COBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, is a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of India proficient in guerrilla tactics and jungle warfare.
Originally established to counter the Naxalite problem, CoBRA is deployed address any insurgent group engaging in asymmetrical warfare.
CoBRAs are trained in the Army’s elite Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram and CRPF’s anti terrorist school in Silchar.
They are adept in the art of camouflage and jungle warfare. Some regiments of CoBRA are given halo jump training like the parachute regiment.
Their role is to carry out reconnaissance and long range patrols, gather intelligence on the whereabouts of the insurgents, and also carry out ambushes and precision strikes when required. Their sniper teams can also be used to headshot key targets.
CoBRA members are assigned to an Army unit for six months following their basic training. After this, they may be assigned to counter-Naxal activities.
Their motto is “यश या मृत्यु” (Glory or Death).
