Takavaran is a naval commando force with about 200 soldiers. Takavaran hopefuls are hand-selected and highly trained for a variety of missions including land missions away from water. In addition to traditional naval special operations missions such as hydroponic surveys and beach head demolitions, Takavaran commandos are tasked with small-unit raids that might involve sabotage and demolitions or assassinations as well as prisoner snatches and hostage rescue operations.

Much of the training regiment was created by members of the former Soviet Union Spetznas units and German KSK naval commandos (since disbanded). Training for the unit is a twelve-month process. First, the recruit must demonstrate the minimum physical requirements specified. After this the recruit is sent to a collection of schools, first eight weeks of physical training, then dive school, jump school, Weapons school, unarmed combat school, land warfare school, and finally, close-quarters combat school. After this the prospective operator joins a team and serves out a six-month probationary term before becoming a full-fledged commando.

By the time he becomes a full-fledged commando, the Takavaran soldier is an expert combat diver, checked out in both conventional SCUBA systems as well as closed-circuit breathing apparatus. They are qualified to jump with all of their equipment in both day and nighttime conditions, including landings in water.

Commandos from Takavaran are proficient with US, Russian, and Israeli weapons, but are outfitted with German-built firearms. Assault rifles such as the HK G3 (regular and short barreled), HK-91, and HK-53 have been used. In some instances AK-47's, AK-74's, and AK-103 assault rifles have been used. The MP-5 submachine gun is sometimes used for CQB missions. Handguns are mostly Belgian-manufactured .45 automatics, but in some cases Glocks and .357 revolvers have been used.

LINKS:
Takavaran Photo Gallery -Imperial Iranian Navy Website