Indian Army News & Discussions

[Hindustani78]

Looking for more: A file picture of Army officers conducting physical tests in Yadgir. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-before-you-join-the-Army/article17316987.ece

Karnataka to train hopefuls from the State to boost entry into the force
Worried over the declining number of entrants into the Army from Karnataka, the State government has decided to provide pre-recruitment training to Army hopefuls.

In what is being termed the first-of-its-kind effort in the country, the Karnataka Vocational Training and Skill Development Corporation will identify 1,000 candidates and start training them from March.

Two-month regimen
The programme has been named ‘Kannadigas in Indian Army.’ “By the end of 2017, we want to train 5,000 Kannadiga youth from all parts of the State, who are planning to participate in the recruitment rallies,” corporation Chairman Muralidhar Halappa told The Hindu. The two-month training will involve personality development, apart from physical training, he said. The government hoped at least 50 per cent of the trained candidates would clear the Army recruitment process.

According to Brig. Subodh Kaul (retd.), between 700 and 1,200 vacancies for general duty soldiers are reserved for Karnataka every year, of which a large number are not filled up.

‘Better opportunities’
Brig. Kaul, who will coordinate the training programme to be held at Belagavi, said even if the trained candidates did not get into the Army, they could look for chances in the paramilitary forces and private security agencies.


“Candidates will be given certificates by the Security Sector Council of India, which will fetch them good opportunities in the private sector as well,” he said.

Looking for more: A file picture of Army officers conducting physical tests in Yadgir. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-before-you-join-the-Army/article17316987.ece

Karnataka to train hopefuls from the State to boost entry into the force
Worried over the declining number of entrants into the Army from Karnataka, the State government has decided to provide pre-recruitment training to Army hopefuls.

In what is being termed the first-of-its-kind effort in the country, the Karnataka Vocational Training and Skill Development Corporation will identify 1,000 candidates and start training them from March.

Two-month regimen
The programme has been named ‘Kannadigas in Indian Army.’ “By the end of 2017, we want to train 5,000 Kannadiga youth from all parts of the State, who are planning to participate in the recruitment rallies,” corporation Chairman Muralidhar Halappa told The Hindu. The two-month training will involve personality development, apart from physical training, he said. The government hoped at least 50 per cent of the trained candidates would clear the Army recruitment process.

According to Brig. Subodh Kaul (retd.), between 700 and 1,200 vacancies for general duty soldiers are reserved for Karnataka every year, of which a large number are not filled up.

‘Better opportunities’
Brig. Kaul, who will coordinate the training programme to be held at Belagavi, said even if the trained candidates did not get into the Army, they could look for chances in the paramilitary forces and private security agencies.


“Candidates will be given certificates by the Security Sector Council of India, which will fetch them good opportunities in the private sector as well,” he said.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat paying homage at the Burial site of
, Sripalli Village, in Dukli, Agartala on February 20, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
21-February, 2017 18:43 IST
COAS felicitates best Marching Contingent 2017

General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Army Staff, felicitated MADRAS Engineer Group (MEG) Contingent on 21 Feb 2017 at South Block, New Delhi. MADRAS Sappers was once again adjudged best marching contingent among all the Service contingents during this year's Republic Day Parade.

The Contingent, with every soldier of the height 193 cm and above, had toiled hard over many months to earn the coveted honour.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat felicitating the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) contingent, in New Delhi on February 21, 2017.

*****

Ministry of Defence
21-February, 2017 18:34 IST
Defence Minister Presents best Marching Contingent Trophies


The Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar today presented the Best Marching Contingent Trophies to the Madras Sappers and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) who participated at the Republic Day Parade 2017 at the historic Rajpath, New Delhi. Commandant Madras Engineer Group Brigadier RK Sachdeva received the Trophy on behalf of the Madras Sappers while Director General CISF Shri OP Singh received the trophy on behalf of CISF.


The function was attended by the Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Defence Secretary Shri G Mohan Kumar and other senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, the three Services and Ministry of Home Affairs.


True to their motto of ‘SARVATRA’, the Madras Engineer Group has always distinguished themselves in full spectrum of professional activities ranging from operations to ceremonial events throughout the glorious history of 236 years, be it supporting fighting troops during operations or claiming the Best Marching Contingent every time they participated.


Keeping their rich traditions alive, Madras Sappers once again claimed the ‘Best Marching Contingent Trophy’ both in Army Day and Republic Day Parades 2017.

The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar presenting the best marching contingent trophy for Republic Day Parade 2017 to Brigadier R.K. Sachdeva of the Madras Sappers, in New Delhi on February 21, 2017.

The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar presenting the best marching contingent trophy for Republic Day Parade 2017 to DG, CISF, Shri O.P. Singh, in New Delhi on February 21, 2017.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
24-February, 2017 19:54 IST
61 CAVALRY Bags the Army Polo Championship

The famous Army Polo Championship that commenced on 31 Jan 2017 saw a thrilling final match on Friday between 61 CAVALRY and Army Service Corps after tough round of league matches which also saw participation from Corps of Artillery, Remount and Veterinary Corps and Armored Corps.


Army has dominated Equestrian Sports for a long time producing a large number of Asian Games medalists, World Cup players, Padam Shree and Arjuna awardees and is pursuing it as part of it’s Mission Olympics programme.


Army Polo Championship which was re-instituted in year 2015 after a gap of ten years witnessed the participation of some of the renowned players in the Indian Polo Circuit like Col Navjit Singh Sandhu and Lt Col Ravi Rathore playing at +2 and +5 handicaps respectively. Lt Col Ravi Rathore who is the highest handicapped polo player in Indian Army has also played four World Cups for the Indian Polo Team.


Lt Gen RV Kanitkar, Quarter Master General, presented the Army Polo Championship Trophy to 61 CAVLARY in the presence of a big audience including many senior officers.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
25-February, 2017 14:55 IST
Defence Security Corps Celebrates 70th Raising Day

Defence Security Corps (DSC), which was raised on 25 February 1947 as ‘Defence Department Constabulary’, celebrated its 70th Raising Day on 25 February 2017. DSC troops have been providing security to various sensitive defence and civil installations across the length and breadth of the Country since 1947.

On the occasion of the 70th Raising Day, Lieutenant General JS Cheema, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System & Training) and Colonel Commandant of DSC, congratulated all ranks and complimented them for their relentless efforts in guarding sensitive Defence and civil establishments. On this solemn occasion, he also remembered the supreme sacrifices made by the martyrs of the Corps, exhorted all ranks to seek inspiration from their valour and felicitated eight Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks for their distinguished service. So far, DSC has been awarded three Vir Chakras, one Kirti Chakra, four Shaurya Chakras, ten Sena Medals, two Vishisht Seva Medals and fifteen Chief of Army, Air and Naval Staff Commendation Cards.

 

[bloo]

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat paying homage at the Burial site of
, Sripalli Village, in Dukli, Agartala on February 20, 2017.

This was some serious badassery.

CITATION
LANCE NAIK ALBERT EKKA
14 GUARDS (NO 4239746)

Lance Naik Albert Ekka was in the left forward company of a battalion of the Brigade of Guards during their attack on the enemy defences at Gangasagar on the Eastern front. This was a well-fortified position held in strength by the enemy. The assaulting troops were subjected to intense shelling and heavy small-arms fire, but they charged onto the objective and were locked in bitter hand-to-hand combat. Lance Naik Albert Ekka noticed an enemy light machine-gun (LMG) inflicting heavy casualties on his company. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he charged the enemy bunker, bayoneted two enemy soldiers and silenced the LMG. Though seriously wounded in this encounter, he continued to fight alongside his comrades through the mile deep objective, clearing bunker after bunker with undaunted courage. Towards the northern end of the objective one enemy medium machine-gun (MMG) opened up from the second storey of a well-fortified building inflicting heavy casualties and holding up the attack. Once again this gallant soldier, without a thought for his personal safety, despite his serious injury and the heavy volume of enemy fire, crawled forward till he reached the building and lobbed a grenade into the bunker killing one enemy soldier and injuring the other. The MMG however continued to fire. With outstanding courage and determination Lance Naik Albert Ekka scaled a side wall and entering the bunker, bayoneted the enemy soldier who was still firing and thus silenced the machine-gun, saving further casualties to his company and ensuring the success of the attack. In this process however, he received serious injuries and succumbed to them after the capture of the objective.

In this action, Lance Naik Albert Ekka displayed the most conspicuous valour and determination and made the supreme sacrifice in the best traditions of the Army.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ecurity-force-in-pictures/article17367353.ece

Sangram, or the warrior who leads, helps in training the new Sangram, a Jaisalmeri breed. But, at times, the two get into duels. Tactful handling usually enforces a truce.

At 1,220, they are a battalion strong. Only the finest 100 of them make the grade to go on the stately march down Rajpath. The “warships” of the desert — the Border Security Force camels — come to Delhi in all glory and regalia from the Rajasthan and Gujarat frontiers for the Republic Day parade. From the time they arrived this time, it had been training, training and more training on a ground at the Delhi Cantonment for almost three months, stopping only for sleeping and munching on compost feed and cluster beans powder. Each takes in 10 kg a day.

As the training begins at 4.30 a.m. with devotional songs, Sangram, or the warrior who leads, steps ahead. It’s the last outing of this long-time “commander”, and he wants to bow out in a hail of glory. Sangram helps in training the new Sangram, a Jaisalmeri breed. But, at times, the two get into duels. Tactful handling usually enforces a truce.

“Sirji, be careful,” warns Kalu Singh, head constable who has been handling the old Sangram for a decade. “Hamare ek constable ko to abhi ek hafte pahle hi kata hai, inke mood se bach ke rahna padta hai (We need to be careful of its mood swings. He bit our constable last week).” Till the big day arrives, when the camels slip into the ₹30,000 ceremonial costume, the days go by in this routine. During breaks from training, man and beast bond. As with all relationships, trust and mutual dependence glue them together.

The camel contingent — which traces back its provenance to Bikaner, whose founder Rao Bika raised a camel regiment in 1465 — has been part of every Republic Day. In 1975, the Army handed over its camels to the BSF, and since then, the paramilitary force has been presenting the contingent.

Talent and gait won the new Sangram his place. The young warrior has earned his spurs.

In the heart of the national capital, a long way from his desert camp, Camel Raju tries to nuzzle up against his BSF handler, Hawaldar Gopal Singh, in the grey of dawn before parade training begins. Trust and mutual dependence underpin the relationship between the camel and its handler. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

Reveille in the camp: The camels rise before dawn for the long training ahead. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

Sabre-rattling: Sangram and Sangram Jr have a go at each other. The handlers broker a truce, inured as they are to the mood swings that camels are infamous for. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

Flag-bearer: After putting Sangram Jr through the paces during a hard day’s rehearsal, Commandant Kuldeep Chaudhary pats his charge. On his first day on Rajpath, Sangram Jr acquitted himself well, a trait that made the BSF choose him as the successor of Sangram as “commander” of the camel contingent. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

Transition time: Sangram Jr and Sangram stand at ease. The former, a Jaisalmeri breed, is the new leader of the camel contingent for Republic Day. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

Bulletproof reliability: Sometimes, during conflict, it’s just the camel that stands between a soldier and an enemy bullet. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

Versatile warriors: On all fours and on song, camels show why they are indispensable in guarding the borders in the unforgiving desert. The call of duty includes crawling near the border lines to evade detection, charging through sandstorms and carrying arms and ammunition for miles in the harsh sun. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

On their mark: A camel and its handler walk in tandem during an early-morning warm-up exercise. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

The king of all he surveys: Sangram Jr., the commander of the camel contingent of the BSF at the Republic Day parade, in a moment of repose. Photo: Prashant Nakwe

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir inspecting the guard of honour at the Passing Out Parade of Puducherry Police personnel and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel, at Puducherry on February 28, 2017.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir releasing a newsletter of Puducherry Police, at the Passing Out Parade of Puducherry Police personnel and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel, at Puducherry on February 28, 2017. The Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Dr. Kiran Bedi and the Chief Minister of Puducherry, Shri V. Narayanasamy are also seen.

The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir addressing at the Passing Out Parade of Puducherry Police personnel and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel, at Puducherry on February 28, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
03-March, 2017 16:59 IST
Owning a House Becomes Easier for Army Personnel

1. Army personnel by virtue of deployment in remote areas find it extremely difficult to invest time in buying a good house, therefore, to fulfill this essential need and meet the aspirations, AWHO has come up with a pragmatic business model called the ‘Private Industry Collaborative Business Model’ which will facilitate acquiring houses from reputed private builders at discounted prices for Army personnel & Veer Naris. A Pilot Project is being undertaken in Delhi/ NCR and based on its success, similar ventures will be executed in other locations.

2. Major advantages of this concept are detailed market research to identify the most suitable builder/ project, negotiations for price reduction, due diligence and buyer friendly terms & conditions. Prop Equity, a leading Real Estate Data & Analytics Consultant firm has been selected after a prolonged process to undertake the facilitation process forward.

3. This historical MoU was signed by Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, Chairman (Ex-Officio) AWHO and Mr Samir Jasuja, MD, Prop Equity Analytics on 3rd Mar 2017,

Col Aman Anand

PRO (Army)

 

[Hindustani78]

A glimpse of how commandos train for counter-terrorist attack at MLIRC in Belagavi. | Photo Credit: PHOTO: BY P.K. BADIGER

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-drill-a-show-of-strength/article17402347.ece

The mock drill by the commandos of Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), with short glimpses of counter terrorist and counter insurgency operations, for mediapersons here on Friday provided fresh insights into the quality of professional commando training, the rich cultural ethos and the training establishment.

MLIRC Commandant Brig.Pravin Shinde, who spoke about the glorious past of the regiment dating back to 217 years when the Maratha battalions participated in various wars and campaigns brining many laurels to the regiment and the nation, said the MLIRC was the only regimental centre in the Indian army to have participated in the First World War.

He said MLIRC was essentially a cradle of soldering where the recruits coming from civilian background are subjected to rigorous combat training for a period of nine months, after which they emerge as physically and mentally robust soldiers, motivated and ready to take on any challenge in service of the nation.

The mock operations provided glimpses of how the contemporary army establishments have incorporated latest technologies with the standard military training to mould soldiers to cope up with emerging conflict scenarios. Apart from commando and standard military training, the MLIRC also plays an active role in nation building exercises. The men trained here have participated in all major wars, internal conflicts, counter insurgency and terrorist operations whenever needed and saved lives during natural disasters, he said.

 

[Hindustani78]

New recruits of the Jammu Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment (JKLIR) take part during passing out parade at an army base on the outskirts of Srinagar. File Photo: Nissar Ahmad
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...th-from-jammu-and-kashmir/article17408165.ece



As many as 134 youth from Jammu and Kashmir were today inducted into the Army at a passing-out parade following completion of their rigorous training over the past one year.

“The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Regimental Centre showcased its latest batch of 134 passing out recruits from the state of Jammu and Kashmir on having completed one year of strenuous training,” a defence spokesman said.

The glittering passing—out parade was held at the Bana Singh Parade ground of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regimental Centre at Rangreth

The parade was reviewed by Maj Gen D V S RANA, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Madhya Bharat Area, he said.

Parents and relatives of the young soldiers along with a number of civil and military dignitaries attended the event.

Major General Rana congratulated the soldiers for their immaculate parade and impressed upon the selfless service towards the nation, the spokesman said.

He said more youth from the state should come forward and join the security forces, while highlighting the vital role played by parents in motivating their wards to join the noble profession.

The young soldiers who distinguished themselves in varied facets of training were also felicitated on the occasion by Maj General Rana.

Ajay Singh Jamwal of Udhampur district received the ’Sher—e—Kashmir Sword of Honour’ and ‘Triveni Singh Medal’ for being the Over all Best Recruit, while Tawseef Ahmad of Anantnag district bagged the ‘Chewang Rinchen Medal’ for being the Best in Firing, the spokesman said.

As a mark of respect, gratitude and recognition of contribution made by the parents of the young soldiers, they were presented with the ‘Gaurav Padaks’ instituted by the Army.

Soldiers of Bihar Regimental Center taking oath during the Attestation Parade at Danapur Cantt in Patna on Saturday. PTI Photo

 

[BoB's]

Indian Army and Chinese Army joint military exercise:

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
05-March, 2017 17:05 IST
Armoured Corps Polo Championship Concludes

Armoured Corps Polo Trophy was fiercely contested at the Army Equestrian Centre, Delhi today in the presence of Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi, Eastern Army Commander among other serving and retired senior officers. The event witnessed participation of 15 teams, highest in the Delhi Polo Season with a thrilling final claimed by Armoured Corps beating Empress/Destination with eight goals to six.

Armoured Corps and horses go a long way back along the history with Horseback Cavalry evolving into the heavy punch of Armoured Tank Corps as the warfare evolved. It was the initiative by Lt Gen AB Shivane, Director General Machanised Forces to institute the Armoured Corps Polo Trophy. Awards were given away by Gen VN Sharma (Retd), Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Lt Gen AB Shivane.

 

[Hindustani78]

The reason for phasing out of INSAS, as cited by experts, was that it wasn't effective at long range and at best, could only maim the enemy.

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:March 5, 2017 7:12 pm
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...e-to-be-replaced-by-imported-weapons-4555790/

After nearly 20 years, the indigenously manufactured INSAS rifles will be finally ‘retiring’ from the army and replaced by an imported assault rifle to be manufactured in the country later. The Indian Small Arms System (INSAS), which was inducted in the army 1988, is likely to be replaced with deadlier assault rifles of higher caliber (7.62×51), official sources said.

The sources said that as many as 18 vendors, including some Indian companies having a tie-up with foreign arms manufacturing firms, have sent in their consent to replace nearly two lakh such rifles used by the army along the borders and in counter-insurgency operations.

The reason for phasing out of INSAS, as cited by experts, was that it was not effective at long range and at best, could only maim the enemy.

The sources said that 7.62×51 assault rifles have already been introduced in the Pakistani army which purchased them from Heckler and Koch, one of the world’s leading small arms manufacturers based in Germany.

The proposal for procuring the new assault rifles was in pre-Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) stage and expected to be completed by the year end after putting the process of purchase of these weapons on a fast track.

The sources said that emphasis was being laid on arming the Special Forces of the army in the Northeast as of now and the proposal will come up before the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) soon.

After the new weaponry for the Special Forces aimed at helping them in close-combat situations, the focus will shift to procurement of the assault rifles and replace the INSAS, the sources said.

The foreign vendor would also be required to participate in Transfer of Technology (ToT) so that there is no dearth of ammunition and maintenance of the assault rifles in the country. These weapons can kill the enemy up to an effective range (rpt) range of 500 metres.

The conceptualisation of the INSAS began in early 1980’s before it was finally handed over for production to Ichapur Ordnance Factory in West Bengal. In 1993, the design of the rifle was changed before being introduced in the army in 1996.

The rifle was put to use during the 1999 Kargil war.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...nal-infantry-brigades-out-of-kashmir-4561159/

By: Express News Service | New Delhi | Updated: March 9, 2017 11:02 am

The Army has moved out two additional infantry brigades deployed in Kashmir in September following public disturbances after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani’s killing in July. “We moved in these troops when the situation warranted it. We have pulled them out when the situation so warranted,” an Army official said. He added that the pull out started in December and was completed in January.

The brigades were deployed as part of ‘Operation Calmdown’ that was launched to restore normalcy two months after Wani’s killing that led to massive unrest and killing of scores of people throughout the summer of 2016. They were deployed in volatile areas of Kupwara, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama districts in South Kashmir.

The brigades operated along with Rashtriya Rifles to restore normalcy.

“These were our reserve formations which were sent by (the Army’s Udhampur-based) Northern Command to Kashmir. They are required for our conventional role, which remains our utmost priority,” said the official.

The move to pull out the troops suggests an improvement in the security situation despite the recent spate of firefights between the security forces and terrorists particularly in South Kashmir, which has led to nine casualties for the Army this year. The Army has killed 25 terrorists in retaliation. This is more than double the number of terrorists eliminated in the same period last year.

The Army has of late adopted a proactive approach in taking on the terrorists in Kashmir. The official said that there has been an increase in intelligence-based operations against them in the Valley.

The Army has been concerned about civilian protesters trying to disturb these counterinsurgency operations, which has allowed militants to escape in some cases in Kashmir.

According to Jammu and Kashmir State Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) data, over 90 local youths have joined militancy in Kashmir since last year. MAC estimates suggest that there are around 400 terrorists on the loose in South Kashmir. They include 150 foreign terrorists. There are another 100 terrorists active in the state including 30 foreigners south of the Himalayan Pir Panjal range.