Indian Army

 

Sapta Shakti Command Conducts Exercise Shoorveer

Exercise Shoorveer had commenced in March 2012 as part of a cohesive and synergised ‘Air Land Battle’-to validate various doctrines and concepts-it culminated on 05 May. Set against a backdrop of achieving battlefield transparency in a network centric environment, it incorporated all significant issues of various studies conducted on transformation of the Army. Synergized employment of all Arms and Services towards enhanced battlefield transparency and employment of various force multipliers was also validated. The complete spectrum of operations from mobilisation to execution of battle, to include operational logistics, were tested. The exercise was unique as force and technology were employed in perfect synergy to attain exponential dividends. It was also one of the largest exercises conducted in recent times by Indian Army, in joint synergy with Air Force.

Seminar on ‘Reinforcing Value System’

This seminar was conducted at IMA on 07-08 May by Army Management Service Board, under the aegis of Army Training Command. 17 delegates including GOC-in-C, ARTRAC, serving as well as retired military & IAS officers and professors spoke to bring forth the importance of morals, ethics, ethos and value system in the Army. Approximately 300 officers as well as ladies from the three defence services, civil services, civilians and cadets from the various defence academies attended. Towards the end, an institutionalised approach, at the training level was formulated-to build a strong moral and ethical fibre among the trainees.

Exercise SHAT RUJEET-12

A joint Indo-US Exercise was conducted at Camp Pandleton, California, USA from 09 to 23 Apr. A contingent of 21 Officers, 10 JCOs and 99 Jawans from Bison Division participated. The United States Marine Corps (USMC) was represented by 1st Battalion, the fifth Marine Regiment, of 13th Marine Expeditionary Force. The exercise provided a platform for exchange of military capabilities, specially in areas of expertise in amphibious warfare.

Lucknow Cantt Creates Longest Red Ribbon Record

To increase awareness of AIDS and issues related to children affected by AIDS, HQ Central Command, alongwith NGO UMMEED, UNICEF and Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, collectively organized an AIDS awareness campaign. The theme was “Getting to Zero”. Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. The Longest Red Ribbon on Earth, was created on 06 May, to commemorate International AIDS orphans day. 1005.7 meters in length, it was made by hand-prints of approximately 6000 students from 22 schools of Lucknow including Sainik School & APS, Lucknow. The last record was 408.55 meters, achieved at New York, USA. Guinness officials and those from Limca Book of World Records were present during the event.

Army Provides Succor to Stranded Pilgrims at Kedarnath

On 28 Apr, at around 1600 hours, DM Rudraprayag approached Army, seeking urgent assistance to meet the emergency arising out of inclement weather at Kedarnath Shrine. Swiftly responding to the crisis,three composite medical teams were deployed at Kedarnath, Rambara and Gaurikund. Over the next 72 hrs, approximately 15000 pilgrims were evacuated to safer positions and provided resuscitation and medical aid.

Medical Camp Organised In Chhattisgarh

Under the aegis of HQ Central Command, the local Formation organised the largest medical and veterinary camp in South Chhattisgarh on 30 Apr and 01 May. This camp was a landmark event, and was successful, despite the naxals call for a Chhattisgarh Bandh. Nearly 4780 locals were treated by a team of 30 Army doctors. During the camp, 100 bicycles for girl students, thousands of packages of school books, 860 school uniform sets for students, and financial assistance to ESM were disbursed.

World Veterinary Day Celebrated at Meerut Cantt

Central Military Veterinary Laboratory (CMVL), Meerut Cantt organized a “Free Rabies Immunization, Deworming and Health camp for Pets” on 28 Apr, to commemorate World Veterinary Day 2012. The focus was on raising awareness about anti-microbial resistance. More than 200 pet owners from both civil and military populace participated and got their pets immunised. Health checkup and de-worming of all dogs was done. Pet owners were given educational material and shown presentations on antimicrobial resistance.

Demonstration by Combat Engineers for IMA Cadets

Exercise Jal Tarang, a demonstration on combat engineering tasks, equipment and capability of Sappers was organisation at BEG & Centre on 26 Apr, attended by 30 Officers, 1200 Gentlemen Cadets from IMA Dehradun, 21 Cadets from RIMC and All Ranks with their families of Roorkee station. During the demonstration, various situations in battle were painted and application of combat engineering resources in such situations was demonstrated. State of the art combat engineering equipment was showcased and their capability demonstrated.

Red Shield Division Organises Peace Meet

To foster a feeling of oneness amongst the various ethnic communities of Manipur, the local Gorkha Rifles unit organised a one day Inter Community Peace and Harmony Meet at Mangolganbi College Ground, Ningthoukhong. It began with release of doves by religious teachers of different faiths, followed by an exhibition volleyball match. Children of various age groups participated in an essay competition on the topic ‘How to bring Peace and Harmony in Manipur’. A series of talks were given by religious teachers, prominent citizens and social workers, on ways and means to bring about peace and prosperity to the state.

International Earth Day Celebrated

Assam Rifles, under IGAR (South) celebrated ‘International Earth Day’ on 22 Apr at Moreh. 140 students and staff of three educational institutions, namely Eastern Shine School, Netaji School and Salvation School participated. An informative talk was delivered highlighting the significance of Earth Day, incorporating aspects of Global Warming, Pollution Control and role of children as responsible citizens. Later, a rally was organized around Moreh town, wherein students carried banners to educate the local populace on ecolgy and conservation.

135 ETF Creates Record in Planting Saplings

On 29 Apr,100 personnel of 135 Ecological Task Force (ETF), alongwith a batallion of Dogra Regiment planted 40,885 saplings in one hour in Chirang Reserve Forest, Kokrajhar, surpassing the previous record held at Gransha Park, Northern Ireland where 26,422 sapling were planted in one hour on 05 Dec 09. The unit, alongwith the local Divisional Forest Officer provided all documentary evidence to ‘‘Guinness Book of World Records” for recognition of this feat. For its efforts, the unit was conferred “Best Environmentalist Award” by District Administration, Kokrajhar on 26 Jan 2011 and “Times Of India Social Impact Award” on 02 Oct 2011.

Undergrounds Lay Down Arms in Manipur

IGAR(S) accomplished an unconditional surrender of 103 hardcore UGs of Manipur in front of the Chief Minister, Mr O Ibobi Singh in a simple homecoming Ceremony organized at Mantripukhri. These ultras, belonging to various outfits surrendered, alongwith a large number of weapons. The CM applauded the role of the Assam Rifles in facilitating the surrender & helping the misguided youth of Manipur through various rehabilitation programs. These efforts, with the support of the State govt have contributed to the present improved security situation of Manipur. Conduct of fair and smooth Assembly elections, coupled with spurt in surrenders is a pointer to return of normalcy and disenchantment of youth with violence.

Women’s Ice Hockey Exhibition Match in Dras

As an initiative under the ongoing Sadbhavana mission, an Ice Hockey Exhibition match was held at Bimbat Ice Hockey Rink, between two women’s teams from Leh recently. The event was greeted with enthusiasm by the locals as well as the civil dignitaries. About 400 to 500 people from Dras town, including a large number of women, turned up. This event brings forth the coming of age of modern Ladakhi women, who have started shedding their domestic mantle and are coming forward to participate in events like sports, alongside the menfolk.

Disaster Preparedness & First Aid Workshop

In pursuit of the vision “Empowering the people and helping the weak to help themselves” a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in conjunction with ‘Americares’, organized a week long programme to educate and prepare people in disaster management, impart first aid training, medical aid to the needy and provisioning of hearing aids for the disabled. The workshop was conducted from 23 to 28 April culminating in a medical camp at Kharpura, where Solar Lights, Wheel Chairs and Hearing Aids were distributed. The training encompassed CPR, management of bleeding, fractures, burns, snake bites, electrocution and cold injuries. The beneficiaries included individuals of all age groups, with focus on disabled children.

Vastra Vitaran Samaroh Organised at Sarh

The Rashtriya Rifles Batallion located at Sarh organized a ‘Vastra Vitaran Samaroh’ for the poor and needy people of Mahore Sub Division on 12 May. Clothes amounting to over rupees one lakh were distributed on the occasion. Two pair of shoes, one shawl and one blanket were distributed to each family and almost 100 benefited from this gesture. Besides, a veterinary camp was also set up simultaneously and free medicines were distributed for the cattle.

Pre-Recruitment Training Organised in Bhadarwah

The youth of Bhadarwah region got an opportunity to imbibe recruitment training for enrolment in TA, when the local Rashtriya Rifles unit conducted a Pre-recruitment capsule Training in Sitengal. Basics about proficiency in physical and written tests required for recruitment in TA were taught to students hailing from remote villages of Sharekhi, Thanala and Bheja. The training commenced on 20 Mar with 23 students and lasted one month, wherein the endeavour was to impart training to maximum number of students.

Army Mountaineers Commence Everest Summit Attempt

The 22 member Army Mountaineers team, comprising seven women officers made summit attempts between 15-20 May. A day prior to launch of the team to the summit, the Chief of Nepal Army, General CMS Gurung, arrived at Everest Base Camp to greet and exhort the team members. He was accompanied by the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Mr Jayant Prasad and the Indian Defence Attaché, Col Ajay Pasbola. Addressing the team members, led by Col Ajay Kothiyal, he said, “physical fitness can get you here but it is mental strength, drive and determination that will get you to the summit of Everest. He extended all help & material support including a helicopter and a smaller aircraft kept on standby at all times for any exigencies. He also recalled past joint expeditions, citing the 2003 Joint Indo-Nepal Everest Expedition and the recently-concluded Eco-Annapurna Trek 2011.

Joint Skiing Training With French Army

To enhance defence cooperation between India and France, both armies conducted a Joint Skiing Techniques Training Camp in France, at EMHM, Chamonix, which is the oldest and most renowned mountaineering and ski institute in the world. The training involved learning of skiing techniques practised by French Army. The routine involved going to different Alpine slopes for training. The Indian skiers mastered the advanced skills of Hopping and Sliding turns on Soft and Hard Snow, Moghul Skiing, Ski jumps and Telemark skiing through valleys and jungles. They also sharpened their skills at soft snow and back country skiing. The Indian skiers attained Diploma of Military Ski Instructor, with Instructor grading and Insignia, on the course.

Absorption of Technology in The Army

Introduction Proliferation of high technology in the Army has led to the need for management of technology transition. Today, convergence of military and civil commercial technologies is taking place. Technology transfer and its absorption is thus a major challenge faced by the Army, which increases with each hi-tech acquisition. Technology in Combat The ability to use engineering knowledge to maximise operational advantage by exploring emerging technologies for leveraging opportunities and developing innovative solutions would be the deciding factor in future combat. Hence systems need to be innovated by using emerging technologies to meet military needs of operational, logistics and battlespace management. The supporting Arms/ Services that have been in the forefront of this rapid technology transition are the Corps of Engineers, Signals and the Electronics & Mechanical Engineers (EME).

Technology Absorption Technology is said to be absorbed, if it is fully understood, to be further optimised or upgraded. It involves ‘know why’ and design investigations into the product/processes/systems. ‘Integration of advance engineering knowledge with combat experience’ is the key to technology innovation. The ground rules to remember are :-     • Acquisition of technology is costly and time consuming. • Acquired technologies need to be adapted to local conditions. • Technologies are not commodities that can be transferred as a complete ready-to-use set and contain tacit components, not easily codified/transmitted in written documents and require extensive learning.

THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Background Over the years, Engineers have identified technology requirements, both in the existing inventory as well as development of future capability. Thrust areas of technology development has gone into Composite Materials, Advance Sensors, Robotic, Direct Energy Weapons, Advance Metallurgy and Nano Technologies. New Equipment Variety of technology and equipment already introduced, include, Sarvatra bridging system, indigenous PMS Bridge to bridge dry and wet gaps, Full Width Mine Plough (FWMP) for a single pass assault lane, State of the art Vehicles to handle IEDs, Gap Measuring Devices, Skid Steers, Influence mines and a BMP II based NBC Recce Vehicle.

The Training of Engineers The Alma Mater of Engineer Officers, College of Military Engineering (CME) has a role encompassing training, advisory, projects and research & experimentation for the Combat Engineers, Military Engineering Service, Border Roads Organisation and Military Survey. Training is conducted for personnel of the Corps of Engineers, Other Arms and Services, Navy, Air Force, Para Military Forces, Police and Civilians. The College regularly participates in professional and industrial seminars and also conducts conferences, symposiums and seminars pertaining to training matters and technical subjects, as also invites eminent speakers to deliver talks on subjects of military importance.

College of Military Engineering, Pune

CORPS OF SIGNALS

Background Since times of yore, comns have played a vital role in warfare. From smoke signals, human runners and pigeons, to telegraphy and onto wireless communications, the  transformation to the information age of today has been revolutionary. The Corps of Signals has, over the years, pro-actively assimilated emerging technologies thus building a truly networked force. Since its inception, the Corps has conceptualised and worked valiantly to keep all elements of Army connected through communications.

Present Role The Corps of Signals is tasked with dominating the electromagnetic spectrum used on the battlefield, to enable own armed forces to gain decisive edge over the adversary. Technology has a pronounced effect on warfare with Information Assurance, Dominance and Superiority being major battle winning factors. Adept management and exploitation of niche technology, in consonance with operational requirements will be the key factors in future conflicts. Modern armed forces need converged and synergized military information systems. In this direction, the Corps provides a state of art ‘Infostructure’ for the Army.

Development of Communication Infrastructure The Corps has chartered a progressive path starting from carrier pigeons, flags, heliographs, semaphore, lines and carrier systems to the state-of-the art networks, using multifarious communication media, systems and equipment like fibre optics, high capacity switches, Satellite and Cellular Communications and radio equipment now graduating to Software Defined Radios (SDR). Our communication networks have truly changed the manner in which warfare is perceived, thus scripting the way for envisioning of Network Centric Warfare. Signals is in the process of implementing an exclusive Tri Services Defence Communication Network, which will provide foolproof and robust strategic communications.

Human Resource Management The Corps invests heavily in its personnel through human resource management practices. Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) trains its officers in various facets of tactical communications, electronic engineering,electronic warfare and IT. Personnel Below Officers Rank (PBOR) are trained at 1 Signal Training Centre (STC) at Jabalpur or at 2 STC, Goa. MCTE imparts training in combat communications, computer technology, communication engineering, electronic warfare, cyber security, regimental signal communications and cryptology. The Faculty of Studies evolves communication guidelines and training material. Co-located is the Army Centre for Electro-Magnetics (ACE), which is the nodal agency for conduct of electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and electro-magnetic compatibility (EMC) testing for all electronic equipment being planned to be inducted in the Indian Army.

CORPS OF ELECTRONICS AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

Background The Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) strives to ensures that latest technology in our war fighting systems give us the technological edge. Equipment and technology management are its omnipotent command functions, especially in the field of electronics, simulators, materials, computing and robotics. The concept is to co-partner with the users and improve threshold levels of technology absorption, by pro-actively identifying key technological needs. While the Nodal Repair Centres/Technology Centres in the Corps Zone Workshops help in engineering support management and technology absorption at the working level, the field workshops help in maintaining high reliability/availability of equipment and undertaking innovations. The Army Base Workshops undertake equipment recapitalisation and manufacture of critical spares.

Technology Transition Management Three important concerns which influence technology investments are leveraging the technology explosion, enabling the information based Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) and Asymmetric threats. The strategy adopted for technology transition management by EME includes the following :-       • Interactive Forums (IFs) These are conducted in synchronisation with users, maintainence personnel, Original Equipment Manufactures (OEM) and Technical Managers. Technology Centres and field units conduct IFs to instill technical ethos and develop expertise on the equipment.   • Army Technology Centre(ATC) and Technical Centres  The ATC at HQ Technical Group and Technical Centres at the Corps level play a crucial role in the management of technical transition for the field Army. These have also developed as centres of excellence, for various types of equipment.   • Eqpt Help Line (EHL) EHL has helped create a technical culture by posting details of latest technologies in a lucid manner, for easy understanding of all soldiers.   • Sustainability Advisory Gps (SAGs) SAGs located at various design, development and production agencies for associating with the weapon systems under induction are vital engineering support links. These have played a key role and emerged as engineering powerhouses that have enhanced the technology base.   • Technical Training Training at OEM premises has assisted in better understanding of technology, by experiencing the technology development/manufacturing processes.   • Modifications/Innovations Improving an existing equipment for more effective utilisation, gives an impetus to understand technology, thus harnessing & absorbing it in a more productive manner.   • Life Cycle Sustainment Induction of new generation weapon and eqpt systems ensures that transfer of technology under defence procurements never gets missed out. This would also increase the exposure to modern technologies.

Training In The EME   MCEME and EME School ensure that modern technologies in today’s weapon systems are fully absorbed by the technicians and operators. Training here is focused towards making all ranks capable of applying their knowledge in tackling engineering problems, in order to provide effective and optimum solutions. The institutes primarily offer technical and management education in relevant engineering disciplines to all ranks, including civilians, with special referance to repair, maintainence and inspection. Advance technical training in automotive, armaments, medical equipment, instruments, small arms, electronics, aeronautical systems and equipment are also imparted.