The force modeled on the Special Protection Group and National Security Guard are trained to engage in air, water and land attacks.

[8] In March 2013, a 30-member Thunderbolt team was involved in a counterinsurgency combing operation in search of suspected Maoist insurgents in Kannur district in Kerala.

On 6 December 2014, A gunfight broke out in a forest in Kerala's hilly Wayanad district between the Thunderbolt unit and the left-wing rebels (Maoist).

[8][9] The Commando force consists of 2 companies of 160 personnel, who have been recruited after undergoing 2 years of rigorous and specialized training at various institutions around the country including Army's Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Mizoram.

[10] Ex-Chief minister Oommen Chandy, announced the approval of the Central Government for raising a second battalion of 40 more personnel, in the wake of increased terrorist activity across India.