In a historic move, five women cadets are set to graduate from the Officers Training Academy (OTA) on April 29 as the first group of women to serve in combat capacities in the Indian army. The cadets, who will receive short service commissions, were awarded combat jobs by the commissioning board during their meeting at OTA on Saturday. The academy’s statement proudly announced that the female cadets had broken yet another glass ceiling.
The Indian Army has also stepped up its efforts to train women officers for leadership roles beyond the rank of Colonel. A senior officer revealed that the army has initiated a series of concurrent actions to empower women officers for command and leadership roles, including organizing a specialized Senior Command course at the Army War College in Mhow.
The course prepares female officers for the rigors of command by orienting them on all aspects of operational, intelligence, logistics, and administration.
Earlier this year, the Indian Army appointed 108 women officers to command positions at the Colonel level, with the government creating 150 new positions specifically for these female officers. Multiple policy waivers were granted through a special selection board, and as a result, there is no effect on the number of male officer vacancies. Women officers are now eligible to receive permanent commissions in the Army, rather than being compelled to retire after only 10-14 years as short-service commission officers.
The induction of women officers in the Regiment of Artillery is a significant milestone, as it marks the first time women will serve in this capacity. The Regiment of Artillery has over 280 units managing a variety of howitzers, guns, and multiple-launch rocket systems. With these groundbreaking initiatives, the Indian Army is swiftly moving towards inclusivity and empowering women officers to take on leadership roles.
