The Bangladesh Special Warfare Diving and Salvage is a specially organized team of highly trained individuals who are equipped and trained using many of the same guidelines as the United States Navy Seals. The team is comprised of the very best individuals in the forces who not only are employed in action in Bangladesh.

Their History

The brigade began in the 1970s and adapted not only the techniques of the United States Navy Seals but also those of the North Koreans as well. The SWADS, as they are known, is considered to offer one of the most advanced and strenuous weapons training program in the world.

SWADS Training

Instructors for this special forces team in Bangladesh come from Korea, Turkey and the United States. Only 10 percent of those who are Navy trained in Bangladesh make it through the rigorous training that also includes physical endurance training, mental training and the weapons training.

How To Become A Member Of The SWADS

SWADS are recruited from the Navy and are Navy trained. Those who are considered fit for this branch of the special service, are recommended by their superiors to try out for this special forces team.

What Are They Best At?

The SWADS teams are well equipped to take on several different types of challenging missions including hostage rescue, anti piracy, counterinsurgency, counter narcotics, counterterrorism, covert extractions and insertions, intelligence gathering raids and underwater demolition. SWADS are a division of the Navy in Bangladesh.

Weapons of the SWADS

The weapons training received by the SWADS is more intense than that received in most other countries.

There is a whole host of weapons that are used for the SWADS. SWADS operators are not only adept at handing all types of different combat weapons but can also handle ballistic helmets, are equipped with night vision sights, as well as underwater gear. One of the aspects about the SWADS that makes them so unique is that they not only operate on land, but also under water.

Some of the weapons that the SWADS use include the Colt M4 Carbine SOPMOD, the Daewoo K2 5.56 assault rifles, HK MP5 9 mm submachine guns, sniper rifles, 9mm semi-automatic pistols, HK M-416, M 16a4 and the MK 19. The SWADS generally handle more weapons than any other special forces team across the world.

Known Missions

Missions of the SWADS are domestic in nature and not global. In addition to being a military special forces unit of the Bangladesh Navy, the SWADS also help on land as well. During domestic crisis, they are called in for peace keeping as well as personal recovery of individuals in the advent of natural disasters. Currently, their missions have been of the domestic nature and do not currently involve other countries. However, during acts of terrorism or global conflict, they are a sought after special forces unit known for being well adapted to both land and sea as well as having the ability to engage in hand to hand combat with the enemy.

Units

The SWADS are comprised on one Unit. Information about individual units is classified.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

The SWADS are professional soldiers and are recruited through the Bangladesh Navy.