New photos of India's Army, Navy, & Airforce: a RIOT of color, culture and tradition!

[rajkhalsa]

Hi All

It's been a bit of a while since I posted a new photo thread.

Forgive me again if this isn't the usual post. My aim for this thread is to have a running compilation of recent, never-before-seen-here photographs of the military of the Republic of India.

India, the world's largest democracy and an up-and-coming superpower is not only becoming more relevant to America and the West and Far East as a strategic power, but its power and force projection capabilities are growing in literal leaps and bounds. Not only is the military huge -- the second or third largest in the planet -- it has continuous war-fighting, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping experience for over thirty years.

The Indian military tradition goes back millenia, and the legacy of that can be seen today. It is the most diverse and unique military in the world, with traditions, legacies, battle honors and histories predating most modern European nations.


These are images from the Sainik Samachar, the fortnightly defense publication by and for soldiers of the Indian military. The magazine, like those of Western militaries, generally keeps one up to date on the general happenings and goings on of the day-to-day affairs of the military, of interest to the soldier. Sadly, the online edition is updated sporadically, and only in low-resolution images.

Each of the thousands of units in the three services has their own histories, traditions, battle honors, ceremonies and heros, which make for a very colorful and interesting display for the general military enthusiast. It is interesting to take note of all of the different ceremonies, regimental dress, ethnic groups and peoples in these photos.

Hope you find them as interesting to see as I did

Best Regards,
Raj


PS: I've made two similar photo threads here, and here, and Very rare pics of some of India's Special Forces, specialty units


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Army Chief, Gen JJ Singh with Lt Gen Deepak Kapoor, GOC-in-C, Northern Command at Udhampur while he was on a two-day visit to Northern Command

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On a beautiful morning, 324 cadets of 110th course of National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune passed out putting up an exemplary and spectacular parade after completion of three years of successful training.

Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of Naval Staff reviewed the parade at the Khetrapal Parade Ground at NDA. On arrival, the Admiral was received by Lt Gen Arun Kumar Chopra, Commandant, NDA.

ACC Pallawa Jha was awarded President’s Gold Medal, ACA Satish Kumar won the silver medal and BCC PS Chiniwar claimed the bronze medal for standing first, second and third respectively in the overall order of merit. ‘Golf’ squadron won the coveted title of ‘Overall Champion Squadron’ and received the Chief of Staff Banner.

ACC Pallawa Jha commanded the parade. SCC JS Choudhary led the Nishan Toli carrying President’s Colour presented to the Academy in 1978. Lt Col DK Singh, Adjutant NDA, riding on the grey charger ‘Warrior’, conducted the parade while Sub Maj MS Pillai was the JCO-in-charge of the parade.

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Maj Gen MKV Paniker visited Manipur recently. The Provost Marshal, during his visit, met Maj Gen GG Dwivedi, GOC, 57 Mountain Division responsible for counter-insurgency operations in the state.

The Marshal visited 73 Mountain Brigade and revived his memories as it was the brigade he commanded few years back. Brig Deepak Vashista, Commander, 73 Mountain Brigade briefed him on the prevalent security scenario in his area of responsibility.

It was home coming for the Marshal when he visited 11 Garhwal Rifles, the battalion he commanded. It is now deployed in intense counter-insurgency operations area. Col Prabhat Kumar, CO, briefed him on achievements of the battalion. The General appreciated the efforts of the battalion in curbing militancy in its area of operation.

Photo: Maj Gen MKV Paniker with 11 Garhwal Rifles personnel

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An adventure-***-ecological awareness camp was organised by Manipur Maintaining and Trekking Association (MMTA) at Lamdan under the aegis of Headquarters 57 Mountain Division. The camp was inaugurated by Brig Deepak Vashishta, Commander, 73 Mountain Brigade and Mr Manga Vaiphai, MLA, Lamdan.

A total of 60 children in various age groups participated in the two-week event. During the course, the children were exposed to stay in tents and undergo various training events in mountaineering, trekking and rafting in Leimatak river.

Above: Maj Gen EJ Kochekkan, GOC, 57 Mountain Division being introduced to the participants of the camp

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Pachmarhi is a tiny town at a height of 1080 metres on Mahadev Hills in Madhya Pradesh. Situated in the sylvan surrounding of Pachmarhi is Army Educational Corps Training College and Centre, aptly called learner’s paradise. Though the history of army education dates back to the year 1962, the first institutionalised mechanism started in 1924 with the establishment of Army School of Education simultaneously at two locations-Wellington and Belgaum. In 1932, both these wings were amalgamated under one commandant at Belgaum. The institution moved to its present location at Pachmarhi in 1939 where School of Musketry has established and later shifted to Mhow. In 1949, this Army School of Education was redesignated as Army Educational Corps Centre & School.

The institution encourages innovation, experimentation and creativity which are a sine qua non for any good educational institution. Besides, it is continuously engaged in refining and enriching its courses keeping in view the futuristic requirements of Army, on the one hand, and the latest trends and development in the field of education, on the other. The institution is organised into number of wings to conduct training. Its main training wings are Military Music Wing, Foreign Languages Wing, University Courses Wing, Regimental Courses Wing and an Autonomous College. While University Courses Wing conducts academic courses to enhance the professional efficiency.

Foreign Langauages Wing was added to the institution to teach foreign languages of strategic importance. The elite wing has well-equipped language labs including one computer aided language learning (CALL) lab. AEC Training College and Centre was affiliated in 1961 to Sagar University (Dr Harisingh Gaur Vishwavidyalaya). It was granted an autononous status on May 25, 1985. Now it is affiliated to Barkatullah University, Bhopal. The institution has a well-equipped central library which has over one lakh books with latest gauge, apart from a well furnished and rich museum depicting the history of the corps.

photo: Female soldiers during map-craft training, Practising martial music

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An impressive passing-out prade of young soldiers took place at the Jadunath Parade Ground of Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee. Smartly attired soldiers marched proudly to the beats of Sarejahan Se Achha and Auld Lang Sine to join the ranks and files of Brigade of the Guards. On this occasion, the parade was reviewed by Supreme Court Justice JN Patel who took the salute.

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Photo: Lt Gen Ashok Vasudeva presenting the Over All Trophy to Lt Lalita Alriya[/quote]

Warm welcome: Maj Gen Arun Roye, GOC, Bengal Area with children from Manipur on their visit to Kolkata. The excursion was conducted by Assam Rifles.

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Commandant’s Banner-***-award presentation ceremony for Cadets Training Wing (CTW), College of Military Engineering (CME) Pune was held on May 11. The ceremony was presided over by Lt Gen RR Goswami, Commandant of the College.

It was a proud moment for the 30 Gentlemen Cadets of TES-07 course who are on the threshold of passing out from this prestigious institution and getting commissioned as officers in the illustrious Indian Army. Prouder still were the award winners of the passing-out course. The Commandant’s Silver Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit was awarded to WCC Animesh Srivastava. The best overall Gentleman Cadet and the best sportsman from the passing out course were GC Animesh Srivastava and GC Robin Panicker respectively. The Commandant’s Banner for the champion platoon for autumn term 2005 was won by ‘Bravo’ Platoon.

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The Army Educational Corps, as a combatant corps, came into existence on June 1, 1947. In the military history of India, educational activity began during the Napoleonic wars but the recorded history dates back to the year 1762. During the East India Company days, the first unit school was established in the First Guards giving birth to a formal educational set-up.

With the approval of Secretary of State for India, on April 30, 1946, the Governor General sanctioned the formation of a new corps as a combatant corps of the regular Indian Army as notified in India Army Order No 1254 dated August 3, 1946. The note bearing the signatures of ADF Dundas, Secretary to the Government of India says, “With the approval of the Secretary of State for India, the Governor General in Council is pleased to sanction the formation of a new corps designated the Indian Army Educational Corps with effect from June 1, 1947.” The new corps was raised with an authorised regular cadre of 80 officers, 120 Viceroy’s Commissioned Officers and 400 Indian NCOs.

Up to the year of independence, education in the Indian Army developed broadly on the educational philosophy conceived by the British. However, during post-independence period its aims and objectives were to make the individual soldier fit to carry out his allotted task efficiently, to prepare him for gainful employment on return to civil life and to foster such attitudes and abilities in him so as to make him a useful member of the community. When India became a sovereign republic on January 26, 1950, the decision to drop titles like ‘Royal’ or ‘Indian’ as prefix to Indian Units and corps was taken. As a result, on November 1, 1950 the Indian Army Educational Corps was re-designated as the Army Educational Corps (AEC). The present role of AEC is ‘to organise, impart and supervise educational training in Army during peace time and, during war, to undertake operational tasks as directed by unit/formation commander’. In addition, AEC Training College and Centre at Pachmarhi is also responsible for conduct of music and language courses.

Today, this elite corps is doing yeoman service in various fields. Its multifarious role has been recognised by one and all. The members of the corps are deployed in remotest corners of the country with all arms and services in their units and formations as advisor on educational matters. The corps has been playing a very vital role in imparting instruction in academic subjects and ancillary education. It conducts training in map-craft, Indian and foreign languages, computer literacy, military music and implementation of official language in pursuit of excellence.

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The First Battalion of the Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) has been nominated as the force Reserve Battalion as part of United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). This is the first time that India is contributing a Force Reserve Battalion for a UN Mission. The Battalion was addressed by Lt Gen Richard Khare, Colonel of the Fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) during a Special Sainik Sammelan at Delhi. The General complimented all ranks of the Battalion for its excellent track record and wished the Battalion the very best for its forthcoming foreign tenure.

The First Battalion of the Fifth Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) was raised in 1858 at Abbotabad, in the North West Frontier Province, now in Pakistan. Battalion also has the unique distinction of being the recipient of the coveted Chief of Army Staff Unit Citation thrice in recognition of its outstanding performance in Operation Bairang in the North East, Operation Rakshak in Jammu & Kashmir and Operation Meghdoot on the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier.

Photo: Lt Gen Richard Khare interacting with officers and troops

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Fourteen probationer nurses of 37th batch of School of Nursing, Command Hospital, Chandimandir were commissioned into the Military Nursing Service at an impressive ceremony held at Sushruta Auditorium at Command Hospital, Chandimandir.

Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, Chief of Staff, HQ Western Command was the chief guest who commissioned the Nursing Cadets in the rank of Lieutenant. Speaking on the occasion Gen Singh said it is imperative that all young Nursing Officers keep abreast with the latest trends in health care delivery system to ensure optimum well being of the clientele.

Photo: Lt Gen Paramjit Singh with the newly commissioned Nursing Officers

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Lt Gen AS Jamwal, Adjutant General, visited Guwahati recently. He interacted with media and ex-servicemen at Rhino Officers Institute. The General Officer apprised ex-servicemen of current welfare schemes for retired officers, junior commissioned officers and jawans. The General Officer visited the Army Institute of Nursing at Basistha and also the site of the proposed Army Welfare Housing. He appreciated the efforts put in by HQ 101 Area in expediting the establishment of Army Institute of Nursing and Jai Jawan Awas Yojana.

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The Indian Army has been one of the pioneers in the field of hot air ballooning (HAB) in India. Numerous expeditions across the geographical bounds of our country have been successfully undertaken by Army Adventure Wing, various regiments and corps of the Indian Army in the last 15-20 years. Experience, gained therein, have been effectively utilised in meeting new challenges and setting many records like the longest distance flight, highest altitude, conduct of free-fall jumps from a balloon, to name a few. The resounding success of the HIMEX Ballooning Expedition across the country in 1995-96 and Trans-India Ballooning Expedition in March 2003 from Ahmedabad to Kolkata proved that adequate expertise has been attained by Army balloon pilots to take on more daunting and difficult missions.

Army balloon pilots attempted a national hot air ballooning record by continuously flying a hot air balloon throughout day and night in the last week of February. This type of ballooning was not attempted earlier in India. Organised by the Army Adventure Wing, the expedition was aimed, to project Army as a career full of adventure and excitement, to earn a place in aviation history and to futher gain confidence and expertise in long distance continuous flying so that more challenging ventures like ‘Trans-Arabian Sea’ and around the World’ can be planned by Indian Army in near future.

A hot air balloon of 3, 15,000 cubic feet was designed and manufactured for this flight to enable carriage of more burner fuel. An open wicker basket was used instead of a pressurised capsule. The basket was large enough to accommodate two crew members, 27 fuel cylinders and all communication, navigational, survival and emergency equipment on board. Modifications were carried out for clamping fuel cylinders on the outside of basket. A twin burner was utlised for this project instead of a quad burner which weighs 21 kg more. Pure propane pressurised upto 10 Bar was carried in 27 balloon cylinders.

To provide uninterrupted communication to the team members, INMARSAT satellite telephones were team’s primary means of communication. Data as well as voice communication with control centre coordinated. Internet was used for receiving met details and e-mails with the help of a laptop on board. VHF/UHF radios were carried as backup source.

Besides the communication equipment, the team carried hand-held global positioning satellite system (Aviation model) whch gave precise latitude and langitude positions. Digital compass and maps and altivariometres to show height above sea level were also used.

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Two girls found a ray of hope in their lives, thanks to DBN Brigade. Keeping in view the ideals of the Chief of the Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh, the DBN brigade have adopted two girls. Ms Love Prit Kaur, an orphan, is from village Gaggo Mahal, Amritsar. She has been admitted to International Public School. All expenses are met by the Brigade. Another girl, Ms Harpreet Kaur is from Gurdaspur. She is suffering from heart disease and needs expert medical care. The Army has made arrangements for medical check-up by a team of doctors from Escort Heart Institute. The responsibility of her medical treatment and expenditure on her education will be borne by the DBN Brigade. The care of these children would be the responsibility of the brigade till their marriage

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The 33 Corps conducted field firing and exercise in support of a Combat Command in northern part of Bengal. The exercise was planned and conducted in the lush green, wide countryside of Siliguri corridor in a terrain dotted with deep forests with innumerable numbers of rivers and rivulets. It finally culminated in the Teesta Field Firing Range.

The Firing Range witnessed an unprecedented scale of manoeuvres by T-72 tanks, Infantry combat vehicles, helicopters of Army along with live firings by MIG-21 fighters of IAF, all type of Artillery guns including 155mm Bofors and Infantry mortars. The local residents were overawed and thunder-struck by such massive scale of firings hitherto not seen in this part of the country. The exercise was coordinated and orchestrated by HQ 33 Corps (Artillery). The floatation exercise by ICVs and fording of river by T-72 tanks had mesmerised one and all.

The exercise was witnessed by Lt Gen Arvind Sharma, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command. He was accompanied by Lt Gen Thomas Mathew, General Officer Commanding of Sukna-based Trishakti Corps and other dignitaries.

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Lt Gen Aditya Singh assumed Command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command. Prior to assuming Command as the Southern Army Commander, he was the Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command. Lt Gen Aditya Singh joined NDA in 1963and at first he was Commissioned Deccan Horse, one of the oldest Regiment of the Armoured Corps. In addition to other Command and Staff appointments, he has also served as the Brigadier General Staff of HQ Southern Command. He is an alumni of the National Defence College. He has had the distinction of commanding the Deccan Horse and The President’s Bodyguard. He has also commanded a Sector in Hight Altitude area of the Indo-Tibet Border, an Armoured Brigade in Rajasthan and an Armoured Division.

Photo: Lt Gen Aditya Singh being presented a guard of honour

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The novel concept of community farming involving ginger cultivation was launched by Assam Rifles in March last year under the military-civic action project at Lairouching in Senapati district of Manipur. Today, this project has finally stood out as one of the best success stories in terms of a self-sustainable community income generation scheme. An initial investment of about Rs 5000 has grown into a harvest worth approximately Rs 1.5 lakh.

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The 502 Air Defence Group (SP), the “Killer Kvadrats”, equipped with medium range air defence missile weapon system were inducted into the service in early eighties. In the recently concluded annual missile firing along the eastern sea-board, the “Killer Kvadrats” achieved the rare distinction of scoring seven direct hits from the eight missiles launched. Such excellent results bring to fore the high standards of training, maintenance of equipment and operational preparedness of the air defence gunners.

The firing results of the “Killer Kvadrats” were the outcome of the sustained hard work and single minded devotion in training of the crew, maintenance of the vintage equipment and overcoming all associated odds. The missile firing was witnessed by Maj Gen AK Sehgal, MG Army AD, HQ South Western Command and Brig PK Goswami, Commander, 786 (I) Air Defence Brigade. The senior officers present during the firing applauded the excellent performance of the unit and exhorted all ranks to continue to work hard and retain operational preparedness of the highest order.

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Festivities marked 43rd raising day of Central Command. The event got off to a flying start at the AMC Stadium, Lucknow Cantonment with a colourful cultural programme for Other Ranks and Defence civilians. Rajasthan and Punjab folk music presente by the troops of 11th Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre (GRRC) kept the 4000-strong audience mesmerised. At the same venue, the Central Command Band Display and Beating the Retreat along with scintillating fireworks display was organised.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of lamps, followed by fanfare buglers and concluded with the quick march tune, Saare Jahan Se Achha. Military Bands of 11th Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre (GRRC), Lucknow, Grenadier Regimental Centre, Jabalpur, BEG and Centre, Roorkee, Punjab Regimental Centre, Ramgarh as well as Pipes and Drums of AMC Centre and School, Lucknow, Rajput Regimental Centre, Fatehgarh, Dogra Regimental Centre, Faizabad, JAK Rifles Regimental Centre, Jabalpur and others played several well-known tunes. Maj RK Gurung was the principal conductor of the display. To mark the occasion, a Run for Fun was also organised at the AMC Centre and School in Lucknow Cantonment. The event was flagged off by Lt Gen OP Nandrajog, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command accompanied by Mrs Kiran Nandrajog, President, AWWA, Central Command. Different routes were earmarked for different age groups.

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An impressive passing out parade of 282 young soldiers of course No. 61& 62 took place on the Jadunath Parade Ground at Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee. The parade was reviewed by Air Marshal Jayant Apte, Senior Maintenance Staff Officer HQ Maintenance Command, IAF.

The coveted overall Best Recruit Trophy was awarded to Guardsman Sudhir Kumar and Guardsman Pramjeet Singh of the course.

Photo: Air Marshal Jayant Apte reviewing Passing Out Parade

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The South-Western Command Athletic Championship 2006-07 was held at Bathinda, under the aegis of Headquarters 10 Corps, by 10 Corps Artillery Brigade. This was the first such sporting event of the newly raised command.

The responsibility for the conduct of the event was given to 1871 Medium Regiment. The preparations for the athletics event had to start from scratch as the requisite infrastructure was not available at Bathinda Cantt. A class stadium was created by 1871 Medium Regiment in just thirty days. Three Officers, five JCOs and 17 Other Ranks of 1871 Medium Regiment underwent training at NIS, Patiala in various aspects of athletics.

The games were declared open by Maj Gen SK Jaswal, Chief of Staff, HQ 10 Corps. The ceremony included a march-past by the participants, administration of oath, lighting of Olympic flame and a cultural programme. Nearly 400 athletes from eight teams took part in the meet.

The closing ceremony was witnessed by the chief guest, Lt Gen NS Brar, GOC, 10 Corps besides a host of serving and retired officers.

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Lt Gen MC Bhandari, Director General, NCC with NCC cadets delegation destined for Bangladesh under Youth Exchange Programme.

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Indian Army is one of the biggest contributors to the UN peace keeping missing since the inception of UN in 1948. India is willing to consider deploying more troops if requested, said the Deputy chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Mohinder Puri at a Press Conference in New Delhi, Since its first commitment in Korea in 1950, the India Army has participated in some of the most difficult UN peacekeeping operations and won universal acclaim fo their professional excellence.

India's contribution to the peacekeeping missions has now reached nearly 8,000 men-in-uniforms who are deployed in several volatile regions incuding Darfur in war hit African country Sudan. "We have a fairly large representtion of 7820 personnel now, about 7-8 percent of the total number of peacekeepers deployed by the UN across the world" said the Dy COAS. He said the country is ready to consider requests for more deployment by the world body, but made it clear that it would not be at the cost of Army's domestic operational requirements.

So far Indian army has taken poart in 41 peacekeeping Missions with more than 70,000 troops all over the would. India has deployed Battalion groups, peacekeeprs, military engineers, medical teas, Staff Officers and military observers including several women officers in Lebanon, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Cango Sudan, Gaza, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Angola, Burundi, Central America, Iran, Yemen, Iraq, Kuwait, LIberia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Rwanda and Golan Heights.

The most significant contribution of Indian army has been to ensure peace and stability in Africa and Asia. It has demonstrated unique capacity of sustaining large troop contigents over prolonged periods. India has also provided some of the most able Force Commanders for various UN missions. Towards the fulfilment of country's commitment to the UN and world peace, 113 Indian soldiers have so far made the supreme sacrifice. In recognition of their gallant and distinguished service while serving the noble cause of world peace, Indian Army personnel have won one Param Vir Chakra by Capt GS Salaria (Posthumously) for his brave action at Katanga, Southern Cango, five Maha Vir Chakras, four Yudh Seva Medals, 10 Sena Medals, and two Vishist Seva medals to their credit.

Photo: Crowd Control Training of Congolese Police organized by Indian Brigade

Photo: Medical Aid

Photo: Child soldiers and being rescued and surrendering

Photo: Indian BMP's on a Patrol in Estern DRC

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[rajkhalsa]

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Lt Col Sadanand Singh, Deputy Commandant, 11 Gorkha Rifles Regimental Centre reviewed the impressive passing-out parade of 147 recruits of Assam Rifles held at Regimental Centre in Lucknow Cantonment. The recruits in their smartly turned-out uniforms displayed a very high standard of drill and soldierly bearing. The drill was followed by an oath-taking ceremony.

Later, Lt Col Sadanand Singh presented awards to recruits who excelled in different fields of training. He also awarded the Commandant’s Kukri for the outstanding recruits, C Manto Konyak, A Lalnu Temsu and Moanen.

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Hundred medical graduates were commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Service at the passing-out parade held at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) Pune in March this year. Surgeon Vice Admiral VK Singh, Director General of AFMS and Lt Gen MP Jaiprakash, Commandant, AFMC commissioned the graduates. Notable feature of the parade was that it was commanded for the first time in the history of AFMC by a lady officer, Surgeon Lt Cdr Wahida Prizm. Photo: Surg Vice Admiral VK Singh reviewing the parade

Surg Lt Cdr Wahida Prizm was selected from nine other officers on the merit of her performance to command the parade. She joined Navy in November 1997. Wahida, who hails from the remote village Thanna Mandi in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, completed her MBBS from Jammu Medical College. Her father, who was teacher in a Government school, was gunned down by militants in 2001. Her husband, a retired Major after short service in Army, is a pathologist.

After reviewing the parade the Director General AFMS outlined the career prospects for the medical officers in AFMS. He said it is possible now that a commissioned medical officer could reach a rank of full Colonel after 19 years of service. This would help in getting higher pension and other benefits after retirement, he added. He praised the devotion to duty of Lady Medical Officers in the service and said, ‘Todays impressive parade is itself an indication. Photo: Surg Lt Cdr Wahida Prizm commanding the parade

Later, the DGAFMS presented the academic awards and President’s gold and silver medals for outstanding achievements in academics to the passing-out officers. Lt Gen MP Jaiprakash said that the results of AFMC in the examinations conducted by Maharashtra University of Health Sciences were excellent. AFMC scored a pass percentage of 100% in the first year MBBS exams, 99.21% in the second year and 99.19% in the third year. A cultural programme staged by the passing-out course and others provided the finale to the entire ceremony. Photo: DG, AFMS commissioning a medical graduate

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Chief of the Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh talks to a Jawan during a visit

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Unforgetable Memmories: The Desert Corps celebrated its 19th Raising Day. As a mark of respect to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the Indo-Pak Wars, wreaths were laid by the Desert Corps Commander Lt Gen PR Gangadharan, other senior serving and retired officers and soldiers at the Konark War Memorial, Jodhpur.

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Lt Gen MC Bhandari, DG National Cadet Corps felicitating international shooter Mr Shamsher Jung on May 15

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Ms Sheela Bhide, Financial Advisor (Acquisition) and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence visited 56 Mountain Brigade located at Drass. She had a detailed discussion on the equipment related requirement of troops stationed in this sector with Brig Khushal Thakur, Commander, 56 Mountain Brigade.

She appreciated the Indian Army for braving extreme climatic conditions and guarding the national frontiers with elan.

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Altogether 217 recruits belonging to the 278, RCT-25 and TDN-29 batches of Assam Regiment were inducted as soldiers at a colourful attestation parade at Parson Parade Ground of Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong. Col Subrata Saha, Commandant, Assam Regimental Centre took the general salute and reviewed the parade.

Photo: Col Subrata Saha reviewing an attestation parade

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The 3rd Battalion of Sikh Regiment celebrated its 150th Raising Day recently at Bhatinda. A large number of military and civil dignitaries including Lt Gen Devraj Singh, Colonel of the Sikh Regiment and Director General, Infantry along with fifteen British nationals participated in the celebrations.

Photo: The unit trekking team at Gurjoit pass

The celebrations began with the launch of an adventure expedition at Yol Camp in Himachal Pradesh. The trekking team covered a distance of 240 km from Palampur to Kullu whereas the motor cycle and cycle team traversed 1200 km across Punjab in twelve days. An open half-marathon and children’s cross-country was organised for the first time in Bhatinda. Shwetaswa, a dispatch rider team from Corps of Military Police-presented a breathtaking motor-cycle display. A glittering ceremonial parade was conducted at the Parade Ground of the unit which was reviwed by Lt Gen Devraj Singh.

Photo: Mrs Chand Kaur, the mother of late Sep Baldev Singh receiving a cheque from Maj Gen RS Sujlana

The parade was preceded by the unveiling of a 12-ft high portable brass War Memorial by the Colonel of the Regiment and Maj Gen RS Sujlana, General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division and ex-Commanding officers of the unit. A postage stamp was released to mark the occasion by the Department of Post and Telegraph. Maj Gen RS Sujlana also released a book on the history of the unit and disbursed financial assistance of Rs 7,50,000 to needy ex-servicemen and war widows of the unit. The event included a sainik sammelan attended by all serving and veteran soldiers of the unit

Photo: Wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial

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Jawans presenting an entertainment programme at Armoured Corps Centre and School, Ahmednagar during the Armoured Corps Day celebrations. Maj Gen PS Yadav, Commandant, Armoured Corps Centre and School was also present on the occasion.

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The Ceremony of thirteen students of 46th Batch of Diploma Nursing and Midwifery Course of School of Nursing, Cenral Command Hospital was held at Lucknow.

The chief guest was Lt Gen Ashok Vasudeva, Chief of Staff, HQ Central Command.

Gen Vasudeva felicitated the meritorious students on the occasion. Army Commander Silver Medal was bagged by Lt Anuradha for standing first in final examination. Commandant, Central Command Hospital, Memento was presented to Lt Anu Sharma being the best side student nurse and SP Arora Studio Trophy was awarded to Lt Lalita being the best all round student nurse. These young Lieutenants also secured first, second and third position in the final examination.

Maj Gen Subroto Kundu, Commandant, Command Hospital, welcomed the guests while the School report was presented by Lt Col TK Bhutia, Principal Tutor, School of Nursing. Maj V Agnihotri was the parade commander.

Photo: Lt Gen Ashok Vasudeva presenting the Over All Trophy to Lt Lalita Alriya

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In battles, martial music ignites a passion in soldiers when even the most eloquent orations fail. The Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area (MG&G Area) Military Band and Pipes & Drums Competition 2005-06, conducted by Army AD Centre, Nasik Road set the same mood.

Eleven teams participated in this competition at Gyani Stadium and Topchi Auditorium of Artillery Centre. On the first day, the Military Band marching display competition was held wherein the military bands displayed their acumen playing various nominated tunes while marching. Pipes and Drums competition was held in the same format as that of the Military Bands. Both events were graded by a pannel of judges. A sitting concert performance was also included as a part of competition.

Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee walked away with both Best Military Band and the Best Pipes and Drums Band trophies. The runners-up, amongst the Pipes and Drums, were the Bengal Engineer Group and Centre Band. The event culminated with an impressive Mass Band display and Beating Retreat followed by a prize distribution by Maj Gen BW Kelson, Deputy Comamandant, School of Artillery, Deolali. The top three bands would represent the MG&G Area in the South Command Military Band Pipes & Drums Competition.

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Bombay Sappers celebrated Reunion 2006 and centenary of the Bombay Sappers Officers’ mess. The Commemoration Parade was held at the Memorial Parade Gound of the Bombay Sappers. Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman, Vice Chief of Army Staff and Colonel Commandant of Bombay Sappers reviewed the parade.

Chief of the Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh and Mrs Anupama Singh, President, AWWA graced the Centenary Dinner at Bombay Sappers Officers’ Mess. The ‘First Day Cover’ on Bombay Sappers Officers’ Mess and a book, Tradition of Valour, was released by the COAS to mark the occasion.

Photo: Army Chief releasing the book

Photo: Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman reviewing the Commemoration Parade

Photo: Demonstration of Malkamb, an ancient Indian yogic gymnastics form, practiced by troops for bodybuilding

Photo: A Para Drop display

Photo: Para Troopers of the Bombay Sappers being led by Lt Col Jayachandran CJ, OC 411(I) Para Field Company

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Air Marshal KS Chaturvedi, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Maintenance Command, Air Force visited the Sainik School, Kunjpura to motivate the cadets of the school

The Principal of the school welcomed the guest and apprised Air Marshal Chaturvedi of extraordinary achievements of the school.

In his address to the staff and the students, Air Marshal Chaturvedi appreciated the onerous task being carried out by the school. He exhorted the cadets to inclulcate qualities of leadership, dedication to duty and high moral character. He also said that mediocrity has no place in today’s fast changing competitive world.

Photo: Air Marshal KS Chaturvedi inspecting a Guard of Honour presented by the school cadets

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[rajkhalsa]

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INDIAN AIRFORCE
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The renowned Suryakiran Formation Aerobatics Team of IAF gave a scintillating and breathtaking performance at Air Force station, Jodhpur. The performance was organised for students of various schools and colleges, and residents of Jodhpur.

The nine aircraft formations flown by the Suryakirans included ‘Diamond’, ‘Columbai’, ‘Delta’, ‘Apollo’, ‘Shockwave’, ‘Sukhoi’, ‘Wine Glass’ and ‘Card’ while the six-aircraft formations flown included ‘Shockwave’, ‘Yankee’, ‘Tango’, ‘Goblet’, ‘Phoenix’ and ‘Wedge’. During his interaction with the media-persons, Air Cmde Jinendra Kumbhat, AOC, AF station, Jodhpur emphasised the need to motivate the youth to join IAF - one of the most hi-tech Arms of our Defence Services. He said that the display of aerobatics by the Suryakirans was organised with that aim.

Photo: The Suryakirans performing over the Jodhupr skies

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Brahmos supersonic cruise missile on launch during the 12th successful flight trial in the desert of Rajasthan

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The advent of helicopters in India is associated with the birth of ‘One-O-Four’ flight of the Indian Air Force at Palam on March 10, 1954 under the command of Flt Lt A Neal Todd. The history of ‘One-O-Four’ is an account of the formative years of the helicopter force in India whether domestic or military. The peregrinate, which started with simple communication or logistic tasks and VIP/mercy missions, has seen ‘One-O-Four’ evolve into a frontline and formidable attack helicopter squadron of today. All these years have seen ‘One-O-Four’ changing its name from the ‘Pioneer Rotorians’ to the ‘Firebirds’ and altering its philosophy from that of Apatsu Mitram to an offensive ‘stalk, strike and survive’. The unit has operated seven types of helicopters which include S-55, S-62, Bell 47G3, Mi-4, Chetak and the present Mi-25/Mi-35.

In April-May 1971, the unit launched five helicopters to Ceylon in order to assist the government there. They flew numerous sorties and carried out counter-insurgency operations against the guerilla forces. Operating in the hostile territory in Ceylon, the unit helciopters were fitted with 20 mm guns. The 1971 war was yet another glorious chapter in the history of the unit. It operated in the western sector of Punjab and flew hundreds of sorties during the two weeks of war. In 1977, all helicopters were modified to carry anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The unit took part in numerous Army/Air integration camps evolving tactics for the new role. The unit was awarded the Squadron Crest in October 1979. The unit insignia signified the embodiment of service on land, sea and in air, in the roles aptly indicated on the three rotors of helicopter i.e. attack, communication and rescue operations which perhaps best summed up the concept underlying the unit’s operations over the decads.

Its communication roles and relief operations ended with the advent of the Mi-35 helicopter in June 1990. With the advent of the Mi-35s, ‘One-O-Four’ stepped into the ‘Present Era’. The awesome Mi-35 attack helicopters remains the most lethal helicopters in the IAF inventory till date. During operation Safed Sagar in 1999, Mi-35s of the squadron for the first time carried out practice firing at Toshe Maidan firing range, close to Srinagar, at an altitude of 10,000 ft. The squadron proceeded to Sierra Leone in June 2000 for a UN peace-keeping mission which definitely was a prestigious moment in its history. Here, on July 15, 2000, the squadron carried out operation Khukri to carry out successful rescue of 222 Indian UNPKF troops and 11 Military Observers along with their equipment who had been taken prisoners by the rebel forces.

After the culmination of operation Parakram, the squadron was once again earmarked to deploy a detachment for UN peace-keeping mission at Congo in June 2003. In January 2004, in recognition of its sterling presence in the history of rotory aviation, ‘One-O-Four’ was felicitated as the pioneer helicopter unit of the country.

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Mr Services: NC(E) Rajendran of Air Force declared as Mr Services in Inter-services Best Physique Championship 2005-2006. This was held at INS Angre Mumbai. Indian Air Force retained the championship for the second consecutive year with Navy placed in second and Army placed in third position.

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Indian Air Force MiG-29, Jaguar, Tejas, Su-30MKI and Dhruv

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It may just take a little, longer... for the brave-hearts of the Indian Air Force. World’s toughest battlefield, where temperature ranges from 30º C to minus 70º C, about which there is an old saying in the region, “to these places only the best of the friends and the fiercest of the enemies visit”, the brave warriors of Indian Air Force have made their second home. The legend and the old saying is being modified, “to these places, visit only the fiercest of the enemies, the bravest of the men and the warriors of the Indian Air Force”. Western Air Command of Indian Air Force is engaged in the world’s longest on-going air maintenance operations for valiant troops of Indian Army, perched between the Saltoro and Karakoram ranges in the Siachen Glacier and in the surrounding areas.

Flying IL-76, AN-32, MI-17 and Cheetah at locations and altitudes, where even the manufacturers do not permit even in their wildest imagination, officers and Airmen of Indian Air Force have bravely defied all technical logic and scripted a legendary and heroic story of determination, grit and out of box thinking for the generations to come. This is a unique example of inter-Service support operation between Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

These air maintenance operations are carried out from 12 Wing, Chandigarh under Air Cmde Venu Gopal, World’s highest air force base, 21 Wing at Leh commanded by Air Cmde Talukdar and Thoise, nicknamed “Siachen Warriors”, commanded by Gp Capt P Jaiswal. Under the overall supervision and inspiring leadership of Air Marshal AK Singh, AOC-in C, Western Air Command, IAF aircraft keep flying day in and day out, in the rains, in the blizzard or any other adverse condition, much to the surprise of the adversaries and the other powers of the world.

Photo: At forwardmost Air Force base, Thoise: troop induction

Navigating through the dangerous mountains

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One hundred-and-thirtyfive cadets were commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force after successful completion of their training at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad on June 17. Seventysix cadets including five women cadets of Flying (Pilots) Branch were awarded wings. Eight cadets from Flying (Navigation) Branch and fiftyone cadets including twentyfive women cadets in Ground Duty Branches were commissioned. Three Naval Officers and one Coast Guard officer were awarded wings on completion of flying training.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy. Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Air Chief said, ‘glory lies not only in a single brave deed in a future battle, but more in honest and diligent discharge of everyday duty.’ The proud parents and guests of the passing-out trainees also witnessed the impressive parade. Air Marshal BN Gokhale, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command and Air Vice Marshal Dhiraj Kukreja, Commandant, Air Force Academy received the reviewing officer on his arrival.

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~~FIN~~

Hope you enjoyed!

Will post more photos soon

-Raj

[Hellfish]

Welcome back, Raj! You're an MP.net gem!

[STIG]

Awesome pics Raj and glad to have you back.

[Ordie]

Excellent photos.

The Indian Army looks more British than the British.
Is it true that for every 100 volunteers only one is selected into the Indian Army?
Does the Indian Army still keep the traditional Regimental Silver and Mess much akin to that of the British?

[goat89]

Nice pics! Thx for sharing!

[STIG]

IA's COAS looks badass ...interesting camo pattern as well.

[rajkhalsa]

Thanks guys

Excellent photos.

The Indian Army looks more British than the British.
Is it true that for every 100 volunteers only one is selected into the Indian Army?
Does the Indian Army still keep the traditional Regimental Silver and Mess much akin to that of the British?

Hi,

I've read news reports that only one out of 100-150 people who apply in the army can actually get in. In the IAF and IN, its even harder to get in. Similarly getting into Indian military academies are quite challenging, though I'm not sure of the ratio

I don't know too much about regimental traditions, but I do know that very few traditions have changed, though some, like some of the uniforms, have been more 'Indianized'

Cheers,
Raj

[ElHombre]

The raj returns with more great pics. You mention them using British as well as Indian traditions...

It looks like they're taking on the traditions of the Roman army as well.

[Stormy]

Extremely excellent post, Raj. Thanks.

[sheroo]

HEy Raj, Welcome back. Missed you. Where have u been
PM me

[rajkhalsa]

The raj returns with more great pics. You mention them using British as well as Indian traditions...

It looks like they're taking on the traditions of the Roman army as well.

Sometimes peace-keeping entails peace enforcing. Those are Congolese police officers in a training exercise conducted by the Indian Army peacekeepers

[raju2805]

Awasome pic..

Great collection sir...

Thanx a lot for sharing.,..