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Home Blog Page 1163

6 Funny Responses Soldiers Might Give If Asked “Have You Ever Killed Anyone?”

Simran Singh

March 20, 2016

So the heading got your attention didn’t it?! Well, killing a human being is no joke and this is a whole another topic of discussion altogether however, I want to make it very clear that this article is on a lighter note of how our soldiers can and do respond when asked probably the most common question- “have you ever killed anyone?” Our soldiers guard our borders and our country day in and day out, such is the nature of their job. Now in doing so, it’s only natural that some terror causing and peace hating elements must be eliminated in order to ensure that the citizens of our country are safe and sound.
Some people who have a rudimentary understanding of how our Armed Forces work might just think and feel that all our soldiers do is to kill people, precisely the enemies. It is quite possible for a soldier to have a civilian friend or a neighbour or an extended family member. For such soldiers coming across this particular question is nothing new. The chances are almost next to nil that if a soldier and a civilian are sitting together, the soldier hasn’t been asked this question. It’s quite an awkward and a difficult moment for some soldiers, since they aren’t quite sure what to say. But let’s not forget that our soldiers have an amazing sense of humour and so some soldiers add their own pinch of sarcasm and answer these questions.

Following are some of the funny, sarcastic responses that the soldiers can and do give to this question:

Not yet.
The soldier wants to maintain the mystery and the curiosity which this question carries. So when asked if he ever had to use the rifle, most of them say ‘yeah, well, not yet’. Some might even look you straight in the eye while answering with a smile on their faces and make you feel maybe you’re the first! Scared yet?
The crazy laughter.
So you decided to throw this question at a soldier, thinking you are probably the first one and you’ll get the correct response. Well genius you were wrong. He’s a soldier! This question is probably the most commonly asked to them so it’s possible that they are fed of being asked this time and time. Their response? Well they’ll just laugh it off, in a crazy way though. This is typically called the ‘nuclear option’.
Metaphorically.
As I said that the soldiers have a great sense of humour and know exactly how to tackle awkward situations, some just take a it to a whole another level and blow our minds. Imagine a soldier gazing hard at something and very seriously saying ‘metaphorically’. Like one could kill someone without actually killing them. Pretty intellectual isn’t it?!
Yes I killed someone, I was pretty hungry.
We know that soldiers survive in pretty tough conditions and places and some of these places are such where luxurious food is only a dream for them. Some soldiers use the ‘food’ card and it usually scares people away! They might say, “Oh yes I have killed people, I was pretty hungry then you know. Had to eat something.” Makes me wonder whether one should laugh or just run away after hearing this!
Superheroes don’t kill.
Soldiers are no less than superheroes for us. Some soldiers know it all a little too well. Their reaction to this question? “Superheroes do not kill”. Pretty awesome no?

If I tell you then I’ll have to kill you.
Didn’t see this coming did you? The question pretty much backfired. You ask the silly question, the soldier has the last laugh. Ha.

26 Pictures From IRON FIST Exercise 2016 You Can’t Miss

SSBCrack

March 20, 2016

The Indian Air Force on Friday displayed its combat and firepower in ‘Iron Fist Exercise 2016’. We bring you awesome pictures from IRON FIST 2016 exercise if you have missed watching the awesome show. This is the first time firepower of indigenous fighter plane ‘Tejas’ displayed.

Also Read: ‘Exercise Iron Fist’: 10 Points You Need To Know

26 Pictures From IRON FIST Exercise 2016 You Can’t Miss

source: TARMAK

‘Exercise Iron Fist’: 10 Points You Need To Know

SSBCrackExams

March 20, 2016

Hello Warriors! The Indian Air Force today showcased its combat and fire power in the Pokhran desert of Rajasthan at Exercise Iron Fist this evening. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event.

The cutting-edge aircraft of the Indian Air Force displayed the full breadth of their capability. It not only showed the battle preparedness of the Indian Air Force but also sent a message to the enemy!

Here is all about ‘Exercise Iron Fist’:

The Iron Fist exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force is a showcase of capabilities of the world’s fourth largest air force. The day-night combat exercise included more than 181 aircraft including frontline aircraft like Su 30Mki.
The exercise began with a flypast showing the IAF’s journey over eight decades, with the oldest member of its fleet, the de Haviland Tiger Moth, flying alongside its latest acquisitions. The mixed formation included MiG-21s, MiG-27s, MiG-29s and the Su-30
The dignitaries were welcomed by Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and other senior officers. Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje were also present.
‘Iron Fist Exercise 2016’ saw the participation of 181 aircraft, 103 of them fighter planes, which comprised of six different themes which showcased the operational capabilities of the IAF.
All the frontline fighters in IAFs inventory, including the Su-30 MKI, participated in the exercise close to the Indo-Pak border.
The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was an attraction at the exercise, where India displayed its firepower with 22 types of platforms and weapons systems to demonstrate its state-of-the-art capabilities in meeting challenges be it from air, land or sea.
The Made in India Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fired air to air missiles. The indigenously built Light Combat Helicopter, to be inducted into the Air Force soon, fired rockets including Akash surface to air missile.
The Air Force showcased its network centric operations with an Indian-made airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C) system.
Night bombing and firing was demonstrated from about 7.20 pm. The exercise ended today, on 18^th March, a little before 8 pm.
The IAF had demonstrated its day-dusk-night operational capabilities during Iron Fist 2013. Today’s exercise showcased the journey of the IAFs transformation over the years and covered its glorious history while presenting its lethal side.

10 Lethal Weapons Used By Indian Special Forces

SSBCrackExams

March 20, 2016

Hello, Warriors. India hosts some of the best Special Forces in the world. With the growing influence of western entertainment, we are made to believe how mighty the Navy Seals are. But, as a matter of fact, its Indian counterpart, the Marcos or Marine Commandos are even better than what Navy Seals are in their fields.

India hosts Special Forces ranging from Special Protection Group which protects the VIPS, The Garud Commando Force of IAF, the elite National Security Guard and my favourites, The Para Special Forces of Parachute Regiment.

Comparing and concluding one to be better than the other will be wrong as they all are the best in their respective line of work. But every force has one thing in common, the lethal weapons they use to tackle any threat.

Here we bring to you 10 world-class lethal weapons used by the Indian Special Forces:

Glock 17: The Glock pistol is a series of polymer-framed, short recoil-operated, locked breech semi-automatic pistols. It first entered Austrian military and police service in 1982. Since then, it evolved generations before coming to the present fourth generation pistols. Glocks are currently used in India by Maharashtra’s Force One, the National Security Guards, MARCOS and Para Commandos. Glocks are also popular firearms among civilians for recreational/competition shooting, home/self-defence, and concealed or open carry.

Micro-Uzi: Uzi is from a family of Israeli open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine guns, smaller variants being machine pistols. The Uzi was one of the first weapons to use a telescoping bolt design which allows the magazine to be housed in the pistol grip for a shorter weapon. The first Uzi submachine gun was designed in the late 1940s and first introduced to Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Special Forces in 1954. The Uzi has found use as a personal defence weapon by rear-echelon troops, officers, artillery troops and tankers, as well as a frontline weapon by elite light infantry assault forces. In India Uzi variant was used by the Special Protection Group until 2008, when it was replaced with the FN P90. The Micro-Uzi variant is currently used by Indian Army Para Commandos.

Heckler & Koch MP5: The Heckler & Koch is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH (H&K). There are over 100 variants of the MP5, including a semi-automatic version. The MP5 is one of the most widely used submachine guns in the world, having been adopted by 40 nations and numerous military, law enforcement, intelligence, and security organizations. It is widely used by MARCOS, NSG, Force One along with the Indian Army.

IMI Tavor TAR-21: Manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), the TAR-21 is an Israeli bullpup assault rifle chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition with a selective fire system. It can switch between semi-automatic mode and full automatic fire mode. The Tavor was designed to maximize reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, particularly under adverse or battlefield conditions. In late 2002, India signed an INR 880 million (about USD 17.7 million) deal with Israel Military Industries for 3,070 manufactured Tavor assault rifles to be issued to India’s Special Forces personnel, India’s northern Special Frontier Force (SFF) and MARCOS (Marine Commandos) along with the CRPF.

M4A1 Carbine: The M4 is a 5.56×45mm NATO, air-cooled, direct impingement gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine. It has a 14.5 in (370 mm) barrel and a telescoping stock. The M4 is also capable of mounting the M203 grenade launcher. The distinctive step in their barrel is for mounting the M203 with the standard hardware. The M4 is capable of firing in semi-automatic and three-round burst (like the M16A2 and M16A4), while the M4A1 is capable of firing in semi-auto and full automatic (like the M16A1 and M16A3). In India, M4A1 is used by the Mizoram Armed Police, and Force One of the Mumbai Police.

T91 assault rifle: The T91 assault is based on the proven T86 assault rifle incorporating features from the M16 and AR-18 rifles with more modern features. The T91 is lighter and shorter than the T65 it replaces and has a 6-position telescopic stock to allow adjustment based on individual requirements. T91 has a MIL-STD-1913 rail on the top of the receiver, handguard, and the front-sight block. The standard-issue detachable handle may be removed to accommodate a variety of optical sights and scopes. T91 can also be equipped with the T85 40mm grenade launcher to serve as squad-level fire support. It is used as the standard issue Special Forces assault rifle in India.

IMI Galil 7.62 Sniper: The rifle design has a modified gas diversion system to reduce the recoil of the rifle making it easier to fire especially in automatic mode. The weapon system consists of a line chambered for the intermediate 5.56×45mm NATO caliber with either the M193 or SS109 ball cartridge and several models designed for use with the 7.62×51mm NATO rifle round. It is in use with the snipers of the Indian Special Forces.

IMI Negev: It is an Israeli 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm light machine gun, developed by Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI). Design work on this new indigenous firearm began in 1985, it was inspired by the Belgian FN Minimi and it was officially adopted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in 1997. India has inducted it for use by Marcos and Para(SF).

PKM: The PK stands for Pulemyot Kalashnikova meaning “Kalashnikov’s Machinegun”. It is a 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun designed in the Soviet Union and currently in production in Russia. It remains in use as a front-line infantry and vehicle-mounted weapon with Russia’s armed forces. The PK has been exported extensively and produced in several other countries under license. India used PKMs for PARA SF. The PKT Manufactured at Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli in India.

B-300 Shipon: The B-300 is a reusable man-portable anti-tank weapon system developed by Israeli Military Industries in the late 1970s for use by the Israel Defense Forces. The B-300 can be carried and operated by a single operator and is effective to approximately 400 meters (1,312 ft). Pre-packaged munitions and simple operating mechanisms make the weapon quite versatile, permitting use by airborne, motorized, and ground troops alike. It is used by Marcos and Para (SF).

7 Ways To Remain Focussed On Your Goals

Simran Singh

March 19, 2016

For any person to be successful and to achieve their goals it is important to be consistent and to maintain the flow. Any challenging and worthwhile goal requires a great deal of effort along with consistency. For some of us this might be an easy task, yet there might be others who find it hard to be able to maintain that consistency. When we set our goals, we get motivated and excited and initially we work really hard to realise those goals. But that motivation starts to wear off when the goal is a long-term goal. The impatience of achieving it is one of the reasons why it becomes hard to stay focussed and keep working for the goal. People begin to lose momentum and the efforts that they put don’t suffice the purpose. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and adopt different ways in which one can remain focussed to make things happen for themselves.

Following are some of the ways in which one can remain focussed and motivated and be consistent for achieving their goals:

Make SMART goals.
SMART here is an acronym where
S- specific
M- measurable
A- attainable
R- relevant
T- time bound
Make sure that the goals that you’ve set for yourself are specific. It’ll be easier for you to focus better and to work towards it with clarity. Next, your goal should be measurable; you should be able to tell when you have achieved your goal. Attainability of a goal means that you can do and is within your capability. Having a relevant goal means that the goal should have some value for you and it shouldn’t be something that doesn’t excite you. Lastly, having a time bound goal will make sure that there exists a deadline and that the goal becomes a reality and doesn’t just remain a dream.
Write down your goals.
“I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I write and I understand.” – Chinese Proverb. Thinking about a goal may only keep you aware of it and motivated to some extent but writing it down makes a huge difference, it’s your own way to tell and remind yourself that this is what you want in life and by doing this; it’ll be etched on your consciousness.
Have strong reasons.
When you decide upon your aim and goal in life you must do so with reasons which are strong and powerful enough to not only get you excited but also motivated. Reason and belief together make a great motivator to work hard and to put in efforts towards the goals set. Your goal should excite you and then you need to be determined to work for it.
Make a plan and follow it.
Just dreaming and reminding yourself of what your dreams and ambitions aren’t will not get you anywhere. You need to make a well thought and well-organised action plan which ensures your progress towards the attainment of your goals. Make a realistic plan that you can follow and keep a check of how much you efforts you are making.
Tell others about your goals.
While I read somewhere that one shouldn’t reveal their goals, I on the other hand feel that one MUST tell their near and dear ones about their dreams and goals. Once you’ve told your goal to someone, they can check on you regarding your progress, which is a great motivator. Having someone (other than yourself) to be answerable to will make sure that you don’t get sluggish. Also remember that responsibility is a result of accountability.
Take action every single day.
Do something every day which is shortening the distance between you and your goal. No goal can be achieved in a day; it requires constant effort, patience and determination. Therefore, you must do constrictive things daily that are benefiting you and allowing you to come closer to your goal. Break it down into smaller parts and then work on them individually.
Believe in it and act as if it’s already your reality.
“The mind is everything, what you think you become”- Buddha. Indeed this holds true. Believing in yourself, your capability gets you motivated and you tend to remain determined to achieve what you want. Also, acting as if the goal is already your reality is another great motivator. If you think in a particular manner, you will end up believing in that thought which has a direct implication on your behaviour. Therefore, believe in yourself and use the power of your mind.

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Hopefully these ways will help you remain focussed on your goals and there shall come a day when you would achieve it! Remain determined and be consistent for you shall achieve your Lakshya soon!

What Does Our Body Language Convey

Simran Singh

March 19, 2016

When we converse with others it doesn’t just include the verbalization of words but also our body posture and gestures. Body language is a kind of non-verbal communication through which people express their thoughts, feelings and emotions by physical behaviours, like gestures, postures, eye movement, etc.

When we talk with others, the information that is being communicated can be categorised as follows:

what the person is actually saying- 10%
tone and voice modulation/ articulation- 40%
body language- 50%

It is evident that body language plays a vital role while communicating with others. In SSB too, the use of proper body language is a must. In the Group Discussion or the Interview, you might been giving your points and answers well however your hand movements and body posture along with eye movement also have a major impact on your assessment and evaluation.

In order to understand your own and other’s body language better and to tackle the various social interaction situations well, let’s take a look at what the various body languages mean.

HEAD:
Raising the head.
When the head is low, rising of the head shows a sign of interest. If a person raises their head up to see the ceiling then it means that he/she bored.

Tilting the head
Tilting one’s head to a side shows sign of interest and curiosity. A tilted head pulled back means that the person is suspicious or doubtful.

Nodding and shaking of the head.
Nodding up and down signals agreement in most cultures and may well be accompanied by smiling and other signs of approval. Turning the head from side to side usually indicates disagreement or disapproval. Nodding or shaking the head while talking is an encouragement for the other person to agree. Nodding whilst the other person is talking sends approval signals and encourages them to go on. A nod is also often used when emphasizing a point.

Lowering of the head.
It is a sign of defending oneself from a possible threat. Lowering of eyes along with the head is a sign of submission to another person. A single short nod is a sign of greeting others, sometimes it may be seen as a sign of power when the person feels/ is superior to others.

HAND MOVEMENTS:
Open arms means that one is approachable and is comfortable and willing to communicate with others.
Arms crossed in front of the chest means that the person is being defensive. Also it means disapproval of other person’s views and opinions.
Pushing one’s shoulder’s back means that the person feels powerful and confident.
Hand movements that are outward and upwards display positivity and openness.
Finger tips being pressed together means that the person is concentrating, thinking and evaluating.
Rubbing of hands means that the person is excited about something.
Stroking the chin displays deep concentration and deliberation to arrive at a decision.
Pulling the ears is a sign of indecisiveness.
Hands-on-hip is an assertive posture which demonstrates authority and/or aggressiveness.
Hand-on- mouth indicates that the person is stopping oneself from saying something negative. It also means that the person is telling a lie.
SITTING POSTURES:
Legs apart– This posture means that the person is comfortable and feels secure about his/her surroundings.
Sitting on the edge of a chair– this shows nervousness and anxiety of an individual.
Crossing legs towards another person shows your interest in whatever that person I saying.
Shifting of weight– shows impatience and nervousness.
Locking of ankles– this is a sign of apprehension.
EYE MOVEMENT:
Wide eyes show interest in whatever a person is saying.
Not being able to maintain eye contact means that the person is either nervous, apprehensive or guilty.
Looking directly at someone’s eyes displays self-assurance and confidence.
Looking upwards indicates that the person is thinking.
Staring at someone shows aggressiveness or the need for dominating others.

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Next time you talk with someone try to observe and interpret their body language so that you can understand in totality what they are trying to convey!

First And Only Institute To Offer CPSS Training – Minerva Academy

SSBCrack

March 18, 2016

Keeping in line with Minerva Academy’s long standing tradition of being pioneers and industry leaders, the No. 1 Armed forces preparatory institute in the country is first and only institute in the country to offer training for the crucial new CPSS test at AFSBs.

Mrs. Rupan Deol Bajaj IAS (retd), Director of Minerva said, “Minerva Academy takes great pride in it’s rich history and years of experience in successfully training candidates to face the SSB; but we have never failed to keep up with the times. Even though Minerva’s training methodology has its foundation in the tried and tested methods passed down by Lt. Col. Deol, yet it is constantly updating its curriculum according to the latest trends and developments at the SSB centres and in the interview and testing processes like CPSS.”

WHAT IS CPSS?
CPSS stands for Computerised Pilot Selection System. It is a replacement for PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test). It was jointly developed by DIPR- Defence Institute of Psychological Research, Delhi and Air Defence Establishment (ADE) of DRDO. Originally, however, conceived by the then Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
It was instrumental to upgrade to CPSS because with the IAF bringing in 4^th and 5^th generation aircraft, CPSS will provide a better benchmark to select candidates for future training. CPSS is an intelligent tool for pilot aptitude testing in consonance with the advanced IAF aircraft like Su-30, Tejas etc. Fifth generation fighter planes would place tremendous physical and mental workload on pilots and system operators and only the best will be allowed to occupy these cockpits. CPSS was intended to address the IAF’s long-standing demand for a scientific selection system on par with advanced nations.
CPSS places special emphasis on psychomotor skills and cognitive abilities of aspirants. It ensures objectivity in results.

HAS IT STARTED?
Yes, Computerized Pilot Selection System Test also known as CPSS test is now in full effect at AFSB Centres across the country and is replacing the well known PABT test that was in use for decades.
The system is being be used to screen pilots for all flying branches of IAF, Army, Navy and the Coast Guard.

ONLY ONE CHANCE FOR CPSS
Just like it has always been in the PABT test, candidates will get only one chance to clear the CPSS test. Once failed, the test cannot be taken again and the candidate can never be eligible for flying in the armed forces (Air force, army, navy or coast guard). Aspirants will get only one chance to take the test under the Computerized Pilot Selection System.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF CPSS
The CPSS test is proving to be quite difficult and challenging for aspirants and many candidates are failing in the CPSS test. With only one chance to clear the CPSS test, the candidate is never able to take the test once failed and is never able to apply for any flying branch again. The stakes are high and training is essential for CPSS.

SUCCESS RATE OF MINERVA ACADEMY STUDENTS AT CPSS
Candidates who have trained at Minerva Academy for CPSS have 100% success rate for CPSS test at their respective AFSBs.
CPSS/PABT Trainer & Faculty member at Minerva Academy, Wing Commander Oberoi told us, “Many students who took CPSS training from Minerva, call the Academy after clearing their CPSS test to thank us for the invaluable CPSS training that was the difference between them and the majority of the other candidates in their group who could not clear the CPSS test and consequently can never apply for any flying branch/ pilot duty again.”

CPSS TRAINING PROGRAM AT MINERVA
In addition to flying skills, pilot tends to become a systems manager controlling various functions of the aircraft systems. He is required to correctly perceive the information presented to him through various displays and instruments from a number of sensors located in the aircraft. Hence, the concept of military flying has changed and the pilot has a major role in complicated weapon system management over and above the basic task of flying.
Keeping the above things in mind, Minerva Academy has developed the PPAT (Potential Pilot Aptitude Test) comprising many CPSS like games after thorough research and first hand accounts from aspirants.

Minerva academy is the first to offer training for CPSS with CPSS like games, advanced flight simulation equipment, including complete cockpit experience, monitors, joystick controls, rudder controls etc. Training for CPSS at Minerva Academy prepares the candidate for the CPSS experience at AFSB. Practice makes perfect and with ample practice, similar test games, controls and cockpit experience, just like at the AFSB, our students are ready to take on CPSS.CPSS and PABT Integrated training is a

CPSS and PABT Integrated training is a one day training under a retired Wing Commander from the I.A.F. held on 10th, 20th and 30th of every month.
Charges for PABT+CPSS training Rs. 2500
In the interest of quality, Minerva Academy does not have any branches ANYWHERE. Students from all over the country come to us for the best coaching. On campus, comfortable and hygienic Hostel and Mess are available for out station candidates at reasonable cost.

For CPSS Training Contact

Lt. Col. Deol’s
MINERVA ACADEMY (Estd.1955)
NH 21, V.P.O. Daon. Distt. Mohali,
Punjab, Pincode -140301
(10 km from CHANDIGARH Bus Stand, Sector 17)
For SSB Interview Training Call: 09815012810
For Written Exam Training Call: 09356902334
Phones: 0172-2277063, 2278273
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.minervaacademy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MinervaAcademy

4 Toughest Indian Army Bases To Live In

SSBCrackExams

March 18, 2016

Hello Warriors. Our soldiers are the prime guardians of our nation and are respected for their bravery, discipline, and unconditional patriotic values. Be it taking over Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield or to execute the world’s biggest helicopter rescue mission during Operation Rahat, the Indian Armed Forces have always been there in the time of need, all beyond their selfless call of duty.

That said, the Indian army protects the entire length and breadth of the country including places which face extreme weather conditions. While some are located in exciting places, others are not so great. A number of Indian Army bases have been deemed awful for reasons ranging from active insurgency, to insufferable weather, to a lack of activities.

Here we bring you 4 such toughest and challenging bases of the Indian army that will send a chill through your spine and make you admire them even more:

Indo-Chinese Border (Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh):

Sovereignty over two large and various smaller separated pieces of territory have been contested between China and India. The westernmost, Aksai Chin, is claimed by India as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and region of Ladakh but is controlled and administered as part of the Chinese autonomous region of Xinjiang. The other large disputed territory, the easternmost, lies south of the McMahon Line. It was formerly referred to as the North East Frontier Agency, and is now called Arunachal Pradesh.

The 1962 Sino-Indian War was fought in both of these areas. In 2006, the Chinese ambassador to India claimed that all of Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory amidst a military build-up. At the time, both countries claimed incursions as much as a kilometre at the northern tip of Sikkim. In 2009, India announced it would deploy additional military forces along the border and since then the army patrols strategically important areas like the Nathu La Pass with pockets of the region witnessing rapid transitions in a single day. The foot soldiers have to be prepared for everything from bright sunshine in the morning to rain or snow showers in the evening in these areas.

Indo-Pak Border (Rajasthan):

India had fought most of its wars with Pakistan post-independence. The famous one was the Battle of Asal Uttar in which CQMH Abdul Hamid did the supreme sacrifice for the country in the world’s largest tank battle after WW2. Since then, this strategic post has been under frequent monitor by the army and the BSF. The Indian Armed Forces guard this border amidst extremely hot weather conditions, sometimes, shooting up to 50°C in some regions while dust storms, sand storms, and the blistering heat combine to make the desert region an unfit place for habitation altogether. A place 14 km away from the border, Tanot, has a nice temple managed by the BSF but no one is allowed to visit even this place.

Dras (Kargil, J&K):

If you remembered your geography classes in 8^th or 9^th standard, you can recall that Dras is the coldest place in India with temperatures going as low as -60^oC in winters. This place observes a sub-arctic climate and is known as the second coldest inhabited place in the world! In places like Dras, there is always a chance of getting affected by Hypothermia and freezing to death, literally. But, our brave soldiers have beaten the odds and after the Kargil war of 1999, have set up a camp in the area. The temperatures in the region remain in single digits throughout the year, barring a couple of months. It is very hard for a common man to survive a day in the camp, let alone weeks and months as passed by the brave-hearts.

Siachen Glacier:

Siachen Base Camp is north from the town of Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. The Base Camp of Indian Army in the Siachen Glacier region is within Indian Territory but is claimed by Pakistan as theirs. The temperature goes down to -50^oC during winters. The Indian Army man the Glacier operations from the Base Camp. The average winter snowfall in the region exceeds 1000 cm. Soldiers even die from harsh weather conditions in the region. The conditions are so tough that prior to their deployment in the Siachen region, soldiers have to undergo a training camp which helps them acclimatize to the conditions in the region.

Speaking numbers, more deaths in Siachen have been recorded due to the weather conditions than due to the actual purpose.

If still you can’t imagine the conditions, think of them as the ‘Men in the Night’s Watch’ defending the South, the difference being, the ‘Men’ are real and the temperature is way too cooler than ‘The Wall’.

So, got your chests broadened by pride already? So you know such amazing and challenging bases of the Indian Army, Navy and the Air Force? Share with us and let us know.

6 Life Lessons That Only SSB Can Teach You

Simran Singh

March 18, 2016

6 LIFE LESSONS THAT ONLY SSB CAN TEACH YOU

It is every defence aspirant’s aim in life to appear for the Service Selection Board (SSB) and to get recommended. The SSB is a process and place that gives the platform to numerous defence aspirants to make their dreams come true. The 5 day long interview process at the SSB is one of the fondest memories of every officer/ defence aspirant who have been trying to clear the tough interview procedures. The SSB plays an important part in a defence aspirant’s life, since it is a big milestone and people are one step closer to realising their dream to see themselves in the Olive Greens. It is (as people have told me) a life changing experience. You enter a different person and after 5 days, you leave a different person. Even those candidates who get screened out and can’t make it to the next stage of the testing process describe whatever experience they had as even more motivating and inspiring that they don’t give up on their dreams and keep coming back to make their dreams come true.

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You enter a different person and after 5 days, you leave a different person. Even those candidates who get screened out and can’t make it to the next stage of the testing process describe whatever experience they had as even more motivating and inspiring that they don’t give up on their dreams and keep coming back to make their dreams come true.
Having said this, let’s see what the various life lessons are that SSB teaches us are:

Organization and discipline.
With each day being dedicated to a certain test which is highly time bound and with every assessor and other members of the SSB board being highly detail oriented while briefing the candidates and assessing their performance, it’s safe to say that the 5 day long procedure makes the candidates organized and disciplined. They have to show up on time, they have to do things under certain time period and all these things inculcate the quality of being organised and disciplined.
Team Work and Cohesiveness.
There are numerous tasks in the SSB that occur in teams and a group to assess how each candidate performs as a team member and who emerges as a leader. Be it the chaos of the Group Discussion or the strategizing in the Group Planning Exercise the art of working as a team and maintaining the decorum while the discussions is something that the SSB teaches to each of its candidates and the ability to be a group member and to think about others first and then oneself and to maintain the cohesiveness of one’s group and to emerge with commonly agreed upon solutions and answers.
Quick decision making.
In the SSB, the presence of mind and the reasoning ability of the candidate is assessed along with several other qualities and characteristics. With being subjected to different stressful (hypothetical in case of the situation reaction test and other psychological test and real in case of the various GTOs tests), the decision making ability of the candidate needs to be quick as well as sound. Any individual with quick and good decision making ability is always valued in the organizational setup, needless to say this ability is desired in the Officers as well and the SSB makes a candidate realise its importance.
Mental toughness.
During the entire SSB procedure, the candidates are being evaluated and assessed on their personality traits and characteristics. To accomplish this task the psychological tests are designed in a way that elicit the true traits and qualities of the candidates. Being subjected to numerous psychological tests and other physical tasks, a candidate learns how to be mentally strong and tough.
Motivation and determination.
The drive that the candidates have, to be amongst the fortunate ones to don the coveted Olive Green grows only stronger while having the SSB experience. The SSB process teaches a person to be determined and to be motivated to fulfil their dreams and goals.
Nothing is impossible.
When I come across people who have cleared their SSB in 8^th attempt and 11^th attempt, it really proves that nothing is impossible and if one is truly dedicated and determined then no matter how much unattainable the goal may seem, you can achieve it and the sky is the limit for you!

4 Solid Reasons Why More North Indians Are In The Army

SSBCrack

March 18, 2016

4 Solid Reasons Why More North Indians Are In The Army

Before you get offended by the headline of this article, it is very important that we clear that this article is not related to defaming any region of India, this article is totally based on facts and for our readers who are mostly defence aspirants.

So, this question was asked in Quora by someone and we also faced the similar questions earlier when we posted an article ” Top States of Indian Giving Officers To Indian Army“. This question in Quora was replied by Aniket Chakrapani who himself is a fuaji brat.