Dear GurMehar Kaur, It was an honour to assist you in telling your truth, your story and your point of view to the world. What you have done is truly brave. I hope your message is seen by the world and it helps us become a better race. much respect and love.
Indian armed forces are trying out a new system of officer selection to bring the selection process in tune with the changing job requirement of a modern military officer, while allowing them to better assess the newer generation of aspirants. The new selection system, once approved, will be implemented from 2019.
The existing Services Selection Board (SSB), in vogue since 1948, is a five-day long process for officer selection which includes an interview, group testing and psychological testing of the aspirants. Candidates who are called for the SSB without having passed a UPSC written exam are administered a screening test on the first day. Qualifying on the screening test is mandatory for the candidates to take further tests.
The new ‘De Novo Selection System’, which has been designed by DRDO’s Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) lab over five years, will accomplish the SSB testing in three days. The new system is being trialled at an SSB at Bangalore for two years, running in parallel with the existing tests. According to DRDO, testing trials in the first year will focus on the sub-systems while integration checks will be run in the second year.
“The SSB testing is personality based and not intelligence based. Our aim with the new tests is to reduce the gap between technological development and human skill development. Formal education is not as important for a military officer of the future as the ability to adapt, learn, unlearn and relearn repeatedly and comprehensively. It is about the modern mind, not the traditional mindset,” a senior DRDO official explained. “We realise that the period of generational change has shrunk and the type of aspirants now changes dramatically within a decade, unlike earlier. The post-1990 generation is a post-globalisation generation, whose analytical and cognitive abilities have gone up. The level of intellectual propensity is different, so are their expectations, not to forget the changes in the value system,” he added. A top DRDO official, who has been closely involved with the development of ‘De Novo Selection System’ said that the idea of a new testing process emerged from a detailed review of the existing selection system. The review is carried out by DIPR for both the assessed and the assessees, on the basis of decade wise data where the long-term profile of every officer in his service is compared with the entry-level profile identified during the selection process. According to the senior DRDO official, “New techniques of behavioural testing are now available globally which are being used to automate and refine our system. The proposal has been discussed threadbare with the three services over the last five years when it first went to the Chiefs of Staff Committee for consideration of the three service chiefs. The armed forces have been very supportive and provided constructive feedback for the new system”. Although the prototype tests for interview, group testing and psychological testing have been designed by DIPR, development of additional tests for different entries, training of assessors and creation of infrastructure for parallel run is still taking place. Subject to the outcome of the trials, based on DIPR’s data of parallel run, and its acceptability by the three defence services, the De Novo Selection System is likely to be implemented at all SSBs in 2019. By reducing the period of SSB testing to three days, the new system will also help in making up for shortages by allowing a greater number of candidates to be tested “It has been ensured that there is no compromise on the quality of candidates being selected and the new selection system, if approved by all three services, would help in screening more candidates. This will increase the capacity of SSBs, thereby reducing the deficiencies in the officer cadre and enhancing the satisfaction level,” a senior army official told The Indian Express.
Indian army has a shortage of around 9,000 officers, as per a reply given in the Lok Sabha by Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar last month.
“I am not afraid to army of lions led by a sheep. I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion” –Alexander The Great
The Armed Forces always need a leader who can withstand in all types of conditions. Whether it be a sports or organizing any event or leading the team during tough times. They want a mind that can make the task done. SSB has a huge responsibility of recommending such officers. India is already going through shortage of officers. But it doesn’t means that SSB should raise the recommendation rate. An officer has a responsibility of many teammates and an incapable officer can take those lives into trouble. Being a good leader is the first thing that is required in an officer. To lustre your leadership quality, we are here with some points that will make you a good leader.
Conclusion – SSB crew is expert in phasing out imposters and selecting the required officers. It will be better to inculcate the qualities rather than making a facade over your personality. Be a good leader in your casual life and it will automatically become visible in SSB. Regulate your normal life and it will be easy to perform well in SSB.
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India and Russia are a long-time friends and have a long history of deals of weapons and warheads like INS Vikramaditya, Su-30 MK jet etc. The latest in the list is an Air Defense Missile System, also known as S-400 Triumf. It was developed by Russia in 1990s and was taken into service in 2007. It is an upgraded version of S-300 surface-to-Air defense system. Russia has inducted some of its regiment in order to defend the nation form air born threats.
India is not the lone nation that has shown its interest in this missile system. China and Turkey were also seen approaching Russia for this missile system. India went far and Indian government has cleared its deal with Russia.
Now, let’s have a look over this missile system and its equipment.
Features and Pros
Missile System
As mentioned above, it is capable of launching 4 more types of missiles with a powerful population system. 40N6 missile of this system can track its target at a distance of 400 kms and can strike against jammers. It can also launch medium range surface-to-air missiles like 9M96E and 9M96E2, which can hit a fast moving targets with highly precise aiming.
Command Control and Vehicle
The missile system is equipped with 55K6E command and control system with LCDs surveillance tasks of missile batteries. It is made to track the threats, prioritize them, monitoring and coordinating the batteries. The vehicle used by it is Tractor Truck or Transporter-Erector-Launcher vehicle. Each vehicle can carry 4 missile tubes, which can launch any of the missiles.
Radar System
The radar system is more powerful as compared to the other missiles system of Russia. The radar used for target tracking and fire controlling is 92N6E. While 91N6E can perform multitask like detecting cruise, ballistic and guided missiles UAVs and aircraft in a range of 600 kms and can detect 300 targets at a moment.
Current Status of Deal with India
Facing the current status of acquisition of S-400 missile system, India and Russia are very close to finalize the deal. In December last year, Indian Defense Acquisition Council (IDAC) has approved the purchase of 5 regiments of it from Russia. Local media has revealed the cost of the deal to be about $6 billion. As per the media reports, Russia is waiting for India’s reply for the supply of this missile system. Previously, a similar big deal was concluded between both the nations in 2001, which led to the induction of Su-30 MK jets in Indian Air Force.
Conclusion – India and Russia are close enough in the field of defense and weapon exchanges. Both the nation have conducted joint exercise, named Indra and have a long history of military engagements. The deal of S-400 will result into strengthening of ties between the nations and will also boost India’s defense to neutralize incoming threats. Moreover, some other deals of supply of weapons from other nations are also a good signal for India.
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For the first time, two women are part of the Sarang team of the Indian Air Force, a show-stopping helicopter-formation team that is performing at the Aero India show under way here.
Squadron Leader Deepika Misra and Flight Lieutenant Sandeep Singh, an engineering officer, hope that one day, there will be an all-woman quartet in the squad, whose name means peacock.
When she graduated from the Air Force Academy in December 2006, Sqn. Ldr. Misra started imagining herself in an aerobatics team such as the Surya Kiran or Sarang. Back then, it seemed a dream, but she never gave up.
She was soon commissioned in the helicopter stream and was posted to a Chetak-Cheetah unit. Women short-service commission pilots were permitted to fly such single-engine helicopters.
In a major policy shift in 2010, the IAF allowed women pilots to fly twin-engine medium to heavy-lift helicopters. When the IAF sought women pilots to volunteer for the Sarang team, she jumped at the chance and was among the first to be inducted into the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter squad. She joined its formation unit last July as its first woman IAF pilot.
Soon, Flt. Lt. Sandeep Singh will join her as engineering officer of the unit. She and six other officers should keep the metal birds in good condition at all times (a few other women have joined the Mi-8 and Mi-17 class of helicopters.)
Sqn. Ldr. Misra is training for formation flying and has almost completed here operational conversion into a Sarang. As safety officer, she must monitor the formation display and debrief the team members after the sortie. “It is a great learning process,” she says.
Her husband, Sqn. Ldr. Sourabh Kakkar, is an aeronautical engineer already posted to the Sarang unit, making them a rare couple.
source: thehindu
As reported by the Skaaltimes on 17th April 2016
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Pune unit, carried out a raid at the education branch in the National Defence Academy (NDA) and seized documents pertaining to the recruitment of associate professors and professors at the academy, sources said.
The agency swooped down in the first week of March and seized as many as 40 files from the department. Confirming the development, NDA authorities said that the CBI has seized documents from the education branch.
A senior official, on condition of anonymity, told Sakal Times, “The NDA cooperated with the agency fully and allowed them to conduct a search at the department. They have seized some files and also sealed a cupboard, which they took the next day.”
A team of three officers had come to the academy and carried out a search in the department. The operation lasted for a few hours, sources from the academy said.
CBI sources said that they have scrutinised the seized files and documents and their investigations are still on in this regard.
However, NDA sources claimed that some of the professors including experienced professors have submitted bogus documents such as fake experience certificates, academic performance indicators, etc.
“Ideally, the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) or Ministry of Defence (MoD) should verify authenticity of all submitted documents, which did not happen. As a result, the professors and associate professors have taken advantage and availed government benefits,” the official claimed.
Is another recruitment scam brewing at NDA?
At present, eight professors including the principal, 16 associate professors and 89 lecturers work at the academy.
The academy’s image was earlier maligned when the CBI unearthed a scam in the recruitment of Class C employees. It had then arrested Col Kulbir Singh, who was staff officer to then Commandant Lt Gen Jatinder Singh and then Physical Training Officer (PTO) Col AK Singh in June 2012. Besides that, civilian staff of the academy and five others who acted as agents were also arrested by the agency. Consequently, the then commandant was transferred in a month’s time after the CBI wrote to the MoD.
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With the hike in number of aspirants chasing their aim to join the Armed Forces, it is seen many times that the craze of joining paramilitary forces is also showing successive hike. Being a part of paramilitary forces and serving on national borders, is a lifetime achievement for any person on Indian Territory. India’s security and safety are provided in some of the toughest and responsible hands that always stood first to face the incoming bullet across the border. Paramilitary forces also contribute in maintaining peace in Indian Territory. It is not always that pays and perks that lure the soul, rather some have the craze to dare the fear and bring out the victory from the most unfavorable circumstances. That’s what makes a perfect soldier.
Heading to the main points, discussing the function of paramilitary forces, these forces are meant to assist the Armed Forces of India. These forces constitute the soldiers of Indian army and navy.
Talking about the paramilitary forces, firstly let’s check out the streams of paramilitary forces. The main streams among them were:
In 2011, these were regrouped and CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB were taken under CAPF category to avoid confusion in specificity. CAPF conducts separate recruitment of officers and soldiers.
So the left were called paramilitary forces. Discussing the creamy part of the three paramilitary forces i.e. Assam rifles, SFF and Indian coast guard are briefed below.
Assam Rifles – Established under British government in 1835, it got its name (Assam Rifles) in 1917. It is always seen as one of the most responsible branch as it had served out of India in World War I and II. Now, it comes under ministry of home affairs and is seen perfect in handling counter insurgency operation, border security operations etc.
Special Frontier Force – Created in 1962, it was taken under the intelligence bureau and later under R&AW. The force was formed after government felt the lack of such force during Indo-China war and later, it gave remarkable contribution in Indo-Pak war in 1971. The soldiers of this force are given expert training to fight in Air, mountain, amphibious and jungle warfare.
Indian Coast Guard – Formally established in 1978, it is the force that is responsible for maintaining maritime law and protects maritime issues of India. It comes under the ministry of defense. It works in a close cooperation of Indian navy, department of revenue, department of fisheries, state and central police forces.
Conclusion – As you all know that Indian Territory is known for the diverse terrains, ranging from mountainous, desert, mangroves, coastal etc., Indian Armed forces have to train their soldiers to pour into any kind of environment and climatic conditions. Just after getting the orders, every soldier leaves with the strike of boots on the floor and reports after the competition of the tasks, without any delays and excuses. Paramilitary forces give the opportunity to its soldiers to give to their nation, something beyond service. So, all aspirants who want to join paramilitary forces should work hard and get into the armed forces to be a part of this clan.
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Personal Interview in SSB is one of the most important parts of SSB, which is a way to match your qualities with what you say. Now, there are some points which the IO observes keenly and brings out a personality trait of the candidate from those things. Your actions and way of facing interview matter a lot in SSB.
Moving to the points, following ways should be followed by the candidate in their personal interview to perform well.
Conclusion – First impression left over IO plays a crucial role in your interview performance. Some other factors that work as the stump of your performance in Personal interviews are communication skills, self-knowledge, and control over gestures etc. Well, nobody is born officer, but practice does make you suitable for this job. Practice for the interview and go through it again and again. The more you practice, the more you achieve.
SSBcrack has a special section for all Armed Forces aspirants to get motivated and introspect themselves by going through the SSB experience of recommended candidates. To read the SSB experience of recommended candidates, visit SSB Interview Experience.
To crack SSB interview, recommend you to get “Let’s Crack SSB Interview” book from Amazon.
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– SSB Interview Questions and Answers 2016
– Most Shocking Question Asked During SSB Interview
– Recent SSB Interview Questions By IO
16 IMA Gentlemen Cadets Demoted. The Indian Military Academy has taken one of its strictest disciplinary actions against 16 under-training gentlemen cadets of the spring 2016 batch.
The cadets beat up their juniors and took objectionable pictures, for which they have been ordered to repeat the six-month course.
A senior official of the academy confirmed that the cadets had been “relegated to the next junior course” as they were found “violating the academy’s standing orders and breaking discipline”.
In military terminology, relegation means demotion, and the cadets would now pass out of the academy in December this year instead of June.
To crack SSB interview, recommend you to get “Let’s Crack SSB Interview” book from Amazon.
The atmosphere at the Indian Military Academy has been tense since last week after 16 gentlemen cadets of the spring 2016 batch were informed that they had been demoted for improper conduct with their juniors.
It was one of the rare instances when so many cadets have been given such a strict punishment. An academy official told TOI that the punishment was aimed at sending out a strong message to all cadets. “There is zero tolerance for any indiscipline in the IMA,” he asserted.
A senior cadet, on condition of anonymity, claimed that the punishment was “unjustified”. “Every year, juniors study under the mentorship of the seniors in the initial months. This is as per the academy’s traditions, and the mentors are allowed to give punishments to their juniors,” he alleged.
To crack SSB interview, recommend you to get “Let’s Crack SSB Interview” book from Amazon.
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Recently we came across a video of National Defence Academy where some juniors were getting ragged by the seniors. If you have not seen the vidoe, you can check it below, to tackle such situations, NDA has decided to install CCTV cameras in every NDA squadron. A full report on this issue was published by Skaaltimes as given below.
In order to avoid any kind of untoward incident at the National Defence Academy (NDA), the academy’s authorities have decided to install CCTV cameras at each squadron.
A proposal in this regard has already been put forth and after completing the necessary procedure the cameras will be installed at the squadrons, NDA sources informed.
On reporting to the academy a cadet is allotted to one of the 18 squadrons which then becomes his home away from home for the next three years. Each squadron has approximately 100 to 120 cadets drawn from senior as well as junior courses under training at the academy.
A senior NDA official told Sakal Times, “The security of the squadron is paramount for us. Apart from that, we need to keep a tab on any untoward incidents at each squadron so that we can ensure an healthy atmosphere. As a result, the academy has decided to install cameras.”
Sources from the NDA are of the opinion that there have been instances like ragging, robberies among others at the squadrons in the past.
“This move is really welcome but ideally it should have happened earlier so that untoward incidents, which have occurred in the past, would have been avoided.” the sources added.
Each squadron, comprising a healthy and eclectic mixture of cadets from diverse backgrounds and varying abilities, is a veritable melting pot where the bods of camaraderie are forged.
Upon being specifically asked how many cameras would be installed, the officer said, “The tender procedure in this regard has already been floated. Once this procedure is completed, then the experts would decide how many cameras would be installed at each squadron.”
The academy is a premier joint training institution and centre of excellence for grooming junior leaders for the Indian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations.
The training entails equipping cadets with mental, moral and physical attributes required to cope with the challenges of the battlefield of the future with the aim of leading troops to victory in conventional, non-conventional and asymmetrical conflicts.
source: sakaaltimes.com
