Special Service Group Navy The Special Service Group Navy , In 1971 , the Instrument of Surrender was proceeded , all joint - conventional forces surrendered to Indian Army ; the last SSG ( N ) advisors surrendered to Indian Army in East Paksitan in December 1971 and East Pakistan succeeded as Bangladesh after falling to the Mukti Bahini . Post war and current history . The poor performances in 1971 war led the decommissioning of the Marines from their services , although Navy kept its special forces programme . Adopting new defence policy in 1974 , the Joint Strategic Forces Command was established under Joints Chiefs and the combat training began with the Pakistan Army . Many of army special forces officers were drafted to Navy to provide the military training . Lieutenant Colonel ( Retired ) Sajjad Ali Shah , was among the notable drafted officers from army ' s Special Service Group ( SSG ) officers into the Navy . Earlier , Shah was selected and sent to the United States in 1974 to undergo the U . S . Navy Sea , Air , and Land training , commonly known as the Navy SEALs . After the successful completion of the world ' s toughest course , he was selected for basic underwater demolition course at amphibious base , Coronado , CA . On returning to Pakistan , he was given the task of raising Navy commando unit in Karachi and subsequently drafted into Navy . Shah , now as Commander , also took part in formulating and implementing new ideas in SSG ( N ) . As of today , the SSG ( N ) teams are currently participating in recent insurgencies in Pakistan , and provide vital support of Army and Air Force ' s Special Operations . Overview . The current SSG ( N ) headquarters are based in Karachi , Sindh . They were modeled on the American Navy SEALs and the British Special Boat Service ( SBS ) as U . S . SEALS had supervised their training . It is tasked with unconventional warfare operations in the coastal regions . During the time of war , it is assigned Midget submarines to conduct offensive and defensive operations against enemy ports , ships and naval facilities . SSG ( N ) are also trained in underwater demolition , clearance and diving . The initial training is similar to the Army ' s SSG and Air Force ' s SSW , they also provides HALO training to the SSG ( N ) . All of the candidates belonging to Pakistan Marines , SSG of Army and SSW of Air Force are trained together . After their training and graduation from special warfare operations , all of the officers are asked join either Forces ( Marines , Army , Air Force , Navy ) where they have to complete few special operations courses which last 2 – 3 weeks . After which specific marine oriented training is provided at , PNS Iqbal , which is the SSG ( N ) headquarters located in Karachi . Some students are sent to United States for specialist courses . Since 1970s the SSG ( N ) holds joint exercises with the U . S . Navy SEALs and the Imperial Iranian Navy . Selection process and training . Because the members of SS ( N ) are sent to be trained with United States Navy SEALs , the training for SSG ( N ) are tough and very rigorous , and one of the toughest training programme in the world . < ref name = " " Dawn News " " / > Officers and sailors who are volunteering to join the Navy ' s SSG ( N ) force , are expected to language qualified , and must be college graduate . < ref name = " " Dawn News " " / > The drop - out rate for SSG ( N ) classes are over 80 - 90 % . < ref name = " " Dawn News " " / > Those who are failed to make for SSG ( N ) are return to regular jobs in Navy . The SSG ( N ) are trained to carry and conduct clandestine operations , hidden from media and outside world . < ref name = " " Dawn News " " / > Unlike the army , SSG ( N ) operations are clandestine and highly secretive . < ref name = " " Dawn News " " / > All of these volunteers are fully understood that achievements made by SSG ( N ) members are not to be celebrated in navy . < ref name = " " Dawn News " " / > The Army ' s SSG force and the Air Force ' s SSW force have to go the same basic training which is run by the Army in Cherat . All soldiers volunteering to join any of these forces including the SSG - N must have at least two years of prior military experience and volunteer from other formations for three - year assignments with the SSGN ( N ) ; Non - commissioned officers and enlisted men volunteer from other formations to serve permanently in the SSG ( N ) . All trainees must participate in an eight - month courses which includes 36 - mile march or more in 12 hours , a grueling requirement that was first institutionalized by 19 Baluch regiment . They are also required to run 5 miles in 40 minutes with full gear , fully loaded . The last leg of the course , involves Airborne training at Parachute Training School . This part lasts for four weeks and all recruits must pass this course and wings are attained after conducting 5 day and 2 night static - line jumps . A large number of the SSGN operators are also HALO / HAHO qualified . Once the 8 month course is complete , troops who are volunteering to join the SSGN are then given specialized training in maritime and amphibious warfare at the specialized training school located in Karachi . Some are also send to the United States and United Kingdom for specialized training with the US Navy SEALs and the British SBS . Combat Diver badge is awarded for the course held by the Naval Special Services Group SSGN . Three classes of combat swimmers were recognized : 1st class to those completing an 18 - mile or more swim in designated time period ; 2nd class to those finishing a 12 - mile swim ; and 3rd class for a 6 - mile swim . Capabilities . The role of the SSG ( N ) members are predominantly focused on the littoral and riverine domain and are capable in mounting coastal and covert beach reconnaissance which could include covert assault route preparation in advance of amphibious assault and recovery or protection of ships and oil installations subject to hostile state or non - state ( terrorist ) action . They are also trained in Maritime Counter - Terrorism , assault on verified targets and the protection of VIPs . They have a worldwide operations mandate , and were involved in extracting Indians from MV Suez , who had been held hostage by pirates . Their deployment and nature of operations , currently remains classified , so as Pakistan focuses on its sister service ( SSG Army ) , the Naval SSG has been allowed to move deeper into the shadows . Organizations . PNS Iqbal is the commanding headquarter of commander SSG ( N ) . The commander SSG ( N ) is placed under the command of Commander Coastal areas . SSG ( N ) are divided into three sub commands . Appearance . SSG ( N ) is distinguished by a dark maroon beret with golden insignia featuring ' Sword superimposed over Wings and a Star ' badge for officers , NCOs and enlisted men , worn over the left pocket on dress uniforms . A metal SSGN Midget qualification badge featuring a vertical dagger superimposed over a midget submarine is worn over the left pocket on dress uniforms . Commando wings are worn over the right pocket . Weaponry . Machine guns Assault rifles Sub - machine guns Shotguns Sniper rifles Anti Tank rocketlaunchers Pistols Helmets Bullet Proof Jacket / Armor