Conquering Mount Everest, the worlds highest peak is the dream of every professional mountaineer. Summiting this behemoth of a mountain peak requires nerves of steel, superhuman will and out of this world physical conditioning. Despite years of rigorous and dedicated training, Everest has put even the toughest and most accomplished mountaineers to their knees and, on many unfortunate instances to their untimely grave.
Indian Army personnel are deployed in Siachen Glacier which is the Worlds highest battlefield (Picture Courtesy Praveen Khanna)
For the Indian Army, however, the risk to life and limb is just another day at the office, with courage being in ample supply! Officers of this remarkable institution are some of the unique individuals in the country. These men and women are known for their indomitable spirit, laser-like focus and the relentlessness required to accomplish the task at hand aggressively, often at high personal cost! So, it should come as no surprise that many officers of the Indian Army have summited Mount Everest, in several instances on multiple occasions.
The worlds highest peak, Mount Everest
3 Army Officers Who Have Summited Mount Everest
1.) Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal
Colonel Jamwal hoisting both the National Indian Army’s flag following a successful summit
Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal is a renowned army officer whose exploits genuinely showcase the spirit of adventure that is engrained in the army’s culture. Colonel Jamwal has successfully summited seven of the worlds highest peaks, scaling Mount Everest not once, but thrice! The army officer had his first experience with mountaineering in 2003 when he was inducted for mandatory training at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Sonemarg, Jammu and Kashmir.
Colonel Jamwal being awarded for a successful expedition by Army Chief Bipin Rawat
It was during his training there, did he first encounter a vertical rockface, which was 5,000 metres in height. Colonel Jamwaal has come a long way since scaling 5,000-metre rock surfaces at HAWS, successfully leading the Indian Army’s all-woman Everest expedition in 2012 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He has been awarded the Tenzing Norgay award for adventure for his daring exploits. The distinguished Indian army officer is a rescue specialist and was extensively involved in rescue and relief operations during the Nepal earthquake in 2015 during which over 9,000 people lost their lives. His expertise in rescue operations combined with his world-class mountaineering acumen, helped save many lives during the disaster.
Colonel (Major at the time) Being conferred the Tenzing Norgay award by former President Pranab Mukherjee
2.) Colonel Saurabh Singh Shekhawat
A still from a Times Now feature on the PARA SF, showcasing Colonel SS Shekhawat firing an Israeli Tavor rifle
Colonel SS Shekhawat is a personality of his own and needs no introduction to our readers! But for those who have been living under a rock, Colonel Shekhawat is the Commanding officer of the uber elite 21 Para Special Forces, the crack commando unit specialising in jungle warfare. Beyond that Colonel Shekhawat has earned the distinction of being the most decorated serving officer in the Indian Army, having been awarded the Kirti Chakra, Shuarya Chakra, Sena Medal and Vishist Sena Medal for his meritious service as a special operator.
Red Devil’s are born for adventure!
He is admired in the military and special forces communities for his humility, leadership and tactical acumen, his textbook execution of the complex Loktak Lake operation is the stuff of legend. Being a true officer, he is known to regularly train and break bread with his boys, despite being a Colonel rank officer. Other than being a battle-hardened Special Forces leader, he is an avid mountaineer. Colonel Shekhawat has summited 17 of the highest mountains and has successfully conquered Everest three times in his military career.
A still from Wildfilms India documenting the Commando’s Everest expedition
3.) Colonel Narendra ‘Bull’ Kumar
Black and white photograph of Colonel Narendra Kumar
Colonel Kumar spearheaded the operation which gave India the strategic Siachen
Colonel Narendra Kumar, known as Bull Kumar in army circles, is a man of many legends, he spearheaded the hair raising operation which gave India the strategic Siachen Glacier. Colonel Kumar is a specialist in mountain warfare and headed the Indian army’s internationally renowned High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS). Beyond his expertise in Mountain warfare, he has won international accolades by the mountaineering community for his high altitude mountaineering expeditions. Colonel Kumar lost four of his toes to frostbite during an expedition in 1961! Despite his apparent handicap, the gallant officer went on to become the first Indian Army officer to summit both Nanda Devi in 1964 and Mount Everest in 1965.
Colonel Kumar meeting with the Indian head of state
For the bull, summiting Everest despite his loss of toes was not enough. He had gone on to attempt scaling Mount Kancheganga from its northeastern face which is far more challenging and fraught with risks. The British Alpine Journal wrote about Colonel Kumar’s Kancheganga achievement writing that it was “far more difficult than the Everest attempt.” The legendary army man was a life long friend of the iconic Nepali mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, who was the first mountaineer to summit Everest and the man under whose name the most prestigious adventure award is conferred. Bull has risked his life around twenty times solely for the spirit of adventure by going into the ‘oxygen-depleted fatal zone’ above 8,000 metres.
Colonel Bull Kumar during a mountaineering expedition
a now-retired Colonel Kumar explaining the Siachen operation
It’s unsurprising that given Colonel Kumar’s contributions to mountain warfare and mountaineering expeditions he is one of the Indian army’s most decorated officers. He is the only Colonel rank of the Indian Army to be awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal for exceptional services to the nation. He has also been awarded the Athi Vishist Seva Medal, Kirti Chakra (for valour), and the Arjuna award for sports. Colonel Kumar is a recipient of the Padmashri and the prestigious McGregor award by the United Services Institution, for excellence in military reconnaissance, exploration and survey. Colonel Kumar is the definition of undying dedication to duty and passion towards one’s craft. He is a patriot in every sense of the word.
Janardhan Pagar has always wanted to serve the nation in uniform, initially hell-bent on joining the Indian army as a jawan. His mentors assessing his leadership abilities counselled him to give officer grade exams. He went on to give both the National Defence Academy and Combined Defence Services exams, clearing the latter. However, despite scoring considerably high in the written examination, he fell short during his Services Selection Board and was not recommended. Following a streak of soul-crushing failures at the SSB, he was advised by a candidate, selected to join the Central Armed Police Forces, to give the CAPF a shot. He considered the suggestion and split his energy, focusing on preparing for both the CDSE and the CAPF examination, clearing the Assistant Commandant exam, in his third attempt. He breezed past his interview, getting recommended to Join the Indo Tibetian Border Police.
ITBP troopers with AK’s
Pagar, who is currently working as a security supervisor at Air India, is scheduled to go for his training in Mussorie. The future Himalayan Veer is ready to tackle the challenges of being an ITBP officer and wanted to do his part by sharing his experiences to candidates looking to serve in the CAPF.
Janardhan Pagar standing outside the Union Public Service Commission building
Q: What was your motivation to join the Central Armed Police Forces? For most aspirants looking to serve in uniform, the Defence Services are their primary choice, was it the case for you?
Yes, you are right, I was a hardcore army aspirant and, had cleared the CDSE exam scoring far higher than the declared cutoff. However, I fell significantly short at the Service Selection Board. After being rejected, I went back to my preparation, and it was during this time a recommended CAPF candidate suggested that I simultaneously prepare for the Assistant Commandant exam for the CAPF. He went on to tell me that the CAPF lacks motivated officers to lead their troops and, that they too have been tirelessly serving the country at considerable risk to life and limb, yet they remain unsung. Moved by what he told me and realising the unpredictability of the SSB, with my age soon to exceed the CDS parametres, I decided that I would recalibrate my efforts to becoming an Assistant Commandant in the CAPF.
CAPF passing out parade
Q: How did you go about studying for the exam? Break down your preparation for the first paperfor the benefit of our readers.
For the first paper, I relied extensively on NCERT and IAS books. For ancient history, I primarily referred to 12th standard RS Sharma NCERT and the Arihant Magbook. I went through the Arihant Magbook of modern India and the Spectrum brief history of India for preparing Modern history. For additional preparation, you should go through NCERT 6th to 12th standard. You must engrain the vital topics such as the revolt of 1857, significant movements, for instance, the Quit India Movement,Important acts during British rule in India. Questions from these topics come in every exam both CAPF and CDSE, including NDA. For these crucial topics, you should ideally refer to Bipin Chandra’s books.
Study material
For geography, I bifurcated my preparation between Physical geography and Indian geography. So for physical geography, I referred to ‘PhysicalGeography’ by Savinder Singh. Both the new and old 12 standard NCERT books are required reads. Mrunal’s geography videos and the Oxford Student Atlas for India are also helpful. For the segments focusing on Indian Geography, I studied 11th standard NCERT and the Periyar publication book on Indian Geography. For particular topics say for instance resources, agriculture, mines and minerals, you could refer to Khullar. K.S Siddharth is indispensable for answering Mapping questions. Laxmikant is the go-to book for polity! You must quite literally photographically remember every page! I heavily neglected Economics, and this cost me an entire attempt. So for this subject, I would recommend 11th and 12th NCERT and the last few chapters of Shankar’s IAS book. I did my Current Affairs preparation by going through the Hindu Newspaper, furthermore, I subscribed to GK Magazine, a lower-cost alternative is the News and Events magazine, it should not cost you more than fifteen rupees. For my science preparation, I referred to Magbook and CDS pathfinder.
Q: How did you prepare for the second paper?
My first barrier was the English language, being a future Himalayan veer, this was my first Himalaya! To overcome my significant lack of English communication skills, I devised a systematic exam-specific approach to improving my language. I voraciously read the Hindu newspaper, focusing on both current affairs and literature simultaneously. Furthermore, I practised English writing until my arms gave in and then some more! The descriptive essay is a significant portion of the Assistant Commandant exam, so for this segment, I focused on what type of vocabulary will be best suited for this leg of the paper.
The Hindu is an indispensable tool for UPSC preparation
Other than writing, I practised my oratory skills for hours in front of a mirror. It is essential to understand that the second paper is modelled along similar lines as the UPSC civil services exams. Given the nearly same exam pattern, I referred to the same online material studied by IAS and IPS aspirants. The website Insights on India became a staple part of my overall preparation. The IAS preparation site has a section called Mind Maps, where they publish potential essay topics. I would then spend the rest of the day extensively researching the given topics and write two essays by the end of the day. I would also develop easy to remember pointers for all current affairs and national interest topic, which I could further elaborate on if asked in the exam. I cannot stress the importance of reading the Hindu newspaper enough. It is simply the most important resource for any UPSC exam.
Q: Time is a crucial factor in the second paper, so how did you manage your time efficiently?
I faced no time-related issue. Time management is inherent to my nature. You will find it interesting to know that I gave all three of my attempts without wearing a watch in the exam hall. I knew exactly how much importance and time to give to each section and where to focus my attention. Firstly, in my opinion, it is never wise to start with the essay, you will exhaust you before attempting grammar so keep it for the end. For the essay which is usually 300-words, it is better to wrap up your piece within 250. Word economy is key! A candidate must complete the length and breadth of the entire paper, even missing 2 to 3 marks in a competitive exam will cost you a year! So, to summerise:
Prepare pointers
Speed and selection of what questions to answer first is crucial
Focus on your strengths
Word economy is key
Analyse paper strengths
Do not be that guy who goes to give the paper without a plan!
Time management is crucial, it may cost you an entire attempt
Q: CAPF is seldom any candidates first choice! A bulk of the candidates who give the exam are civil service aspirants as the syllabus is roughly the same. So, given the reality that the CAPF is simply a civil aspirants backup, would you say that the exam process leads to the induction of poorly motivated officers?
Indeed, the motivation levels of most CAPF officers are notoriously low! A sizable number of officers do not even care much about the job! On the brighter side, this trend is slowly changing. There are more and more candidates joining with the sole purpose of serving in the CAPF. This eagerness to join is primarily due to increasing awareness about the roles and responsibilities of this incredible force. However, even now the bulk of the unformed force constitutes of IAS rejects who want a government job.
ITBP patrolling the unforgiving Himalayas ITBP troopers patrolling the country’s icy frontiers
Q: How would you recommend dedicated CAPF aspirants to go about their preparation, given the fact that their competition will be from far more experienced Civil service aspirants?
Excellent question! Competing with hardcore civil service aspirants was my most significant worry during my preparation! They have far more experience in the exam format. According to me, a CAPF aspirant must prepare like an IAS aspirant! A prospective CAPF officer will have to refer to the same material as their civil counterparts. They must study with the mindset that they are preparing for the IPS or IAS because their competitors are. It is usually them who have higher chances of a clearing; however, with efficient planning and execution, one can always overcome the odds.
Q: With the benefit of hindsight, how could you have prepared more efficiently?
One can always do better; however, to my credit, I have performed exceptionally well in all three of my attempts. My advice would be to maintain consistency, understand the pulse of the examination and then prepare according to your unique strengths! Revise! Revise! Revise! That’s my preparation mantra. Lastly, delete all social media only reactivate it once you have a picture in uniform!
Janardhan currently working as a security supervisor in Air India
Q: In your experience which exam is more academically rigorous CDSE or CAPF?
Academically? CAPF any day! CDSE is challenging no doubt; however, for the defence services, it is primarily about meeting the cutoff is the priority. The SSB is the gamechanger! In the CAPF, the interview is relatively simple. The paper, on the other hand, is far more challenging; you cannot merely meet the cutoff, you have to ace it! At the least, you must get 15 marksabove the cutoff. So simply put, CDSE is interview heavy, CAPF is written exam dominant.
For the defence services the 5 days SSB is the priority
Q: The ITBP is deployed in some of the most arduous terrains, so as a future HimVeer how have you been training physically?
I am mentally prepared. I know that I was destined to be a soldier. You will probably laugh, but I used to imagine myself as a special force commando taking part in solo surgical strikes behind enemy lines. Juvenile, I know! Hahaha! However, I genuinely believe in my ability, put me anywhere, and I shall thrive! As per physical fitness, I am an athletic guy. So coping up at the ITBP academy in Mussorie will not be too much of a challenge, indeed not pleasant, that I am sure of! At the end of the day, you are what you set your mind to. Even Usain Bolt gets tired and wants to puke his guts out. However, he has a clear vision of where he wants to be, and that is why he succeeds. Similarly, I know I am a Himalayan Veer, I may not be wearing the uniform right now, but I will soon earn it.
Training at the ITBP academyITBP commando training
Q: What aspirations do you have as a future Himalayan Veer?
I am honoured, blessed to get an opportunity to train so that I am capable to lead ITBP troopers! I want to enjoy the training first and build myself as a leader, so that I may do justice to the men I will command. Beyond that, I look forward to a life rigour and adventure. I want to prove myself worthy of donning the uniform. A long term goal which I have is to get selected into the elite commando unit the National Security Guard on deputation from the ITBP. Service as a Himveer opens many other doors for me in the domain of national security, for instance through the CAPF there are several opportunities to work in intelligence such as going deputation to the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the elite Special Protection Group (SPG) and the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF). So as of now, these are my career aspirations.
ITBP and other CAPF’s can go on deputation to the elite NSG, SPG and Intel agenciesITBP trooper doing yoga at high altitudes
Q: Would you like to give any other message to our readers?
Firstly I would like to say keep following SSBCrack! SSBCrack has helped me a ton in both my preparation for CDSE as well as CAPF! The preparation material, news, exam notifications and motivational stories you guys right truly helps aspirants who have been rejected and inspire them to go on and fight another day! You guys are doing a national service! As per my message, it is simple. Simultaneously prepare for both Defence Services and Central Armed Police Forces. The Indian Army, Navy and Air force are exceptional forces but so are the CAPF’s comprising of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Shastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Indo Tibetian Border Police (ITBP). So if unfortunately, you do not get an opportunity to serve in the tri-services there are many other uniformed forces through which you can fight for the country! So prepare for all possibilities, keep a backup, after all, no plan survives first contact with the enemy! So, work hard, chase your dreams, Jai hind!
Poster of Janardhan in his village for getting selected to join the ITBP
With the AK-203 assault rifle set to replace the ageing INSAS 5.56 mm rifle, ground forces cannot help b let out a sigh of relief. The infamous indigenously designed INSAS rifle was notorious for its host of operational issues, such as frequent cartridge cracking, jamming, to the selector moving to fire full automatic bursts. The rifle was also unable to adequately operate in some of the most arduous topographical environments in which the Indian Soldiers are deployed. The latest edition to the ever-reliable AK series will be the standard issue for all of the three services.
Superior Stopping Power
7.62X39 rounds fed onto an AK series rifle cartridge
The AK-203 comes in a 7.62×39 mm round. The calibre of these rounds will serve to provide the ground troops tremendous stopping power, enhancing their efficiency in combat operations
The Kalishnakov’s AK-203 comes with sturdy magazine design, having a 30 7.62×39 mm round capacity. The assault weapon is capable of firing 600 high powered lethal rounds per minute. Adding to the rifles superior firing rate is AK’s relative accuracy over other assault weapons. This .lethal combination will give the Indian soldier on the ground a significant confidence boost towards his rifle, an invaluable emotion in combat which was lacking with the INSAS.
Rifle Length
Full-length image of the AK-203
The AK-203 has an overall length of 880mm-940mm, the firearm has a collapsible buttstock, reducing the rifles overall length to 705 mm, making it highly manoeuvrable in Close Quarter Battle (CQB)
Image highlighting features of the rifle
Superior Ergonomics and Manoeuvrability
Superior ergonomics aid in weapon retention
Another seemingly simple but crucial feature of the AK-203 is its superior ergonomics, making the rifle extremely comfortable and manoeuvrable to the user. Unlike the overly bulky INSAS which weighed 5 kg with an empty magazine, the AK in comparison is only 4.1kg without ammunition. The difference of one kg makes all the difference in a game where milliseconds matter.
Defence Journalist Manu Pubby checking out the AK-203 rifle
Joint Venture Leading TO Indigenisation
75,000 AK-203 rifles are to be inducted into the services, out of which 40,000 are to be directly imported, while the remaining will be manufactured at the Amethi factory at the Korwa Ordnance Factory Board. The OFB has a 50.5% stake in the projects, while Kalishnikov and Rosoboronexport have stakes of 42% and 7.5% respectively. The joint manufacturing of the AK’s will be concluded with a full technology transfer to India, giving the country the ability to manufacture the highly potent rifle indigenously.
Launch of the AK-203 manufacturing facility in Amethi by PM Narendra Modi
The induction of these rifles will ease the burden of the troops on the ground and will finally be the rifle to phase out one of the least trusted firearms in the services arsenal.
A lone sniper can turn the face of battle, stealthily taking out key military targets with cold-blooded efficiency. These highly trained, mentally equanimous, specialised soldiers embody the military saying of ‘one shot, one kill.’ These ghost warriors are aided by some of the most precise rifles ever created. This article will be highlighting five of the most advanced sniper rifles in the world. The precision rifles highlighted are in no specific order and are only a few of the best rifles designed for long-distance shots.
Digital art depicting a military sniper
1.) The M40 A5 Sniper Rifle
USMC Scout Sniper with the trusted M40
The M40 A5 is the latest addition to the M40 sniper family. This highly sophisticated precision rifle is a favourite among the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Scout Snipers. The deadly accurate sniper rifle is a modified version of the Remington 700 Hunting Rifle. The precision weapon is chambered with .308 Winchester 7.62X51 mm NATO rounds. The A5 variant comes equipped with a Scheider barrel and a Bender Police Marksman 114-16X 50 mm telescopic sight.
Marine Scout Sniper aiming through the telescopic sites
2.) The M-24 Sniper Weapon System
US Army Sniper and Spotter pair armed with an M24 Sniper rifle
Like the M40 A5, the M-24 SWS too is modelled after the famous Remington 700 Hunting Rifle. The rifle is chambered in a .308 Winchester 7.62X51 mm NATO rounds. The precision weapon dates back to 1988 and has since been used extensively by the US army. The rifle features a custom-designed four-inch Remington barrel and comes with Leupold Mark-IV M3 fixed 10X scope.
M24 being fired from prone
3.) The L115 A3 Sniper Rifle System
L115 A3 Sniper rifle image
The L11 5A3 Sniper rifle is a British made precision weapon and has been used extensively by British forces, most notably the British Army, Royal Marines and the Royal Airforce. The L115 A3 shares its ancestry with Accuracy International Arctic Warfare are Super Magnum Rifle. Unlike its American counterparts, the British rifle is chambered with .338 Lapua rounds with a five-round box magazine. The rifle uses the far heavier .338 Lapua round allows the rifle to have far superior range, giving the operator the technical ability to eliminate largest from significantly far distances. It was the L115 A3 rifle which allowed the British marksman to create a world record by eliminating a Taliban machine gun and wounded two others from a distance of 2.27 kilometres.
British soldier aiming armed with an L115 A3 sniper rifle
4.) Barret M82 Sniper Rifle
The Barret anti-material sniper rifle
This rifle made names in history following legendary American sniper Carlos Hathcock, known as the White Feather executed an iconic long-range kill during his time in Vietnam. The shot in question was performed on an M2 Browning Machine Gun. Following this, the Barret firearm company, which is one of the leading firearms companies in the world, developed a .50 calibre M82 anti-material rifle. These rifles are designed to penetrate armoured and concrete structures and are not meant to be used on enemy combatants.
Marine scout sniper training on a Barret M82
5.) Zijiang M99 Sniper Rifle
Chinese snipers firing the M99 on a UN peacekeeping mission
The M99 is the standard issue sniper rifle issued to soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army, China. The M99 is a semi-automatic rifle similar to the Barret M82. The Chinese rifle operates on a gas impingement mechanism and is fed with 12.7X108 mm Soviet-era rounds. This rifle has for reasons largely unknown, have made its way into the hands of insurgents fighting in the Syrian Conflict. Analysts speculate that these precision rifles were delivered from Sudan via Qatar to be used against the Syrian Arab Army.
During the final rounds of human rights debate organised by the Indo Tibetian Border Police under the aegis of the National Human Rights Commission, one fiery speech by a young company commander serving in the country’s elite counter-terrorism unit, the National Security Gaurd’s coveted Special Actions Group, encompassed a combat soldier’s perspective and their personal battle in tackling terrorism and militancy in the valley while ensuring human rights.
A snap from Major Chinmay Nair’s speech
The young NSG commando, Major Chinmay Nair, starts off his speech speaking about India’s troubled neighbourhood, emphasising on the unpredictability of the country’s western neighbour, Pakistan and India’s response to their state-sponsored terrorism with the officer saying, “Any action on their soil will almost surely lead to a full-blown war!” He asks rhetorically how a soldier should deal with terrorism in such delicate situations.
The officer cites Fact sheet number 32 which has been issued by the office of the High Commissioner of the United Nations Human Rights Commission in the year 1994. The United Nations General Assembly had a declaration in which they elaborated on what constitutes terrorism. Quoting the General Assembly’s verdict, Major Nair says, “Terrorism is also all those criminal acts which are designed to provoke or incite terror in public for political reasons, they cannot be justified even for any ethnic, political, Ideological reasons.”
Highlighting the audience on what the UN constitutes as terrorism, the officer goes on to speak about the “People we deal with every day in Jammu and Kashmir.” The battle-hardened commando says with fierce conviction, “They burn buses, they force innocent school children to join their cause, they pelt stones on security forces!” He goes on to say, “Each and everything about these acts come under the purview of the very definition of terrorism, that is provided by the United Nations!”
The young NSG commando asks the audience about a soldier’s rights
“So, let us make it clear that these are not innocent civilians that we are dealing with on a day to day basis,” declares the elite commando. He goes on to speak about recent developments in the valley, and the surge in troop presence prior to the repeal of Article 370 of the Indian constitution, “Let me ask you, do you think, without the massive deployment of force in the valley, would article 370 be a truth or a reality?”
He asks the audience “Do you think I should let people from just five districts of a state hold an entire nation at ransom, because of their vested interests?” “I don’t think so!” he declares, with a hint of rage!
He urges the audience to perceive the events in the valley through the eyes of an Indian soldier and asks with genuine emotion, “I ask the audience today, you tell me as a company commander, who has the responsibility of nearly 120 men under me, what answer do I give the mother, who asks me why I allowed her child to be murdered by angry protestors? Why did I allow a father to be killed by a shower of stones? Why did I allow a husband to die during an anti-terror operation when civilians were literally shielding the terrorist?”
He requests the audience consisting of human rights activists to think about it. The young officer reminds the audience that “everybody has got human rights!” He explains to the panel “that includes everybody who is in uniform.” He further asks “Do you think that the day I wore this uniform, I let go of my human rights?” “I don’t think so!” the Blackcat commando declares before concluding his speech.
The valley has been in turmoil since 1989, and indeed there has been violations from all sides of the conflict. It is absolutely pivotal to understand the human aspect of the conflict and the fundamental human reality that everyone sees a situation from their immediate reality and a series of shared experiences by a group of people in a similar situation. The soldiers fighting have their own traumatic experience, the civilians have their own. The challenge is seeing the conflict from the other side of the rifle sight. That is, however, easier said than done.
Indian Army Officer consoling the father of a fallen soldier from Kashmir
To even begin to attempt a peaceful resolution to the violence that has claimed so many lives and cut short the aspirations of generations of civilians, soldiers and police officers, it is indeed a welcome move that the Indo Tibetian Border Police along with the National Human Rights Commission has organised a potent debate platform through which every perspective, including the voices of soldiers, who remain unheard in the mainstream, is objectively analysed and, shared on a common forum to help the people realise that soldiers too are human beings trying to get back home safely.
ATTENTION ALL: CANDIDATES (BDS & MDS) DESIROUS FOR GRANT OF SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION IN ARMY DENTAL CORPS-2020 – Director Gen Armed Forces Medical Services will invite applications from Civilian Dental Surgeons (BDS & MDS) for Grant of Short Service Commission, for the commissioning cycle of 2020 on the basis of NEET MDS-2020 to be conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE), New Delhi, under the aegis of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Candidates (BDS & MDS) desirous for Grant of Short Service Commission will have to mandatorily appear for NEET MDS-2020. Candidates are advised to keep a lookout for the notification of NEET MDS-2020.
Based on the Score in NEET MDS-2020, candidates will be screened/ shortlisted for the Interview.
Further details will be available on the website of INDIAN ARMY (www.indianarmy.nic.in) in due course of time. The candidates are therefore advised to visit the site & to read the Information Bulletin carefully as & when it is uploaded.
ATTENTION ALL: ADMISSION TO PG DENTAL (MDS) COURSES IN ARMED FORCES MEDICAL SERVICES TRAINING INSTITUTES FOR PRIORITY III, IV & V CANDIDATES THROUGH NEET MDS-2020 Director General Armed Forces Medical Services will admit desirous candidates for Post Graduate–Dental (MDS) Courses at AFMS Training Institutes, for balance of seats, if any after fulfilling the service requirements, for the session starting in May 2020 on the basis of NEET MDS-2020 to be conducted by National Board of Examinations (NBE), New Delhi, under the aegis of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
The seats will be available to Priority III candidates (Para Military/other Govt. of India sponsored candidates), Priority IV (Ex-SSC AD Corps Officers) & Priority V (Civilian Dental Surgeons) in that order. It is also likely that no seat may be available for some of the prioritized categories, if the same have been allotted to candidates higher in priority and merit.
Candidates desirous of pursuing Post Graduate–Dental (MDS) Courses in these training institutions will have to mandatorily appear for NEET MDS-2020. Candidates are, therefore, advised to keep a lookout for the notification of NEET MDS-2020.
Further details will be available on the website of INDIAN ARMY (www.indianarmy.nic.in) in due course of time. The candidates are therefore advised to visit the site & read the Information Bulletin carefully.
General Bipin Rawat has been one of the countries most well known Army Chiefs. The strong-willed and outspoken leader of the 1.3 million-strong Indian army has not been shy of the media and has displayed the moral courage to speak one’s mind, even when the opinion seemed unfavourable. Indeed, General Rawat marched on spearheading landmark reforms in the Indian Army. From proposing structural reforms in the military’s higher commands to pushing for leaner and meaner teeth driven Army to offer soldierly support to the JCO’s and NCO’s to serve as commissioned officers, here are five of General Rawat’s landmark reforms, in layman’s terms.
Indian Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat
1.) Integrated Battle Groups
Representational image of an Integrated Battle Group
General Rawat has proactively worked towards developing a leaner and meaner fighting force, shedding the unnecessary flab, lowing down the Indian military machine! Following the review of a detailed internal military study, General Rawat announced the phased implementation of what is being called ‘Integrated Battle Groups’. IBG’s are highly agile, self-sustaining brigade-sized combat formations. These combat formations are tailor-made based on a strategic assessment taking into account factors such as Terrain, Tanks and resources into consideration. These mobile combat formations will be able to rapidly mobilise into a theatre of operation within 12-48 hours, (based on the nature of operations) This is predicted to enhance military lethality with existing resources and manpower.
India’s Military firepower demonstration during Republic Day
2.) Indian Army Launches Special Human Rights and Vigilance Cells
There have been increasing allegations of human rights violations by the soldiers of the Indian Army in Kashmir over the years
Under the recommendations of the aforementioned internal study, the Indian Army Chief along with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a Special Human Rights Cell and a special vigilance cell. The decision to form an Independent Human rights cell as a result of increasing international human rights reports, alleging gross violations of human rights by the army in the valley and the Northeast. The body is to investigate the legitimacy of the claims and take actions accordingly. The Human rights body has been set up at the Army Headquarters (AHQ) in New Delhi and is headed by Additional Directorate General (ADG), a Major General rank officer. The cell reports directly to the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS). The decision to create specialised anti-corruption cell stemmed from increasing allegations of corruption by personnel of the Indian Army. The anti-corruption body will come under the direct authority of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and will be headed by an Additional Directorate General (ADG), who is a Major General rank officer, reporting solely to the COAS.
Ministry of Defence building South Block
3.) Young Leaders Training Wing To Train Jawans For SSB Interview
General Rawat inaugurating the Young Leaders Training Wing
General Rawat in perhaps one of the Indian Army’s most heartwarming initiative has called for reorganising and reforming the Young Leaders Training Wing at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai. Gen Rawat’s new initiative aims to help serving Jawaans (Other Ranks, Non-Commissioned Officers and Junior Commissioned Officers) prepare for the gruelling five-day officer selection procedure, known as the Services Selection Board. This initiative will help serving soldiers with ground-level operational experience in their respective trade/speciality to get an opportunity to lead units as commissioned officers. The preparation program, comprising of an intensive personality enrichment course, is designed to enhance a jawan’s odds of selection for pre-commission training at OTA Chennai.
Passing Out Parade of cadets training at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai
4.) Artillery Revolution
Artillery superiority is one of the single most decisive factors in modern warfare. Accurate artillery fire has been recorded to be the leading contributor of military casualties in 21st-century military combat. Following the political fallout of the infamous Bofor’s scandal in the ’80s, the Indian Army remained majorly handicapped in its procurement of artillery guns. With the Bofor’s artillery guns having run its combat effectiveness, the Indian Army, under General Rawat has pushed for the induction of several artillery systems, most notably the Dhanush, the Vajra K9 and the M777 Howitzer. The Ordnance Factory Board is scheduled to deliver 400 indigenous Dhanush artillery guns to the Indian Army by next year.
M777 Ultralight Howitzer
Furthermore, the Army is expected to receive the uber advanced United States manufactured M777 Howitzers; the American M777 will be replacing the ageing Bofor’s. The indigenously designed Vajra K9 self-propelled Howitzer will also soon be pushed into service. The induction of the Dhanush, M777 and the Vajra will bolster the Indian Army’s lingering artillery capabilities and enhance its overall combat effectiveness.
Soldiers training Vajra K9 at the Artillery training centre at Deolali
5.) A War On Obesity!
Indian and Russian soldiers taking part in an obstacle course
General Rawat has made it a requirement that officers and soldiers of the Indian Army remain, and look fit! Senior officers found to be with a paunch will be passed over for promotions and foreign postings. The result of not maintaining a military-level of physical and medical fitness will reflect on the officer’s annual confidential reports drastically affecting his/her career progression in the service. The general has even called for a complete overhaul of the food available at the respective officers, JCO’s, NCO and OR’s mess. with oily, unhealthy food to be mercilessly struck off from the menu under the general’s directives! Young officers undergoing their post-commission training at Mhow will now be mandated to undergo an extremely stringent physical fitness evaluation, and if not found to the standards expected, it will result in these officers not receiving their instructors grating. The lack of being awarded an instructors grading will reflect extremely poorly in their ACR’s and will thus hamper their career progression in the long run.
Indian army soldiers cross an obstacle course, during a training session at a battle school in Rajouri, about 138 kilometres (86 miles) northwest of Jammu, India. (Photo by Channi Anand)
A Fitting Legacy
With General Rawat’s tenure coming to a close and the search for India’s new army chief underway, the reforms proposed by the flag officer will undoubtedly push the Indian army to reassess itself as a modern military machine, recalibrate and then rise to meet the future security challenges faced by the country. The successful implementation of these reforms shall be a fitting tribute to the general’s forty-plus years of national service in uniform.
The President of India, Ram Nath Kobind on 10 October has awarded the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps with the prestigious presidential colours. The supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces conferred the award to the Aviation Corps during a grand ceremonial parade, following which Dhruv helicopters performed a flypast with the AAC’s regimental flag soaring high, at the Indian Army Combat Aviation Training School in Nashik.
Why are the Presidential colours awarded?
The presidential colours are awarded to a military unit, to recognise the tireless, longstanding and meritious services rendered to the nation. The AAC’s reception of the coveted colour’s by the country’s nominal head highlights the corps excellence in military aviation in both war and peacetime operations.
Following over a year of controversy and political slugfests, the first of the 36 uber-sophisticated Dassault Aviation designed, Rafale fighter jets have been inducted into the Indian Air Force’s deadly arsenal. The country’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has personally received the much-awaited French fighter aircraft, during his visit to France. Speaking about the Induction of the Rafale Fighter jet, the Defence Minister said, “This is a new milestone in bilateral ties.” The first batch consisting of four Rafale fighter jets will make its way to India by May 2020, significantly bolstering the IAF’s offensive capabilities. But what is the hype about the French-built aircraft? How will it enhance India’s aerial superiority? To understand that, we must look at the tale of the tape.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in France checking out the Rafale
The Tale Of The Tape
The Rafale fighter jet in all its glory!
1.) Delta Wings Enhance The Rafale’s Stability
The Rafale is both an aeronautical and technological masterpiece! It’s ultra-modern combat features give a new definition to the phrase ‘death from above.’ The Dassault Rafale Multi-Role fighter comes designed with delta wings; this uniquely aerodynamic feature keeps the french fighter aircraft uniquely stable while cruising at supersonic speeds!
The Rafale’s unique engine design aids the throttle, seamlessly transitioning from combat to idle to combat power in a span of fewer than three seconds!
3.) Can Covertly Detect Targets
The Rafale fighter jet is immune to Radar jamming furthermore the Dassault Aviation designed aircraft has the capability to clandestinely detect multiple targets at sea, air and land.
4.) Real-Time 3D Mapping of The Topography
The Rafale Fighter jet possesses state of the art early detection and tracking capabilities, as aforementioned. This allows the pilot to monitor multiple targets and generate real-time three-dimensional maps of the terrain the aircraft is soaring over.
5.) Speed and Altitude
The Dassault Rafale has a top speed of 1.8 mach, meaning the fighter jet can cover an average distance of 2,222.6 kilometres per hour. The deadly aircraft can climb up to altitudes of 50,000 feet with relative ease. The Rafale can fly for approximately 3,700 kilometres before having to refuel. The aerial longevity of the aircraft can be increased through mid-air refuelling.
6.) Unparalleled Payload Capacity
The Rafale is absolutely beyond any comparison when it comes to its munitions/ordnance and overall payload capacity. The fighter jet has the capability of carrying over 9,500 kilograms of explosives and other munitions. That is significantly more than any of the IAF’s other aircraft, with the Sukhoi 30 MKI coming at a distant second with a capacity of 8,000 kilograms.
Indian Air Force 2020
The IAF’s once renowned and recently defunct Golden Arrows squadron has been revived to fly the Rafale
The strategic edge, which the Induction of the Rafales will give India cannot be stressed enough and with the scheduled induction of the first batch next year, India’s Air Warriors will have a busy time rigorously training the new aircraft system. It is safe to say that by 2020, the country will have a new squadron of highly trained pilots on this beast of a machine and will further cement India’s image as a military power!
The Indian Airforce has been busy celebrating it’s 87th anniversary today. With the IAF Chief’s address to the nation, the Shastra Puja, marchpast, wreath-laying ceremony, flypast, to awarding the brave air warriors with gallantry medals being some of the highlights of the aerial extravaganza, it has indeed been quite the spectacle! So, on the occasion of air force day, SSBCrack will be examining five of the IAF’s deadliest helicopters flown by India’s air warriors.
IAF day flypast
1.) Apache Attack Helicopter
IAF’s new Apache attack chopper
The Apache attack helicopter is widely regarded as the world most elite attack chopper and has been used extensively by the United States and Israel in their military campaigns. These famed attack uber elite attack helicopters serve as the primary attack chopper for the worlds most powerful military’s. The original Apache AH-64 was built as a four-blade, twin-engine attack chopper. The Apache boasts a 2X GE T-700 turbo-shaft engine; the chopper is armed with 16X laser-guided Hellfire missiles, Hydra general purpose 70 mm rockets and a 30 mm automatic cannon. The chopper is operated by a two-person crew comprising of a pilot and a gunner.
Designed by the Boeing Aerospace company, the Chinook transport helicopter is one of the worlds most superior heavy-lift choppers. The uber-sophisticated multi-mission helicopter was initially designed for the United States Army, and its military allies. India’s purchase of the Chinook gives the IAF a boost in its strategic airlift capability, enhancing its overall logistics potential. Other than cargo, the Chinooks are even used to transport Special Operations Forces Personnel and regular troops to their designated operational zones.
3.) Mil Mi-17 V5 Transport Helicopter
Mi-17 with an all-women crew
The Russian made Mi-17 V5 is another highly sophisticated transport helicopter in the IAF’s arsenal. The twin-turbine transport chopper is used by the IAF to transport the country’s prime minister domestically. Beyond being designated to fly the Indian head of state the Mi-17 V5 transport helicopter is used in a host of other transport and logistics roles such as transporting troops and rations to the Siachen glacier and other remote helipads. The helicopter is even used in search and rescue operations.
4.) Mil Mi 25 and Mi 35 Attack Choppers
Mi 35 attack helicopter
Before the induction of the legendary Apache attack helicopter, it was the Soviet-designed Mi 25 and Mi 35 which served as the primary attack chopper in the IAF. The Mi 35 attack helicopter was inducted in April 1990 to boost the forces offensive capabilities. The chopper comes armed with a four-barrel 12.7 mm rotary gun. The attack helicopter has the capability to carry 1,500 kilograms of external ordnance including Scorpion anti-tank missiles. The highly potent Mi 35 has a maximum cruise speed of 310 km/hr.
5.) HAL Chetak Utility Helicopter
Army variant of the HAL Chetak
The famed HAL Chetak utility helicopter has been manufactured in India under the official licence of the Defence Public Sector Undertaking Company (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The soon to be replaced heptr, had been originally developed by the French-based aircraft firm Sud-Aviation with single-engine utility chopper christened as the Aerospatiale Alouette III. The Chetak has since its induction, been used extensively in Siachen and other high-altitude areas for casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), communication and liaison roles. The chopper can cruise at a maximum speed of 220 km/hr and carry six personnel or 500 kilograms of cargo load.
