The Army War College (AWC) in Mhow inaugurated a new session of its flagship Junior Command Course today, marking a significant step in preparing mid-level officers for modern operational challenges. Lt Gen Harjeet Singh Sahi, who took over as Commandant in August 2024, formally welcomed the incoming batch comprising officers from the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and allied foreign militaries.
In his keynote address, Lt Gen Sahi underscored the importance of adapting to evolving security threats, particularly in the cyber domain, which he described as a critical battlefield in contemporary conflicts. He outlined a forward-looking vision for the college, focusing on enhanced tactical training, inter-agency coordination, and fostering a culture of strategic innovation.
Held in a packed auditorium adorned with the institution’s insignia, the ceremony highlighted AWC’s central role in shaping future military leaders. Established in 1971 as the College of Combat and renamed in 2003, the Army War College trains 2,500 to 3,000 officers annually through specialized programs in tactics, logistics, and doctrine. Courses include the Junior Command, Senior Command, Higher Command, and Defence Management programs.
The Junior Command Course is tailored for officers at the captain and major ranks, aiming to build decision-making skills, operational planning capabilities, and leadership acumen required for complex missions. The presence of international officers—approximately 100 join AWC courses each year—demonstrates India’s expanding defence cooperation and the college’s growing global footprint.
Lt Gen Sahi’s leadership comes at a time when global security scenarios are increasingly defined by hybrid threats. Echoing past concerns raised by former Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, he called for a blend of conventional and cyber strategies in training modules. He also encouraged officers to contribute to the War College Journal, which promotes discourse on military strategy and operational innovation.
As the course gets underway, the Army War College continues to reinforce its stature as a premier institution committed to preparing officers for the multi-dimensional battlefield of the future, while advancing India’s leadership in international military education.
