RASHTRIYA RIFLES

RASHTRIYA RIFLES

Rashtriya Rifles (RR) was raised as a para-military force as it was envisaged that personnel posted to RR would comprise regular Army volunteers on deputation, ex-servicemen and lateral inductees from various para-military forces and central police organisations. However, ever since its inception this force has comprised hundred per cent regular Army deputationists. To reduce the commitment of Army on internal security duties, the Rashtriya Rifles has been at the forefront in counter-insurgency operations. Indian strategists believed that in the event of a war, the 40,000-strong Rashtriya Rifles would protect the lines of communication and supplies from terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Made up of troops posted on deputation from the Army, the Rashtriya Rifles was meant to ensure that India's LoC divisions could do their job, engaging Pakistan, unhindered by guerilla action. The Regiment has a distinct dress code, akin to a rifle regiment. This is the only regiment where troops from the Infantry and other arms and services operate together to combat terrorism under a common RR banner. Each battalion comprises six rifle companies. The infantry component comprises sixty per cent troops while that of other arms forms twentyfive per cent. The remaining fifteen per cent troops comprises task oriented troops from various services to provide the logistic back-up to the RR battalion. Its emblem depicts two crossed AK-47 rifles with fixed bayonets atop which is the coveted Ashoka Chakra. Beneath, in a banner, is emblazoned the motto of this force ‘दृढता और वीरता ’ meaning ‘Tough and Brave’. Incidentally, the AK-47 is the main personal weapon of this force.