Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), visited the prestigious Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy at Dhana on July 13, 2026, to review its training initiatives and ongoing transformation aimed at preparing future-ready combat leaders for the Indian Army. The visit underscored the Army’s continued emphasis on modernising military training institutions to address the evolving demands of 21st century warfare.
During the visit, Lt Gen Sharma was briefed by Brigadier Lalit Sharma, SC, SM, Commandant of the NCO Academy, on various aspects of the institution’s functioning, including its innovative training methodologies, Vision 2030 roadmap, result analysis and perception assessment mechanisms. The briefing provided a comprehensive overview of the Academy’s efforts to integrate technology-driven learning models and enhance leadership development programmes for non-commissioned officers across the Indian Army.
The NCO Academy plays a pivotal role in grooming junior leaders from the Combat and Combat Support Arms of the Indian Army, equipping them with the professional competencies, tactical knowledge and leadership skills required to operate effectively in increasingly complex operational environments. The institution’s training framework is designed to prepare soldiers for greater responsibilities while fostering adaptability, initiative and operational excellence.
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma commended the Academy for its successful technology-driven transformation and acknowledged its contribution to building a future-ready force. He praised the institution’s commitment to adopting innovative and progressive training methodologies that align with the Indian Army’s broader modernisation objectives and the emerging requirements of contemporary warfare.
Emphasising the critical role of military leadership at the junior level, the Army Commander highlighted the importance of team building, adaptive leadership and automation in military training. He noted that modern battlefields demand leaders who are not only tactically proficient but also capable of making rapid decisions, adapting to evolving situations and effectively leveraging advanced technologies in operational scenarios.
The ARTRAC chief stressed the need for developing futuristic training infrastructure that reflects the changing character of warfare, including the growing role of technology, network-centric operations and integrated battlefield systems. He encouraged the Academy to continue strengthening its capabilities to ensure that non-commissioned officers remain prepared to lead effectively across the full spectrum of military operations.
Recognising excellence in military instruction, Lt Gen Sharma presented GOC-in-C ARTRAC Commendation Cards to two instructors in appreciation of their outstanding contribution to training and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional military education. Their efforts have played an important role in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of leadership training imparted at the Academy.
The Army Commander also felicitated two veterans with the prestigious GOC-in-C ARTRAC Veteran Achievers Medal and Certificates of Appreciation in recognition of their exemplary contribution towards veterans’ welfare. The honour reflects ARTRAC’s continued commitment to acknowledging the invaluable service rendered by veterans and their contributions to the larger military community beyond active service.
The visit reaffirmed the Indian Army’s focus on transforming its training institutions into centres of excellence capable of producing technologically proficient, operationally capable and ethically grounded military leaders. With initiatives aligned to Vision 2030, the NCO Academy at Dhana continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of combat leaders who will be entrusted with meeting the challenges of future battlefields.
By emphasising innovation, leadership development and continuous modernisation, the Academy remains central to the Indian Army’s efforts to build a combat-ready and future-oriented force equipped to safeguard national interests in an increasingly dynamic security environment.
