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Indo-Chilean Defence Ties on a Higher Plank

Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of the Naval Staff with Commander-in-Chief of Chilean Navy, Admiral Rodolo Codina at South Block

Vice Admiral Venkat Bharathan paying homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti after taking over as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Vice Admiral Bharathan took over from Vice Admiral Yashwant Prasad who retired from service on October 31st last.

A sailing expedition was organised by Corps of Engineers. Twentyone participants, including a Naval officer cruised 1200 nm from Mumbai to Kochi in Seabird class boats. The expedition was flagged off by Lt Gen BS Takhar, GOC-in-C, Southern Command

Editor Narendra Kaushal Assistant Editors S Manjula Suprasanthi Devi Sub-Editor Sanjeev K Sharma Senior Artist Daulat Ram Assistance Sekhar Babu Madduri Our Correspondents: DELHI: Col SK Sakhuja, Sqn Ldr Mahesh Upasani, Cdr Vinay Garg: ALLAHABAD: Sqn Ldr SM Sharma; BANGALORE: MN Shankar; CHENNAI: C Muthuvelu; GANDHINAGAR: Wg Cdr TK Singha; GUWAHATI: Lt Col SK Gautam; IMPHAL: Lt Col SD Goswami; JALANDHAR: Naresh Vijay Vig; JAMMU: Lt Col RK Chhibber; JODHPUR: Lt Col RK Palta; KOCHI: Cdr M Nambiar; KOHIMA: Lt Col MK Pal; KOLKATA: S Bhattacharya; LUCKNOW: SHM Zaidi; MUMBAI: Cdr AK Lambhate; NAGPUR: Wg Cdr Anil Ingley; PALAM: Wg Cdr Sanjeev Sharma; PUNE: VK Abdulla; SECUNDERABAD: NV Nagarajan; SHILLONG: Wg Cdr Binoy Chongtham; SRINAGAR: Lt Col VK Batra; TEZPUR: Maj Narendra Singh; THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PNK Pillai; UDHAMPUR: Col RK Sen; VISAKHAPATNAM: Capt LN Prasad. Office L-1, Block, Church Road, New Delhi-110001, Telefax : 23094668 Telephone: 23092768 E-in-C: E-2078.    einc-ss@nic.in Visit us at: http://www.sainiksamachar.org.in http://www.mod.nic.in/csamachar/welcome.html Editorial : edit-ss@nic.in Published by : Sitanshu Kar, Addl PIO Directorate of Public Relations, South Block, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi - 110011 Subscription Rates Inland (Ordinary): One Year Rs 100.00, Overseas (Surface Mail): Rs 450.00 Concessional (per year): Rs 20.00 (Applicable for dependants of service personnel & ex-Servicemen.) Please send your subscriptions to Business Manager. Money Order, IPO or Bank Draft should be drawn in favour of Editor-in-Chief, Sainik Samachar. ♦♦♦ All old subscribers must write their subscription no. while corresponding with Sainik Samachar. ♦♦♦ For advertisement contact: Laxman Jatav, Business Manager. email: bm-ss@nic.in (Right to accept or reject advertisement is reserved) on front cover : Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee with his Chilean counterpart, Mr Jaime Ravinet

In this Issue Army Ordance Corps Coast Guard Commanders Conference Exercise Chakravyuh • KR Narayanan Passes Away • Glory at Kangla Tongbi • Committed to Peacekeeping • North-East File • A Streak of Connectivity • Service Bonds Regulars • Photo Essay • From the File/Readers Write • Armed Forces Panorama Mauritius Delegation at Garuda Twenty's Triumph

KR Narayanan
Passes Away

1920-2005

The former President and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, KR Narayanan passed away in New Delhi on November 9. He was 85. Narayanan was admitted to the Army Research & Referral Hospital on October 29, as he was suffering from pneumonia. He was on life support systems since October 31.

Born on October 27, 1920 in the village of Uzhavoor in Kottayam District of Kerala, Kocheril Raman Narayanan assumed the office as President of India on July 25, 1997.

Narayanan started his career as a Lecturer in the University of Travancore in 1943 and later took to journalism and worked with The Hindu, Madras and the Times of India, Bombay.

Narayanan joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1949 and served in Indian Embassies in Rangoon, Tokyo, London, Canberra and Hanoi and held different positions in the Ministry of External Affairs.

After retirement from the Foreign Service in 1978, Narayanan was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi in January 1979 which he held till October 1980. He served as India's Ambassador to the United States of America from 1980-84.

After serving as Indian Ambassador to USA, Narayanan entered politics and won three successive General Elections in 1984, 1989 and 1991 from his Parliamentary Constituency of Ottapalam in Kerala. He was Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from 1985 to 1992. During this period he was Union Minister of State for Planning (1985), External Affairs (1985-86) and Science and Technology, Atomic Energy, Space, Electronics and Ocean Development.

Narayanan was elected Vice-President of India and served in this position from August 21, 1992 till he assumed the office of the President of India in July 1997. He was ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha during this period.

Narayanan had been a Member of various Indian delegations to the UN. He was also associated with several institutions in diverse capacities. He was a scholar and authored four books.

Service Chiefs participating in the funeral ceremony

The President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Vice President, Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh have condoled the death of Narayanan.

The Defence Minister,Mr Pranab Mukherjee, in his message, said that KR Narayanan leaves behind a legacy of simplicity and humility worth emulating by one and all.

The former President is survived by wife and two daughters.

- PIB (DW)

Army Ordnance Corps: A Saga of Service

GS Pathak, the then Vice-President of India presenting Colours to Army Ordance Corps on December 8, 1970

Following are the milestones in the history of AOC.
1775:A Board of Ordnance was planned and approved by the then Supreme Government. It came into existence on April 8.
1786:A single board controlling Ordnance Stores was replaced by a more comprehensive board - the Military Board, which not only controlled Ordnance but also Studs, Public Works, Commissariat etc.
1857:Four officers of the Ordnance Commissariat Department won the Victoria Cross.
1879:The Army in India Commission recommended the amalgamation of the Presidency of Ordnance Departments.
1884:The amalgamation of the three Presidency Ordnance Departments into the Ordnance Department India took place on April 1st. India came to have an integrated Ordnance Department under the Director General of Ordnance.
1898:The administration of the factories was removed from the jurisdiction of the several Inspectors General of Ordnance and concentrated under the direct control of the Director General of Ordnance.
1900:The four circles of Ordnance supply were reduced to two - Northern and Southern.
1905:The growing importance of the factories was reflected in the sanctioning of the post of an Inspector General of Ordnance Factories.
1909: The Ordnance Services began to be administered by the Commander-in-Chief, and not by an outside agency.
1911: The Indian Ordnance Department was sub-divided into three units corresponding to different spheres of Ordnance activities, namely, manufacture (represented by factories), storage and distribution (represented by arsenals) and inspection. Each unit was under the charge of a Director.
1914-18: During World War-I, the Indian Ordnance Department dispatched personnel of Ordnance Field Park to different theatres of war. The Indian Munitions Board set up in April 1917 geared up defence production. The Mesopotamia debacle and the strictures passed by the Mesopotamia commission report on the Indian Army Organisation (including the India Ordnance Department) led to the conviction that Ordnance Services in India should be reorganised. The essence of proposals was that the stores section should be organised like the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) and placed under the QMG who supplied clothing and certain supply and transport stores.
1922: The Ordnance and Clothing Services under the Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores were styled as the Indian Army Ordnance Corps. The Ordnance Services were thrown open to all branches of the Army.
1929: The Director of Equipment and Ordnance Stores was redesignated as the Director of Ordnance Services and placed under the Master General of Ordnance in India.
1931: Col HW Bowen was appointed as the first Colonel Commandant of the Corps.
1939-45: From April 1, 1939, the IAOC took over responsibility for the provision, repair and maintenance of mechanical vehicles from the Royal Indian Service Corps. This responsibility was later transferred to the newly created Corps of IEME on May 1, 1943. During World War II, the Ordnance Services played a significant role in different theatres of war. Tremendous expansion took place. The Directorate of Ordnance Services had to administer 81 depots and provide about 3,90,000 items of equipment for a force of about 21 lakh men.
1947: Brig EA Rodrigues, the first Indian Director of Ordnance Services was appointed on November 19,1947 to head the AOC.
1970: Colours were presented to the Army Ordnance Corps by Shri GS Pathak, the then Vice President of India, on December 8, 1970 at AOC Centre, Secunderabad. Capt (now Lt Gen) TA D'Cunha, the present Director General, Ordnance Services and Senior Colonel Commandant received the Colours from the Vice President.
1978: The original motto of the Ordnance, Sua Tela Tonanti meaning 'to the thunderer his arms' was changed to Shastra-Se-Shakti meaning 'Strength Through Arms.'

Neutralising Knack

The Trail of a Hero

While I was walking across the Eastern Section of the Cemetery. I happened to see upon the insignia of my Corps, the Army Ordnance Corps. I immediately rushed to the tombstone and there I read the name of Clerk Muhammad Sadiq, 23, who in the highest military traditions, fought shoulder to shoulder with the Allied Forces and added his name to the glorious history of the Army Ordnance Corps. This hero, who laid down his life on September 7, 1941, did our Corps proud. He made the ultimate sacrifice on the soil of East Africa. We salute our departed hero and seek inspiration from him for all times to come.

-Lt Col IPS Sethi

Glory at Kangla Tongbi

The memorial at Kangla Tongbi

Kangla Tongbi is a remote village near Mile 8 on the Imphal-Dimapur Road. In April 1944, this village shot to fame when the clerical and storekeeping personnel of 221 Advance Ordnance Depot repeatedly foiled the infiltration attempts and attacks of the advancing Japanese force by putting up a tenacious fight. Kangla Tongbi had earlier been the meeting place of despair and hope when in 1942, the Ordnance personnel of the Rangoon Arsenal who had marched 200 miles with the retreating Burma Army, were met by Ordnance personnel from Manipur Road. Together, they formed an Ordnance dump, which later became 56 Ordnance Field Park and subsequently developed into 221 Ordnance Depot, Kangla Tongbi.

In March 1944, the Japanese, who by this time had doubled their forces, with their bold tactics of "envelopment". They cut in behind the 17 Infantry Division at Tiddim, pushed back the forces at Tamu to Imphal, surrounded the Imphal plains and the garrison at Kohima and established themselves firmly on the road from Manipur to Kohima. On April 5, they struck at the depot and tried to over-run it during the night. Unfortunately for the Japanese, the Ordnance personnel of 221 Advance Ordnance Depot were of a different mettle than what they had encountered so far. The attack failed. The enemy then launched another attack. This also was foiled. The personnel of the Depot did not rest with the laurels earned by them so far in the defensive battle. They now launched a series of counter-attacks to repel the enemy and to cause confusion in his ranks.

A suicide squad was formed under Maj Boyd, the Deputy Chief Ordnance Officer of the depot, which continuously kept on checkmating the enemy's attempts towards infiltration, attack and advance. The other personnel exemplified their high sense of duty by remaining at their posts for three consecutive days in the face of heavy and continuous fire from the enemy. They proved that although their duties were clerical and technical, they could also rise to the highest reaches of bravery and tenacity when the occasion so demanded. As a result, the enemy was held at bay and the time saved was utilised for evacuating the site, withdrawing the depot, and moving 3600 tons of arms, ammunition and war-like stores to Imphal. The site was finally evacuated. During this action, Sgts Campbell and Seaforths and Pte Lawson were killed. For courage, bravery and gallant action, Maj Boyd was awarded Military Cross.

To commemorate the memory of those who died in this area fighting against the desperate Japanese, an impressive memorial was unveiled at Kangla Tongbi.

Managing the Materials

The college has six faculties imparting training. These are Higher Ordnance Management, Munitions Technology, Technical Stores, Logistics Support, Computer Application and Management Studies. The college has a number of training activities and teaching aids to impart training through best possible means. These are CBT, on-line sessions, lectures, tutorial discussions, situational exercises, case studies, mock-up drama/plays, presentations, on-the-job training, debates, sand model discussions, project studies and lectures.

The College has kept itself abreast with the advancement in information technology field. It has been awarded the Golden Peacock National Training Award for excellence in training.

Coast Guard Commanders Conference

Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee has called for concerted efforts to expedite acquisition of new ships and aircraft for Coast Guard and provision of necessary budgetary support for the same in view of the growing charter of duties of this organisation. Addressing the Coast Guard Commanders Conference in New Delhi, the Minister said that a beginning has already been made in this direction, when Goa Shipyard Limited, a Defence PSU, was nominated for the manufacture of 15 interceptor boats for operation Swan.

The Defence Minister said that the Coast Guard has taken steps to boost bilateral co-operation with the Coast Guards and navies of other littoral states in the region. "These strategic partnerships would be vital in evolving a coordinated response to the humanitarian cause of search and rescue, anti-piracy and removal of pollution. These efforts would also contribute towards strengthening and maturing of our relationship with our maritime neighbours. The Memorandum of Understanding for establishment of communication links between the Maritime Security Agency of Pakistan and our Coast Guard signed on October 3, 2005, is a significant step in that direction" he added.

Dwelling upon the issue of manpower shortage in the Coast Guard, Mr Mukherjee said that the matter needs to be addressed seriously. The issue of technical pay, additional aviation pay and a suitable health scheme for retired Coast Guard personnel are also under active consideration of the government.

Exercise Chakravyuh

A Competition With A Difference

Air Marshal AK Singh, AOC-in-C, WAC congratulating Para troopers

The role of helicopters in both civil and military operations needs no explanation. They are the extended arms for those in need of help. Even though helicopter units have been part of Air Force, they also serve other arms of the Armed Forces and civilian forces.

Helicopter operations are highly sought when no surface contact can be established, be it the heights of the Himalayas or the rugged terrains of the North-east. Helicopter piloting needs meticulous planning and coordination between the pilot and the ground crew. Every operation that involves helicopters is unique, that cannot be performed by any other means. This is true in case of Siachen and North East. In these places helicopters need to supply fuel and other items. For this, the copters have to carry load under slung within shortest possible time. This operation requires special skill and tactics. The weather, distance and safe route to the destination have to be planned. Helicopters carrying payloads under slung cannot travel above populated area. These technical precisions demand professionalism and IAF spares nothing in training its staff. IAF helicopter units are one of the best in the world. They hold an indomitable world record for operating in heights above 26000 ft.

The Intra Command Best Helicopter Aircrew competition was held in many events. The helicopter units participated in the competition included 114 Helicopter Unit (HU) (Siachen Pioneers), 117 HU (Himalayan Dragons), 131 FAC (Eagle Eyes) 132 FAC ( Hovering Hawks) 129 HU (Nubra Warriors) 130 HU (Contours)152 HU (Mighty Armours) and 153 HU (Daring Dragons). They were put through a gruelling test during the competition in various roles, in which the helicopters can be exploited. They include 'hovering skill test', 'under slung operations', 'low level navigations' and 'para droping contests'. Trophies were given in categories like 'best aircrew in hovering skill test', 'best in search and rescue', 'best in under slung operations, 'best in low level navigation', 'best in spot para drop' and 'best all- round aircrew'.

Air Marshal AK Singh, AOC-in-C Western Air Command was the chief guest on the final day and distributed trophies to winners. Later talking to media, Air Marshal AK Singh applauded the efforts put in by the Air Force station, Sarsawa and the Station Commandant, Gp Capt AK Sinha for conducting the competition. He hoped that the competition would become an annual feature. Announcing the formal induction of ALH (Dhruv ) into the WAC, he asserted that these helicopters would be made operational in a few months, taking them to the higher regions and higher heights of Leh, Kargil, Srinagar etc. Stating that orders have been placed with Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) for 80 helicopters, he said that the ALH would also perform the role of MI-17helicopter.

The award for 'best aircrew in Hovering Skill Test' was given to Sqn Ldr NM Arora and Flt Lt P Bhola and Sgt SV Bali and Sgt Shekar of the 130 HU (The Contours). The 129 HU bagged the best in 'Search and Rescue' trophy. Wg Cdr RK Singh, Sqn Ldr G Mamgain, Flight Engineer WO Sahu and JWO RS Chikara received the trophy. The best in Under Slung Operations trophy was given to 153 HU. The best in Low Level Navigation award was bagged by 131 FAC. Flt Lt Sanjeev Ahuja and Flt Lt Amit Sharma received the award. The best in Spot Para Drop trophy was won by 152 HU by Sqn Ldr Darryl Castelino and Sqn Ldr Suseem Siwach, Flight Engineer Sgt Vergheese and JWO Shyam Lal. The best All Round Aircrew award was given to 132 FAC to Flt Lt Sanjeev Ahuja and Flt Lt Amit Sharma. It is worth mentioning that they were the youngest aircrew in this competition.

The AOC-in-C congratulated the award winners and exhorted them to strive hard in future operations too. He complimented the pilots, who with their skill and acumen, could operate at a height of upto 22000 ft. where even the birds dare not go. He said, "Without such helicopter pilots it would not be posible to supply materials to soldiers who are guarding our borders at these heights in hospitable terrain". The AOC-in-C added, "when Chakravyuh was formulated in MahabharatAbimanyu lost his life as he could not get out of the situation. But these superb pilots get into that situation each and every time and get out each and every time because of their superior skill".

pix : Naresh Kumar

Committed to Peacekeeping

Lt Gen Randhir Kumar Mehta in an interaction with Editor, Narendra Kaushal

Lt Gen Mehta, tell us about your role as the Military Advisor in the Department of Peacekeeping at the UN Headquarters?

My role in the present job involves rendering military advice and to look at all the ongoing peace missions in the world. In all we have approximately 80,000 peace keepers, drawn from 107 countries. We manage this force with a small staff of around 600. I must say, that our Department has no ownership over any of the troops and all contributions by the member states are voluntary.

How many missions are in operation currently and which missions you consider as more challenging?

There are a total of 18 missions all over the world. These include 2 political missions and 16 other missions which are either observer missions or missions with troops. The challenging ones are those in Congo, Burundi, Ethiopia-Eritrea, Sudan and Haiti. Infact, politico-socio-economic situation prevailing in a country, its history and the background adds to the complexity of such missions.

In which all missions is India contributing at present and what have been its significant achievements?

India has approximately 7,000, peace keepers in various peace keeping missions as on date. It is likely to touch the figure of 9,000 by the end of the year. We have troops in the mission at Labanon. We have invited India to contribute to our mission at Golan Heights and I am happy to say that India will be sending approximately 188 personnel by December. The other sizeable contribution, is to the mission at Congo where we have over a brigade size force. In Sudan, India has pledged 2 battalions alongwith the supporting elements. The mission at Ethiopia-Eriterea, also has a sizeable Indian contribution.

How the peacekeeping operations in the present time are different from what they were in the past?

The typical UN peacekeeping mission is understood to be based on an agreement between the two countries. Once the two sides adhere to it, the mandate is said to be achieved. Today we may have an agreement in place, but there are quite many spoilers. For example, in Congo, a large number of groups have been operating since 1960s. They are powerful and have larger economic and other interests. As a result they disrupt peace efforts. The principal approach of the United Nations Peace Keeping Forces, UNPKF in such cases is to act strongly and in some cases even resorting to forcible disarmament of such militant groups. In the present scenario, the operations are multi-dimensional and more complex.

In future what significant changes your foresee in peace keeping operations?

We have to improve our capacity. In order to deploy missions faster we should be able to utilise the existing capacity of the NATO, European Union, African Union ans stand by high-readiness brigade. India supports the idea of creation of a reserve capacity. The United Nations would like to engage India in a substantive discussion over the issue.

What would you like to say about the code of conduct for the troops? Where does India stand?

The Secretary General's bulletin of 2003, on the issue of code of conduct clearly states that there will be a zero tolerance on any breach of code of conduct. It emphasises on principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The charter lays down specific instructions to be followed by the peace keepers besides their routine training. In the last 20 months, 221 cases were identified and 86 military men repatriated to their countries. 10 civilians were dismissed from the service. As far as Indian record is concerned, our peace keepers have maintained an unblemished record.

North-East File

"The Fantastic Fifth" Released

Lt Gen HS Lidder releasing "The Fantastic Fifth"

Five Mountain Brigade is the oldest and the most decorated infantry brigade of the Indian Army. Its history dates back to September 1939 when World War II had just begun. The formation was baptized in battle in the treacherous terrain of North Africa against the famous German General Rommel's Panzer formations. Subsequently, it also participated in various campaigns in Syria, Italy and Greece. After its return to India, it participated in the 1948 Operations in J&K and 1962 War. Besides it has also taken part in operation Rhino in Upper Assam.

Col Anil Shorey, who has many books on defence to his credit, has written a book on 5 Mountain Brigade. The book, titled The Fantastic Fifth, covers the trials and tribulations of the brigade since its raising.

Lt Gen HS Lidder, GOC, 4 Corps released the book at the Gajraj Corps Headquarters. Amongst those present on the occasion included Maj Gen Ashoka S Rao, GOC, 2 Mountain Division and Brig MG Bodwadkar, Commander, 5 Mountain Brigade.

Civil Military Interaction

Civil and military interaction in progress

Eleven Garhwal Rifles, under the aegis of 73 Mountain Brigade, conducted a civil military interaction programme at village Gothol in Bishenpur district of Manipur.

Brig Deepak Vashishta, Brigade Commander of 73 Mountain Brigade addressed the participants of the programme. Twentyfour village chiefs and approximately 1000 villagers from far-flung villages took part in the event.

As a part of the programme, 11 Garhwal Rifles dedicated a football ground named "Gothol Friends Lenthol" at the village. A cultural programme followed by various games and sports was organised on the occasion.

Friendly Match

Afriendly volleyball match between the border troops of People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) and Indian Army was played at Nathu La border on the Indian side. The match was first of its kind in Sikkim since Independence and was played between border troops of Yatung Garrison and Nathu La Garrison.

The match, played at a height of 14,400 ft above sea level, was a historical event. The players from both the teams displayed sportsman spirit and added spice to atmosphere throughout. The officers and troops from both the sides were present to cheer up their respective teams.

The Indian Army emerged victorious after a well-contested match. Brig Ranbir Singh, Indian Garrison Commander gave away prizes to the players. This was followed by refreshments and brief exchange of pleasantries.

Logistics Conference

A two-day conference of Senior Logistic Officers of Eastern Air Command was held at Shillong. The conference, attended by the senior logistics officer from various air bases under EAC was inaugurated by Air Marshal FH Major, AOC-in-C, EAC.

In his inaugural speech, Air Marshal Major stressed upon the management of scarce resources and inventory management. During the conference, logisticians discussed various matters related to logistics, computerisation of inventories and problems faced by the field units all over the Eastern Sector.

Hallmark Cards for Troops

A view of the launching of sale of Hallmark cards

Army Field Post Office (FPO) Kohima facilitated the sale of Hallmark greeting cards at 50 per cent concessional rate for the troops. The sale was launched by Brig RL Sharma, DIG, Nagaland Range, South. In his address on the occasion, the DIG complimented, the Post Master and staff for selecting Kohima based Field Post Office (FPO) as the first post office, among 16 existing FPOs operating with Assam Rifles for sale of such cards.

Satellite connectivity for fast transaction of money orders, and an internet Public Call Office, for the benefit of troops are on the anvil at Kohima-based FPO.

Medical Camps

The 2/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) under the aegis of 21 Mountain Artillery Brigade organised a series of medical camps in their area of responsibility in Udalguri district of Lower Assam. The medical camps were conducted as part of operation Sahyog. More than 2500 patients were attended to and medicines worth Rupees 1.5 lakh distributed.

Hero Honda Expedition

The expedition on its way

Indian Army launched "Gajraj Hero Honda Motor Cycle Expedition" from Tawang to Tezpur in September last. The expedition was sponsored by Hero Honda Motor Cycle Limited, Gurgaon.

The expedition team was flagged off by Maj Gen MKV Panicker, GOC, Ball of Fire Division. The team comprising 20 members including officers and soldiers of Ball of Fire Division traversed Seven Sisters covering a distance of about 3200 kms over a span of 30 days through some of the most treacherous, rugged and inhospitable terrains. The expedition, led by Lt Col RS Lamba, terminated at Tezpur.

The expedition was organised under the aegis of HQ 5 Mountain Artillery Brigade.

Silver Jubilee Celebrations

Lt Gen JR Mukherjee presenting Championship Banner to 9 Assam

Nine Assam celebrated its silver jubilee raising day with great pomp and show. Lt Gen JR Mukherjee (Retd), graced the occasion.

The celebrations included a series of cultural and religious functions, pagal gymkhana, pipe band display and various colourful events. The celebrations provided a forum for meeting of old and new rhinos.

inputs : Wg Cdr Binoy Chongtham,
Col SK Sakhuja,
Lt Col Narendra Singh,
Lt Col SD Goswami,
Lt Col MK Pal and
Lt Col Jeewan Rawal

Defence Minister Visits Chile

An Endearing Exchange

The Defence Minister, Mr Pranab MUkherjee led a high-level delegation of Chile recently. The week-long visit from October 27 to November 1, was the maiden visit of an Indian Defence Minister, Mr Jaime Ravinet, who had visited New Delhi in April this year.

Soon after his arrival at the Chilean capital Santiago, Mr Pranab Mukherjee held bilateral talks with Mr Ravinet. The two leaders indentified a number of areas in which they could cooperate for mutual benefit. These include training programmes in each other's country, exchanges beetween the armed forces of the two countries and sharing of technical knowledge as well as reserch and development of mutual benefit.

Both sides agreed to take the defence relationship to a new level in keeping with growing bilateral ties in all fields, In this context, the two Defence Minister agreed to explore the possibility of posting their Defence Attaches in New Delhi and Santiago respectively, to follow-up and monitor the implementation of their agree agenda. India's proposed Defence Attache in Santiago will be the first in Latin America. The Chilean side showed interest in acquiring Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical LImited (HAL), Bangalore. Mr Mukherjee witnessed the signing of a contract between HAL and ENAER on manufacture of aircraft parts and assemblies.

The Defence Minister also called on the Chilean president, Mr Ricardo Lagos Escobar. During his 30-minute meeting, Mr Pranab Mukherjee briefed Mr Lagos Escobar on Pakistan's request for help after the devastating earthquake and how Indian Armed Forces were involved in relief operations. The two leaders agreed that in addition to the Partial Trade Agreement (PTA), the two side should also work towards a bilateral investment production agreement and avoidance of doule taxation agreement, to enhance trade and commerce.

Before leaving for Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world, Mr Pranab Mukherjee visited Plaza de la India in the centre of the Santigo city and laid wreaths at the status of Mahatma Gandhi, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. From PUnta Arenas, he was taken by a special C-130 Hercules aircraft of the Chilean Air Force, to the Eduardo Frei Base on King George's island in the Antarctica. The Defence Minister and the Indiandelegation were briefed about the activities of the base and given a tour of all the facilities. At an informal luncheon, the Chilean officers interacted with Mr Mukherjee and his delegation recounting their work and life at the base. The Defence Minister conratulated the commander and the staff for braving the vagaries of nature to serve the manking. The held discussions with the Chilean scientists for future cooperation with the Indian scientists who are sttioned not far from the Chilean Base.

Mr Mukherjee's visit to Chile is of special significance to India as Chile in recent years has undertaken modernisation of its Armed Forces and has been importing weapons, armaments and technologies from various countries in the world.

-PIB (DW)

Veterans' Welfare

Mr TN Chaturvedi, Governor of Karnataka, inaugurating the seminar. Maj Gen KS Singhu, Director General Resettlement and Air Marshal S Bhojwani, AOC-in-C, Training Command were also seen in the picture

Mr TN Chaturvedi, Governor of Karnataka has called upon the private industry to provide employment to the retired defence personnel. Speaking at a seminar on "Defence Industry Partnership in Human Resource Management", organised by the Directorate General of Resettlement under the Ministry of Defence and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Governor appealed to both private and the public sectors to make the best use of trained manpower of the retired Armed Forces personnel who are known for their integrity, discipline and leadership by providing suitable employment to them. The Governor said, the retired personnel require a second career as they are too young, active and their family responsibilities are at peak when they are compulsorily retired. The Armed Forces can offer to the industry, leadership and man-management skills.

Earlier, Maj Gen Kuldip Singh Sindhu, Director General Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, in his opening address said that, nearly 60,000 defence services personnel retire every year in the age group of 35 to 45 years. They, therefore, need assistance to resettle in civil life. These personnel who are extremely well-trained in various fields have vast potential to find suitable employment in industry, he added. The Director General appealed to the 'Fourth Estate' to carry the message across the industry.

Presiding over the function, Air Marshal S Bhojwani, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Headquarters Training Command emphasised the flexibility of Service personnel who can easily adjust to new environment in the civil industry.

Mr CP Rangachar, Managing Director, Yoken India Limited, in his key-note address, fully agreed to the requirements of the Armed Forces and spelt out how they can be gainfully employed in manufacturing and service sectors in the country. Senior officers, both serving and retired, from the Army, Air Force and Navy and captains of the Industry attended the seminar.

-MN Shankar

A Streak of Connectivity

A view of the inaugural session of 'Mercury Streak'

Mr Dayanidhi Maran, Minister for Communication and Information Technology dedicated Srinagar-Leh Strategic Alliance Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network to the nation at a function held at Badami Bagh Cantt, Srinagar. Christened Mercury Streak, the project has been executed as a strategic alliance between the Ministry of Defence, BSNL and the Border Roads Organisation.

The Corps of Signals, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the BSNL displayed excellent synergy in completing 474 kms of OFC route in a record time of three years.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Maran said this high capacity OFC route would provide broadband connectivity to strategically important locations of Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Leh and Karu for the Army which would enable integration of these far-flung areas with the national communication network. He announced that the BSNL would make mobile services operational at Manigam, Gund, Drass Nimmu and eight more towns of Jammu and Kashmir within three months.

The OFC Network, besides providing a high capacity coverage to these areas, is immune to eavesdropping, jamming and electromagnetic radiations. Both the Army and the BSNL are exploiting the OFC netwok by porting appropriate applications and services. As time goes by the OFC route will assist the population of the State to move into the information age.

-Lt Col VK Batra

Mauritius Delegation at Garuda

Cdr YP Marathe briefing the Mauritius PM, Dr Navin Chandra Ramgoolam, on board Dhruv

A 13-member Mauritian delegation, headed by Prime Minister, Dr Navin Chandra Ramgoolam, Kochi visited the Naval Air Station INS Garuda and Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) INS Sharda. Vice Adml SCS Bangara, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, received the delegation at INS Garuda. The Chief Test Pilot of HAL, Wg Cdr (Retd) Upadhyay made a presentation on the indigenously developed advanced light helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv'. The delegation witnessed helobatics by the ALH, which included under slung cargo operations besides some manoeuvres by naval pilots of Intensive Flying Training Unit (IFTU) (ALH) under Cdr YP Marathe.

Dr Ramgoolam also visited the INS Shardawhere he was received by the ship's Commanding Officer, Cdr Yogesh Dutt. The delegation attended a presentation on the role and capabilities of the OPV.

-Cdr M Nambiar

Twenty's Triumph

The battalion members with COAS, Gen JJ Singh

Twenty Punjab, fondly called Bahadur Bees, conducted a daring operation in its new field location Makalwain in Gurez Sector. Immediately after starting its operations in the new area of operational responsibility, the unit spared no efforts to deliver goods. Within less than a month, it eliminated 18 foreign terrorists.

Based on some information about the movement of a militant group over Angai Pahar which is at a height of 15,614 ft, the battalion under Lt Manish Pandey launched an operation to track them. Simultaneously, two more parties under Maj MK Kesar and Maj Vishal were pressed into service to nab the terrorists. The Commanding Officer, Col Rajan Jamwal also reached the area of operation and expedited the search operations. Within a few days, the battalion knew about the whereabouts of the militants in a nearby jungle. It came very close to the place where the militants were hiding. Once the militants sensed the movement of jawans, they started firing. The battalion also responded. Firing continued for sometime between the two parties. Observing the intensity of attack from men in 'olive greens', the terrorists fled the area.

After three days, terrorist movement was again detected in the other part of jungle and the battalion effectively engaged the militants. As the guns fell silent, the CO planned the search of the jungle. By this time, two search parties led by Maj Kesar and Maj Vishal reached the fag end of the jungle along Pt 3955.

As the search began, the search parties came under fire from an injured militant. They engaged the injured militant from a close distance, critically injuring him in stomach and legs. At last, the battalion was asked to disengage and attempt to trail the remaining injured militants.

Next day, Maj Vishal's party started the search and nabbed one injured militant. Maj Vishal attempted to negotiate surrender but the militant fired back. The CO then directed him to kill the terrorist.

Meanwhile, other members of the battalion recovered the dead bodies of two militants. From the search operation, altogether, 18 bodies of militants were recovered with arms and ammunition.

The operation was widely reported by media. Chief of the Army Staff, Gen JJ Singh, Lt Gen SK Sinha (Retd), Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen SS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps and other dignitaries visited the unit and commended the unit for its splendid performance.

input: Maj MK Kesar

Service Bonds

Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Contractor underscored the importance of joint operations and said that there is a new emphasis on an integrated approach by the three Services for success in operations. Maj Gen Yadav termed the affiliation of the 'Sixteenth' with INS Talwar as historic as both the units symbolise the cutting edge of their respective forces. He also recalled the historic links his regiment had developed with the Navy during its various overseas deployments.

This affiliation was a special bonding between the two units with glorious history.

-Alok Mishra
pix: HS Bobde

ARF Workshop

The inaugural session of the workshop at Kochi

A two-day workshop of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on 'Training for Cooperative Maritime Security' was held at Kochi. The workshop, co-chaired by India and Malaysia, was hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs under the aegis of Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), New Delhi, in close association with Headquarters, Southern Naval Command (HQ,SNC).

Dr Jitendra Misra, Joint Secretary (International Affairs), HQ IDS, co-chaired the conference and inaugurated the workshop by welcoming Vice Adml SCS Bangara, FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command and other senior dignitaries. Vice Adm SCS Bangara delivered the keynote address.

The workshop, conducted in four sessions, witnessed India mooting the idea of having a regional maritime training centre to co-ordinate all issues related to maritime security training.

Discussions on the types of threats involved in maritime security, varying from terrorism, piracy, linkages between drug trafficking and terrorism, gun running, environmental protection, pollution and illegal immigration were held. India also highlighted the perspective of various countries in regional cooperation in maritime training.

In the concluding session, Dr Jitendra Misra thanked the delegates for their contributions during discussions. Delegates from Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Thailand, USA and Vietnam attended the workshop.

-Cdr M Nambiar

From the File

November 18 & 25, 1956

Left to right: Fly Officer RS Bhole, Hav-Clerk Hardayal Singh, Naik Haripal Kaushik and Naik K Laxman are the Services' representatives in the Indian Hockey Team to the Melbourne Olympics

Armed Forces
Panorama

Madras Sappers Celebrates 225th Anniversary

Maj Meenakshi Krishnan leading the contingent

A Commemorative Ceremonial Parade was held on the occasion of 225th Anniversary of Madras Sappers at Govindaswamy Drill Square in Madras Engineer Group & Centre Banglore. The parade was commanded by Col Vijay Bhasker, Commanding Officer Training Battalion I of Madras Engineer Group and was reviewed by Lt Gen Ranjit Singh, Engineer-in-Chief, Army Headquarters. The parade also comprised a contingent of ex-servicemen of Madras Engineer Group and one of the contingents was commanded by a lady officer Maj Meenakshi Krishnan. Lt Gen Ranjit Singh, during his address complimented all ranks for their excellent turnout and smart parade and exhorted them to keep up the highest standard.

Army Postal Services issued a special first day cover in their honour which was released by Lt Gen Ranjit Singh. At the end, 'Know your Sapper-cum-Regatta' was organised at Ulsoor Lake. A spectacular demonstration by ACH, row past, tableaux depicting various functions of MEG, para-sailing, rowing, torch display, fireworks and band concerts were some other events held on the occasion.

-MN Shankar
from Bangalore

Base Jumps From KL Tower

Sqn Ldr Kamal Oberh Jumping from the KL Tower in Malaysia (seen in the backdrop is the famous Patronas Twin Tower)

Sqn Ldr Kamal Singh Oberh and Sqn Ldr KBS Samyal carried out 10 successful base jumps each from the KL Tower during the Air Force week celebrations coinciding with 9th anniversary of the KL Tower at Kuala Lampur in Malaysia.

The base jumps were carried out using base parachutes. This was first time ever that any Indian had jumped from the KL Tower. The jumps were carried out with no standby or reserve parachute on a concrete jungle. Sqn Ldr Kamal Oberh, who has over 700 skydives to his credit is a Para Instructor and a jumper of international repute. He is the only Indian to have sky dived over the Northpole and Antartica (Southpole). Currently he is posted at Para Training School at AF Station, Agra. Sqn Ldr KBS Samyal also has over 700 jumps to his credit and is at present posted at Air HQ.

Sqn Ldr Oberh now plans to undertake base jump from the world famous cliffs off kjerag mountains of Norway.

-PIB (DW)

Raising Day of Project Sewak

Maj HS Billing being awarded the DGBR Commendation Certificate for his active paricipation in construction of the damaged Irang Bridge

Project Sewak celebrated its 44^th raising day. Project Sewak which has ben functioning from Dimapur since its inception in 1961 is dedicated to the development of road infrastructure of Nagaland and Manipur. The Project has so far constructed more than 4000 Kms of roads in these states.

The event started with a conference, presided over by the Chief Engineer Brig S Narasimhan and was attended by Commanders of 15 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) and 25 BRTF. A souvenir was also released by Lt Gen ZU Shah, General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps, to mark the occasion.

The special feature of the function was award of DGBR Commendation Certificate to those members of the Force who had actively participated in the construction of damaged Irang Bridge and restorng the traffic on NH 53.

Various cultural activities, sports competitions and a family welfare meeting under the aegis of the Border Roads Wives Welfare Association were also held to mark the occasion.

-Col BD Pandey

Passing-out Parade

Lt Gen HK Maini distributing prizes at the conclusion of MOBC-167

A ceremonial parade was held at Officers Training School (OTS), AMC Centre and School in Lucknow Cantt for 81 officers at the conclusion of Medical Officers Basic Course-167. The course was conducted to impart training to young Medical and Dental Officers.

A total of 64 Army, 7 Naval, 7 Air Force and 3 Assam Rifles officers including 13 lady officers attended the course. The salute was taken by Lt Gen HK Maini, Commandant, AMC Centre and School and OIC Records, Lucknow. The parade was commanded by Lt Col S Das.

Capt Supreet Singh Nayyar was awarded Gen Bilimoria trophy for being the best officer of the course. Capt Rajeev Kumar Bhagat was adjudged 'Best in Drill'.

While addressing the young officers, the Commandant exhorted the officers to uphold the tradition of military doctors by maintaining the highest order of professional competence. He also asked them to continuously upgrade their knowledge and build on the knowledge imparted at Officers Training School.

-SHM Zaidi
from Lucknow

Raising Day

Brig RK Sharma paying homage to martyrs

Ninth Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry celebrated its 39th Raising Day at Pathankot. The celebrations were attended by many dignitaries including Retired Officers, JCOs and NCOs.

Brig RK Sharma, Sub Area Commander laid the wreath at the War Memorial. A Sainik Sammelan was organised on the occassion. While addressing the Sainik Sammelan, Brig RK Sharma complimented all ranks for the excellent work during the field tenure. A Barakhana and an entertainment programme for the troops was also organised.

-Naresh V Vig
from Pathankot

GOC-in-C Visits Satwari Bombers

Lt Gen KS Jamwal with the aviators

Lt Gen KS Jamwal, GOC-in-C ARTRAC and Colonel Commandant of Army Aviation Corps, accompanied by his wife Mrs Mala Jamwal, visited the Reconnaissance & Observation Flight at Udhampur, fondly referred to as Satwari Bombers. Lt Gen Jamwal was briefed by Lt Col MS Yadav, the Flight Commander on the salient achievements of the unit in the recent past.

Satwari Bombers is the only flight in Army Aviation Corps, which is the recipient of Maha Vir Chakraduring 1971 Indo-Pak war and has got the highest number of honours and awards in the history of Army Aviation Corps.

A 'coffee morning' was organised in the honour of Mrs Mala Jamwal who also interacted with the ladies of the Flight.

-Lt Col RK Chhibber
from Jammu

Blood Donation Camp

Air Warriors at South-Western Air Command (SWAC), HQ in Gandhinagar donated nearly 150 units of blood to mark Air Force Day. Air Marshal GS Chaudhry, Senior Air Staff Officer was present at the inaugural function.

Air Commodore HSR Arora, Principal Medical Officer welcomed the guests and reiterated the commitment of the air warriors to the noble cause. More than 200 units of blood was donated by air warriors at the Jamnagar airbase.

-Wg Cdr TK Singha
from Ahmedabad

MCO Inspection

Col Ved Prakash with MCO officials

Col Ved Parkash, Commander, 56 Movement Control (MC) Area, Lucknow, visited and inspected Movement Control Office (MCO) Allahabad. Situated at platform No 1 of Allahabad Junction, MCO Allahabad was raised on 10 April 1963, with an aim to control and forward all movements of Army, Navy and Air Force in its region. The unit is looking after the requirements of 14 Air Force and 25 Army units on regular basis apart from the needs of transiting units.

Col Ved Parkash appreciated the renovated VIP room and reservation counter. He extended his thanked North Central Railway Authorities for all the support being provided by them and suggested to introduce some more changes in MCO complex to provide more comfort. He exhorted the personnel of the unit to give their best.

-Wg Cdr SM Sharma
from Allahabad

Cancer Detection Camp

A Cancer detection Camp of Red Eagle Artillery Brigade was organised at New Cantonment, Allahabad.

The two day camp was inaugurated by Mrs Kiran Singh, President Army Wives Welfare Association, Red Eagle Artillery Brigade. Regimental Medical Officer Maj Nirmalya Bandyopadhyay, co-ordinated the camp. Over 350 families of the Brigade were examined during the camp.

Prof Manju Verma, Head of the Department, Gynaecology, Motilal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad led a team of four doctors. Dr Shanti Chaudhary co-ordinated the lab examinations at Apollo Centre. The families were also advised and explained about breast and cervix cancer and its prevention.

-Wg Cdr SM Sharma
from Allahabad

Ex-Servicemen Rally

Maj Gen KS Yadav presenting blankets to War widows

A rally for Ex-Servicemen was organised by 11 Mountain Brigade of 21 Mountain Division at Goalpara, Assam. The rally coordinated by 1 Naga, catered to the Ex-Servicemen of five districts.

Maj Gen KS Yadava, GOC, 21 Mountain Division inaugurated the rally and honoured eight Veer Nariesfrom these districts. Special counters related to Sainik Welfare, Ex-Servicemen's Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), grievances/redressals, loan and insurance information, were set up.

A medical camp was organised at the rally site wherein various specialist doctors attended to the health related problems of the ESM and civilians.

1265 Ex-Servicemen (ESM) 800 families including children and 8 veer naries participated in the rally.

A lecture was also conducted for the ESM and their dependants on the Army Education Institutes and facilities available to the wards of ESM.

input: Maj Deepak Sajjanhar

War Widows Honoured

Mrs Simardeep Bhullar presenting gifts to Veer Naris at the War Widows meet

A War Widows Meet was organised by Double Victory Brigade at Military Station, Beas to honour the war widows of surrounding areas. The meet was held under the aegis of Double Victory Brigade Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA). It was chaired by Double Victory AWWA officiating President Mrs Simardeep Bhullar.

On this occasion, twenty six war widows, including those of 1962 and 1965 war were honoured. During her address, Mrs Simardeep Bhullar spoke of the supreme sacrifices made by the sons of Punjab and reassured of the continued support of Double Victory Brigade to the war widows.

-Naresh V Vig
from Jalandhar

K2K Safari

Col Krishan Kumar flagging off the safari

Army Ordnance Corps' (AOC) vehicle safari from 'Kargil to Kanyakumari' (K2K) was flagged off on its next leg to Challisgaon in Maharashtra from Ahmedabad by Colonel Krishan Kumar, Commanding Officer of the Golden Katar Division Ordnance Unit (DOU).

Lt Col Sandip Madan led the safari team that comprised of five Specialist Utility Vehicles (SUV). The team members include Maj DP Singh, a war wounded officer during Op Vijay on an artificial limb, driving a specially modified vehicle, two Lady Officers, a JCO and five other ranks.

The expedition forms a part of the 8th AOC Re-Union slated for December 6, 2005. In addition, the Corps is also undertaking a white-river rafting and mountaineering expedition to mark the occasion.

The team began its sojourn from the icy heights of Kargil on September 15, last, and reached Kanyakumari on October 2, where Lt Gen TA D'Cunha, DG Ordnance Service and Senior Colonel Commandant received it. The expedition team covered a distance of nearly 6100 Kms, through eight states.

-Wg Cdr TK Singha
from Ahmedabad

Thimayya Trophy

The sailing competition in progress

Thimayya Trophy is a prestigious annual quadrangular event, sailed between four clubs viz. Corps of Engineers Sailing Club (CESC), National Defence Academy (NDA) Sailing Club, Colaba Sailing Club and Bombay Sailing Association. The yearly regatta is being held every year since 1959. This year the event was co-hosted by CESC and NDA Sailing Club at Khadakwasla lake.

This is only the second time in 14 years that the CESC won this prestigious trophy. CESC won the Trophy with 37 Points. Colaba Sailing Club, Bombay Sailing Association and NDA Sailing Club got the second, third & fourth position respectively

input: Lt Col JS Chhikara

Inter Battalion Athletics Championship

Lt Gen HK Maini presenting the Championship Trophy to Col R Prem Kumar and Lt Col A Dasgupta

Inter Battalion Athletics Championship 2005 of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre and School, concluded at the AMC Stadium in Lucknow Cantonment.

The six day event was declared open by Maj Gen JS Kulkarni, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor. Twenty-three track and field events including half marathon and 20 km walk were organised under No 1 Technical Training Battalion. 150 sportsmen participated in the championship.

No 1 Technical Training Battalion and No 2 Technical Training Battalion tied for the first place with 121 points each and were declared joint winners.

Lt Gen HK Maini, Commandant AMC Centre and School & OIC Records gave away prizes to the winners. He awarded the glittering trophy to Col R Prem Kumar, Commanding Officer, No 1 Technical Training Battalion and Lt Col A Dasgupta, Officiating Commanding Officer, No 2 Technical Training Battalion.

Appointments

Lt Gen LP Sadhotra

Lt Gen LP Sadhotra assumed the appointment of Director General Medical Services (Army). He takes over from Lt Gen R Rai.

Lt Gen Sadhotra is a graduate of J&K University, Srinagar and a postgraduate of Pune University. He completed his super speciality in Plastic Surgery from PGI, Chandigarh. Before the present appointment, the General Officer has served as Deputy Director Medical Services of a Corps in the North East during Operation Rhino and commanded the Army Hospital (R&R), Delhi Cantt.

•

Lt Gen Daljeet Singh saluting at the Western Command War Memorial

Lt Gen Daljeet Singh took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command in Chandimandir Cantonment. Prior to taking over the reins of the Western Command, Lt Gen Daljeet Singh was the General officer Commanding of 3 Corps.

Commissioned in June 1967 into 8th Light Cavalry of the Indian Army, the Lt Gen is a product of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. Besides, having attended the prestigious Defence Service Staff College, the Higher Command Course at the Army War College and the NDC course at the National Defence College, he is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth (USA) and the School of Infantry, Warmister (UK). During a career spanning 38 years, the General Officer has held staff and command appointments in all the theatres of the Indian Army.

•

Air Cmde RK Srivastava after taking over the Command of 3 BRD

Air Cmde RK Srivastava assumed the Charge of Air Officer Commanding, 3 Base Repair Depot (3 BRD) Air Force. He was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on January 1, 1973. He is an alumnus of the prestigious engineering college, BITS Pilani. He has held various important appointments like Command of a unit, Chief Engineering Officer of an operating base and staff assignments at Command HQ and Air HQ. Prior to his posting as AOC, he was at Air Head Quarters.

•

Cmde Uttpal K Vora

Cmde Uttpal K Vora took charge as the Naval Officer-in-Charge (NOIC), Gujarat at the Porbandar Naval Base. At a ceremonial function held at the Naval Base, the outgoing NOIC, Commodore SS Kailey handed over the charge.

Commissioned in the Indian Navy on January 1, 1979, Commodore Vora, is an Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) specialist and has served onboard the most modern warships of the Navy in various capacities. The officer has commanded the Off-shore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Veera. He conducted the joint Navy-Coast Guard operation and created a maritime history by capturing the pirate vessel Alondra Rainbow along with the pirates. Cmde Vora graduated from the DSSC, Wellington and has successfully undergone the prestigious Higher Command Course from Army War College, Mhow.

input: DS Doad and
Wg Cdr TK Singha