Lt Gen Bipin Rawat took over as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Army. He succeeded Lt Gen MMS Rai who retired on 1st September.
Here’s what to know about Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, VCOAS:
- Rawat is an alumnus of IMA, Dehradun from where he was commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles (5/11 GR) in December 1978.
- He was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ in IMA, an honour given to the best GC of the academy.
- He is experienced in high altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations.
- He had commanded an Infantry battalion along the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern sector, a Rashtriya Rifles sector and an Infantry Division in the Kashmir Valley.
- He has also tenanted instructional appointments at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and at Army War College, Mhow.
- Lt Gen Rawat has held important staff appointments at Directorate General of Military Operations and Military Secretary’s Branch at Army HQ.
- He has also been Major General, General Staff at HQ Eastern Command. The officer commanded a Multinational Brigade in a Chapter VII mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC).
- He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the Higher Command & National Defence College Courses, the General Officer.
- During the span of over 35 years of service in uniform, has been awarded for gallantry and distinguished service which includes UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, COAS Commendation on two occasions and the Army Commander’s Commendation. Whilst serving with the United Nations, he was twice awarded the Force Commander’s Commendation.
- Prior to taking over as the VCOAS, Lt Gen Rawat held the post of the GOC-in-C, Southern Command.
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