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Photos: Afghan women officers train with Indian Army in Chennai

A 20-day military training programme has 20 Afghan women cadets serving in combat roles, training alongside Indian counterparts at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. This crash-course covers major features of one year's training and will last till December 23.

Updated on: Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM IST

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An Afghan army cadet fires at a target during a practice session at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. A group of 20 Afghan army women serving in combat roles are in Chennai for a military training programme, the first such exercise which has enthused their peers in India, also keen to serve in combat on the front-line. (AFP)

Updated on Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM

An Afghan army cadet fires at a target during a practice session at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. A group of 20 Afghan army women serving in combat roles are in Chennai for a military training programme, the first such exercise which has enthused their peers in India, also keen to serve in combat on the front-line. (AFP)

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Indian army officers instruct Afghan cadets during a target practice session. This 20-day training programme began on December 4 at Officers Training Academy in Chennai --the sole centre training both gentlemen and lady cadets in India. (AFP)

Updated on Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM

Indian army officers instruct Afghan cadets during a target practice session. This 20-day training programme began on December 4 at Officers Training Academy in Chennai --the sole centre training both gentlemen and lady cadets in India. (AFP)

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Afghan cadets march during the training programme at OTA Chennai. The women officers taking part in the exercise belong to diverse age groups with an officer as young as 21, and an anaesthetist with the medical corps in her 40s. (AFP)

Updated on Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM

Afghan cadets march during the training programme at OTA Chennai. The women officers taking part in the exercise belong to diverse age groups with an officer as young as 21, and an anaesthetist with the medical corps in her 40s. (AFP)

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Though skill enhancement trainings have been held in the past in other areas, this is the first time Afghan women officers are here for military training. The two Indian Army women officers, Major Sanjana and Captain Samriti who are co-ordinating the exercise, favoured Indian women in combat roles. “Yes, I (will) definitely give a big yes...we should be given a fair opportunity in combat...all of us feel we could be in the forefront,” Major Sanjana said. (AFP)

Updated on Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM

Though skill enhancement trainings have been held in the past in other areas, this is the first time Afghan women officers are here for military training. The two Indian Army women officers, Major Sanjana and Captain Samriti who are co-ordinating the exercise, favoured Indian women in combat roles. “Yes, I (will) definitely give a big yes...we should be given a fair opportunity in combat...all of us feel we could be in the forefront,” Major Sanjana said. (AFP)

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Lady cadets participate in a Small Arms Firing Simulator exercise. Major Sanjana said the training programme is a “capsule” which encompasses major features of one year’s worth of training. In addition to this, they are being trained to use hand grenades, AK-47s and the INSAS rifle among other weapons. (AFP)

Updated on Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM

Lady cadets participate in a Small Arms Firing Simulator exercise. Major Sanjana said the training programme is a “capsule” which encompasses major features of one year’s worth of training. In addition to this, they are being trained to use hand grenades, AK-47s and the INSAS rifle among other weapons. (AFP)

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The cadets enjoy a light moment during one of their sessions. The Afghan officers are being trained here in several areas including weaponry, firing, communication, tactics, administration and logistics. (PTI)

Updated on Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM

The cadets enjoy a light moment during one of their sessions. The Afghan officers are being trained here in several areas including weaponry, firing, communication, tactics, administration and logistics. (PTI)

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Army cadets also underwent training in computer proficiency. They handled ambush situations over mountainous terrain in classroom simulation exercises. The crash-course will end on December 23 following which the Afghan officers will leave for their country. (AFP)

Updated on Dec 14, 2017 11:58 AM

Army cadets also underwent training in computer proficiency. They handled ambush situations over mountainous terrain in classroom simulation exercises. The crash-course will end on December 23 following which the Afghan officers will leave for their country. (AFP)

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