The Infantry Units of MNDF are named as Quick Reaction Forces, Special Protection Group and Special Forces. They are organized into infantry heavy combat teams and combat groups with amphibious armoured vehicles. They can be mobilized both at land and sea.
QUICK REACTION FORCES (QRF) are established at various strategic locations and vulnerable areas. They are deployed for the purpose of maintaining security in their key areas and they take pride in:
- Assistance to Coast Guard in Maritime operations.
- Assistance to Civil Authorities at times of crisis.
- Search and Rescue operations.
- Providing KP guards.
- Undertaking combat operations.
- Conducting counter insurgency.
- Carrying out counter terrorism operations.
- Supporting humanitarian and disaster relief activities
SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP (SPG) too undertakes all these responsibilities, but their primary mission remains to protect and safeguard the Head of State as well as visiting dignitaries.
This unit was formally established soon after the 3 November 1988 incident. At first they were known as the Special Guards with a group of well-trained MNDF soldiers. As the force’s tasks and mission expanded, the group was re-named “Special Protection Group” (SPG).
SPECIAL FORCES (SF) is the elitists of the elite cadres of MNDF. They are trained to perform their duties in all conditions at any time, in any part of the country. Specifically their involvement comes in situations where it is impediment to the normal infantry.