ans. The regional training centre ministry of defence is located in Kolkata.

Q5. How many UPSC CAPF tries are there?

Ans. The UPSC CAPF test has no set limit on the number of tries. The message states that the cutoff age is 25.