Major General Anil Kumar, KC, has assumed charge as the Commandant of the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), Gulmarg, one of the world’s premier military institutions for mountain and high-altitude warfare training. The appointment marks a significant leadership transition at the prestigious establishment responsible for preparing Indian and foreign military personnel for operations in some of the world’s most challenging terrains.
Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), congratulated Major General Anil Kumar on taking over the appointment and extended his best wishes for a successful tenure leading the renowned institution.
A recipient of the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, Major General Anil Kumar brings with him extensive operational experience, battlefield leadership and professional expertise. His distinguished military career has been marked by exceptional courage, dedication and service in demanding operational environments, making him well suited to lead one of the Indian Army’s most specialised training establishments.
The High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS), located in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, is internationally recognised for its excellence in mountain warfare, snowcraft, icecraft and high-altitude operations. The institution trains officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and soldiers of the Indian Army, while also conducting specialised courses for personnel from friendly foreign countries, making it a centre of excellence in high-altitude military training.
HAWS plays a vital role in enhancing the Indian Army’s operational capability by preparing troops for missions in mountainous terrain, glaciated regions and extreme weather conditions. Its rigorous training programmes cover mountain survival, specialised combat techniques, avalanche rescue, skiing, mountaineering and tactical operations in high-altitude environments.
As the new Commandant, Major General Anil Kumar will oversee the institution’s training curriculum, infrastructure development and operational preparedness, ensuring that the School continues to adapt to evolving battlefield requirements and emerging technologies. His leadership is expected to further strengthen HAWS’ reputation as a world-class centre for specialised military training while reinforcing the Indian Army’s commitment to developing highly skilled, future-ready soldiers capable of operating effectively in the most demanding operational environments.
