When it comes to elite military forces in India, few units are as secretive and prestigious as MARCOS which is the abbreviation of Marine Commandos. MARCOS is known as one of the best special forces in the world for its fearless attitude, rigorous training and lightning-fast operations. But behind their black uniforms, amphibious warfare training and secret missions, lies a question that often piques people’s interest, that is, what is the salary of a MARCOS Commando in India? In today’s blog, let us share with you information related to MARCOS Commando salary along with the allowances received for wearing the MARCOS badge, etc.
Who are Marcos?
Before knowing their salary, let us first know who MARCOS actually are. Marine Commandos are a special unit of the Indian Navy which was established on 26 February in 1987. Their tasks range from hostage rescue, amphibious warfare, anti-piracy operations to counter-terrorism and intelligence missions behind enemy lines and operating in all the three, air, land and at sea. They have earned the nickname “Dadiwala fauj” (bearded army) from terrorists in Kashmir because of their disguise and stealth.
How to Become a Marcos?
Being a MARCOS is not just a job but a calling. Only Indian Navy volunteers can apply, and more than 80% drop out during the initial training phase. The selection process for this unit involves the infamous “hell week”, which is similar to that of the Navy SEALs. Recruits are put through extremely painful conditions. They have to endure constant physical and mental torture, sleep deprivation and endurance tests. After which, applicants who pass are given advanced training in skydiving, combat diving, demolitions, high altitude warfare and foreign language proficiency.
Marcos Commando Salary
The salary of Marcos Commandos is based on their basic rank pay. This basic pay is given as per their rank in the Navy as Marcos personnel are selected from the Indian Navy. Given below is an estimation of the monthly base pay of Marcos as per their rank.
| Rank | Salary |
|---|---|
| Leading Seaman/Seaman | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Petty Officer | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Chief Petty Officer | ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Sub-Leiutenant | ₹56,100 |
| Leiutenant | ₹61,300 |
| Leiutenant Commander | ₹69,400 |
| Captain | ₹1,25,700 |
| Captain and Above | ₹1,30,000 – ₹2,00,000+ |
Marcos Commando Salary Allowances
What makes Marcos financially strong is a wide range of special allowances that they get apart from their basic salary, which are as follows:
1. Marcos Allowance
Marcos get a Special Forces Allowance as a recognition of their unique status. This allowance ranges from around ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month.
2. Hardship Allowance
This allowance is especially applicable when Marcos Commandos are deployed in high-risk conflict zones like Kashmir, Northeast or on ships in dangerous waters. Depending on the location, this amount ranges between ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per month.
3. Diving Allowance
Marcos are trained combat divers, so they also get a diving allowance. This can range from ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 depending on their diving proficiency and number of dives.
4. High Altitude Allowance
During posting in Leh, Siachen or other mountainous areas, this allowance is given. The total salary involved can range between ₹3,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
5. Uniform and Kit Maintenance Allowance
They are provided around ₹20,000 annually to maintain their special gear and uniform.
Total Monthly Take-Home Pay
The monthly take-home pay of an average MARCOS commando, taking into account basic pay and allowances, can be as follows:
- Junior-level MARCOS (Seaman or Petty Officer): Their take-home pay ranges from approximately ₹65,000 to ₹85,000.
- Mid-level MARCOS (Sub-Lieutenant to Lieutenant Commander): They get approximately ₹90,000 to ₹1.3 lakhs.
- Senior MARCOS (Commander and above): Senior MARCOS take-home pay ranges from approximately ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹2.2 lakhs+.
However, these figures may vary slightly depending on mission-based bonuses, nature of their deployment and years of service.
Benefits Beyond salary
MARCOS commandos are also provided with several other non-monetary benefits, including:
- Subsidised housing and rations
- Access to military hospitals for self and family
- Insurance cover of up to ₹1 crore is ensured in case of death during active duty.
- Priority promotions and faster career advancements due to elite status
- Foreign training programmes in countries such as the US, Israel and the UK
- Pension after retirement, which is usually available after 20 years of service. This service is offered with additional benefits for those serving in combat roles.
Life After Retirement
Marcos often retire earlier than regular naval officers due to the high-intensity nature of their job. However, many find employment after retirement in top security firms, as consultants in national security, or as trainers in the police or paramilitary forces. Their skill sets are in high demand, and monthly compensation in private roles can exceed ₹2 lakh depending on their expertise.
Is the salary that a Marcos commando gets worth the risk?
This question often arises in people’s minds, though only a Marcos commando can give the exact answer. Even though the salary and benefits are reasonable, the job involves both physical and psychological risks. Marcos missions are often secret, high-risk and in enemy territory. Their success is national security while failure can mean death.
But patriotic people volunteer to serve in the Indian Navy every year. They work not for the salary, but for the honour of serving. The real reward of such soldiers lies in the honour they receive and the unmatched sense of purpose.
Final Words
Finally, the salary of a Marcos commando is adequate and worthy, consisting of a basic salary as well as elite allowances that reflect their skills, level of danger and responsibilities. Some other facilities are also provided. But more than their salaries, Marcos are known for their courage, discipline, and unwavering will to defend their country, whether it means launching midnight raids on the enemy or silently wading through enemy waters.
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