Indian Army Officer Overview

Careers with the Army: What can we say about the most respected profession in the world? It's got everything going for it - adventure, bravery, strength, technology, personal growth and a cushy lifestyle. You can have all this and more and in return the army will ask you for just one thing: willingness to die for your country. Are you up to it?

The main function of the Indian Army is to defend and protect the country against all external and internal threats. The army is also called in to help civilians during natural calamities and maintain law and order.

There are two types of commissions in the Army

Permanent commission - where you have to serve the Indian army for a minimum of 20 years.

Short service commission - where you have to serve for a minimum of 5 years. This can then be extended to permanent commission.

The army has two main divisions - Combat and Non-combat, which are further classified as per their functions.

Combat: This is where the action is. You actually get to kill enemies, use arms for destruction and let your other war fantasies come true. The various classifications in Combat are:

Infantry: As an infantry officer you'll lead soldiers and be responsible for defending the borders as well as launching counter attacks on the enemy. You can expect a lot of walking here. There haven't been much advances in warfare technology and don't be surprised if you are involved in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy! In addition, you can volunteer to be a commando in the Special Forces.

Artillery: You'll be responsible for guns with a range up to 30 kilometres. Remember Bofors? 'Softening up' enemy positions before an attack by the infantry will be handled by you. You'll also handle surface-to-surface missiles in the artillery. 

• Under artillery, you could also join the Army Aviation Corps, as a helicopter pilot. Here you will search enemy positions and report them to the artillery. Air defence artillery is another offshoot of the artillery. Here you will be involved with air defence guns and missiles and shoot down enemy aircraft.

Armour: Simply speaking this means tank. You will hit the enemy fast and hit him hard. Mobility and firepower are the key factors in this field and you will devise new methods to implement them.

Now for the divisions in the Non-Combat group

Engineers: If you think this means a cushy, office job, then read on. Your work will vary from building bridges to clearing minefields. Lots of adventure here - blowing up dams and powerhouses. A wonderful way to compensate for all those drab years in college!

Signals: Here you'll be in charge of communications, develop methods to ensure secrecy and break enemy communication codes. You will also be responsible for the upkeep of the equipment.

Intelligence Corps: You'll be involved in the collection, analysis and interpretation of information like movement of troops, preparations etc. about the enemy.

Education Corps: Training is important. Huh? You will teach subjects from English language to new techniques of warfare and devise courses on subjects such as computers, communication, etc.

Judge Advocate General or Law Cadre: In the army discipline comes first (as if you didn't know that). As a lawyer or a judge in the JAG, you will be responsible for strictly enforcing the laws. You will also handle civilian cases brought against the army.

Veterinary Corps: Yes, animals too contribute to the defence of this country (I bet you didn't know of this one!) Your job will include training mules, donkeys, dogs, camels and ensuring their wellbeing.

Army Supply Corps and Ordinance Corps: Napoleon had rightly said "An army moves on its stomach." Here, you will be responsible for ensuring that and much more. You will deliver weapons, ammunition, clothing and medical supplies… in fact everything from a pin to a plane.

Army Medical Corps: You will be a doctor like no other. Your operation theatre will be a small tent lit with a kerosene lamp on a mountaintop (adventure comes in all shapes). With increasing casualties you got to be in line with the latest in medical treatment.

Army Nursing Corps: You will be working as nurse in army hospitals and in the war field. Only women are eligible.

Army Dental Corps: You will be working as dentists in army dental hospitals. If you need more information on this profile please feel free to contact us Now.