The Thar Desert is the ultimate challenge of endurance. The vast, undulating sand dunes test the best. This inhospitable terrain is home to the Border Security Force's 1,000-man camel corps.

On a typical patrol, eight mounted jawans ride for six hours, sometimes with a backup vehicle. The shifting sands require different formations: single, double file, or arrow shape.

Also see: The Republic 54

Photos: Ami Vitale/Getty Images

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