E-Paper
Boys! Stand up in defence
THE PREVAILING perception that only fools waste time donning the uniform to defend the motherland may not be wrong. But then some have to do so, if the majority of population has to enjoy the fruits of new found economic bonanza. One should not forget that the old adage ? might is right? still holds true.
THE PREVAILING perception that only fools waste time donning the uniform to defend the motherland may not be wrong. But then some have to do so, if the majority of population has to enjoy the fruits of new found economic bonanza.
One should not forget that the old adage ‘ might is right’ still holds true.
Today Indian Army is short of 12000 officers, Indian Air Force needs 1124 officers and Indian navy has a shortage of 429 officers. It is difficult to believe that the 75 per cent of India (youth population) has forgotten about the trials, tribulations, humiliations and exploitation suffered for almost 700 years at the hands of foreign invaders just because we were militarily weak.
Training to become an officer in the Army begins after one gets selected as a Gentlemen Cadet, in National Defence Academy (NDA) Pune after passing 10+2 or at Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun if one is a graduate. The cadet in NDA during his three years’ stay there gets both Military and Academic expertise and is awarded graduation from the Pune University. IMA caters for a specialised training for the Army and is for two years’ duration. The entire training in NDA and IMA is free of cost. The lodging, boarding, sports and other facilities are top class and can be compared to the best in the world.
Life in Army in true sense starts after the cadet having completed his training successfully joins his battalion as a commissioned officer. Now commences his leadership training and grooming at the grassroots level. If it is Infantry he is appointed a platoon commander leading approximately 40 men and if it is Armoured Corp, he is made a troop leader. The officer learns his ropes and the intricacies of his profession under different situations actually leading these men.
His superiors are always there to guide him and encourage him. It really is a unique experience, leading and looking after 40 men who trust you like a God and living up to their expectations.
Unlike other Central services where after the initial training life is smooth sailing with promotions coming at regular intervals, in Armed forces one continues doing structured training even unto the rank of a two star general. An officer by the time he becomes a one star general (Brigadier) normally has done approximately five to six training courses ranging from six months to one year duration. Armed forces take pride in their training institutions. Some of them, like Defence Services staff college Wellington have almost 200-year-old history. Most of these training institutions are affiliated to some university so if you do staff college you are also examined by Madras University, which awards you post-graduate degree. If you are selected to undergo Long Defence Management Course of one-year duration at College of Defence Management Secunderabad, you are awarded the Degree of Master of Management Services by Osmania University.
There is no denying the fact that Army service with its adventure, the risk factor, the varied environment and terrain; the requirement of quick decision-making and accountability makes a real man out of you. One never calls it a die and always hopes against hope to keep oneself in positive frame of mind. After the rank of Major all promotions are by selection and are very fair. The pay and the perks are also good.
