The Ministry of Defence announced the appointment of Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Gen Manoj C Pande. This appointment will take effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2024, the same day Gen Pande will retire from service.

Lt Gen Dwivedi, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, met with Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. This visit comes just after the official announcement of his upcoming role as the head of the Indian Army.

Born on July 1, 1964, Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984. With a career spanning nearly four decades, he has held a variety of significant Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments. His Command appointments include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.

The distinguished officer is decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and other honors, reflecting his exceptional service and commitment to the nation.

The transition of leadership is expected to be seamless, with Lt Gen Dwivedi bringing extensive experience and a deep understanding of contemporary military challenges to the table.

On June 13th, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Army Commander of the South Western Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of various elite brigades, signaling a significant focus on bolstering national defense capabilities.

The brigades under review included the Amogh Gunners, Dot Arty Brigade, Black Charger Brigade, Sarvada Agrani Brigade, and the Spectrum Warriors.

During his visit, Lt Gen Seth inspected several training infrastructures and observed numerous innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing combat effectiveness, spectrum domination, and network centricity.

His tour encompassed a detailed assessment of current strategies and readiness protocols which are pivotal in maintaining a high state of preparedness.

Highlighting the importance of joint training exercises, the Army Commander emphasized synergy and cohesiveness among all stakeholders.

He advocated for an integrated approach to military preparedness, stressing that collaboration is essential for achieving optimal combat effectiveness.

The review by Lt Gen Seth reflects the armed forces’ commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture through continuous improvement and strategic readiness. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that the forces remain equipped and ready to face any challenges that may arise, reinforcing security and stability in the region.

In a significant development at the Combat Army Aviation Training School (CAATS), Brigadier Satyavir Shokeen has been appointed as the new Commandant. Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOCinC), along with all ranks of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), extended their heartfelt congratulations to Brig Shokeen on his new role.

Established on September 1, 2003, CAATS serves as a cornerstone in the training regimen of the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps, located at the Gandhi Nagar airfield on Nashik Road. This institution emerged from the previous training setup at the School of Artillery in Deolali, marking a pivotal evolution in specialized military education under the ARTRAC’s oversight in Shimla.

CAATS is dedicated to equipping Army Aviation Corps pilots with comprehensive training across a spectrum of critical skills. These include valley flying, special forces missions, night and tactical flying, as well as handling medical emergencies. To enhance the efficiency and safety of training, the school employs advanced simulators for the Cheetah and Cheetak helicopters. These simulators prepare the pilots for a variety of challenging conditions such as snow, rain, diverse terrains, and tactical maneuvers.

The Army Aviation Corps, as the sole flying branch of the Indian Army, plays a vital role in providing multifaceted aviation support. Its responsibilities range from combat search and rescue, artillery lift, and combat transportation to logistics relief, military prisoner transportation, and medical evacuation. The corps operates a fleet of helicopters including the Cheetah, Cheetak, HAL Dhruv, and Rudra, and actively contributes to humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.

Selection and recruitment of pilots into the corps are rigorously managed through the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) and comprehensive medical tests. Additionally, officers from other combat arms, such as artillery, are eligible to join directly after passing the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), further ensuring the high standards and readiness of the Army Aviation Corps.

As Brig Shokeen steps into his new role as Commandant, CAATS looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence in training and furthering the capabilities of the Indian Army’s aviation wing.

In a recent visit to the Base Hospital in Delhi Cantt, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Pande, took the opportunity to engage with patients, which included serving soldiers, veterans, and their families.

General Pande expressed his best wishes for their quick recovery and overall good health.

During his visit, General Pande commended the medical staff for their dedication and the high standard of care they provide.

He specifically praised the doctors, nursing officers, and paramedical staff for their role in creating a supportive healthcare environment equipped with modern facilities.

Highlighting the advancements in medical technology at the hospital, the Army Base Hospital has recently introduced a state-of-the-art Comprehensive Vestibular Lab.

This new facility, which focuses on diagnosing and treating balance disorders and vertigo, was inaugurated by Lt Gen Arindam Chatterjee, DGMS (Army), and Col Comdt AMC, on November 7, 2022.

The lab is anticipated to pave the way for new diagnostic methods and enhance the training of ENT surgeons, thereby improving patient care.

Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh, the General Officer Commanding of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, recently conducted a visit to the White Tiger Division to assess the operational readiness and efficiency of the formation. During his visit, Lt Gen Singh lauded the division for its innovative approaches and successful integration of technology, which have significantly boosted its operational capabilities.

The White Tiger Division, a critical component of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, has been instrumental in enhancing the Indian Army’s strike capacity. Lt Gen Singh encouraged all ranks within the division to persist in their pursuit of excellence, emphasizing the importance of continual improvement and readiness.

The Sudarshan Chakra Corps, known for its distinguished history and strategic importance, was originally raised in 1917 for operations in the Middle East during World War I. After being disbanded post-war, it was re-raised in 1942 during World War II. The corps was officially re-designated from Headquarters Overall Force Command to Headquarters 21 Corps on May 18, 1990, solidifying its role as an elite strike formation of the Indian Army.

Reflecting its elite status and historical significance, the corps proudly bears the motto ‘Agrasar Aakramak Vijayee’, meaning ‘Forward, Aggressive, Victorious’. Its insignia, the Sudarshan Chakra, symbolizes the ultimate weapon of annihilation, aligning with its role in the strategic defense framework of India.

Lt Gen Singh’s visit underscores the ongoing commitment of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps to maintain the highest levels of preparedness, ensuring that it remains a formidable force in safeguarding national security.

Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth, Commander of the South Western Command, recently conducted visits to the Sri Ganga Nagar and Suratgarh Military Stations, where he reviewed the operational preparedness of several key brigades, including the Amogh Division, Forever Victorious Brigade, Sand Viper Brigade, and Valour In Plenty Brigade.

During his visit to the Sri Ganga Nagar Military Station, Lt. Gen. Seth evaluated the readiness of the Amogh Division and the Forever Victorious Brigade. He discussed strategies to address the challenges of conducting operations across diverse terrains and praised the formations for their focus on operations and professionalism.

At the Suratgarh Military Station, the focus shifted to the Sand Viper Brigade and Valour In Plenty Brigade. The Army Commander emphasized the critical importance of synergy, interoperability, innovation, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies to build a modern and future-ready combat force. He commended the formations for their steadfast commitment and readiness for operations.

Lt. Gen. Seth’s visits underline the ongoing efforts of the Indian Army to enhance its operational capabilities in response to evolving strategic needs and to ensure the highest level of preparedness in defense of the nation.