The Young Officers Course conducted at the School of Artillery culminated on 08 June 2026, marking the successful completion of an intensive 24-week professional training programme for young officers of the Indian Army and officers from friendly foreign countries.
The course was attended by Indian Army officers as well as officers from Cameroon, Mali, Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam. Their participation reflected India’s continuing defence cooperation and training partnership with friendly nations.
The 24-week course is designed to impart training to young officers on all technical and tactical aspects of the gun end. It enables them to efficiently deliver firepower as Gun Position Officers in support of operations.
Artillery plays a crucial role in the battlefield by providing timely and accurate fire support to troops. For young officers, the ability to understand gun position duties, fire discipline, tactical deployment and operational coordination is essential for carrying out artillery tasks effectively.
During the course, the officers underwent rigorous training to develop their professional knowledge, practical skills and leadership abilities. The training focused on preparing them to function efficiently under operational conditions and contribute to the effective employment of artillery firepower.
The participation of officers from friendly foreign countries added an important international dimension to the course. Training together allowed officers from different nations to exchange professional knowledge, understand varied military practices and strengthen mutual cooperation.
The culmination ceremony was held in the presence of Lieutenant General N S Sarna, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Commandant, School of Artillery. He felicitated the award winners on the occasion and congratulated the officers for successfully completing the course.
Lieutenant M Muthu Raman and Lieutenant Pragati Thakur were jointly adjudged First in Order of Merit for their outstanding performance during the course. Their achievement reflected their dedication, professional competence and consistent performance throughout the training period.
Lieutenant Kamgang Etienne Pellagique of the Republic of Cameroon was adjudged the Best Student among officers from friendly foreign countries. His performance stood out among the international officers who attended the course.
The successful completion of the Young Officers Course marks another important step in preparing young officers for future responsibilities in artillery operations. The course has equipped them with the knowledge and confidence required to serve as Gun Position Officers and effectively support operations through the delivery of firepower.
