Indian Army

The Indian Army (?????? ???? Hindi: Bhartiya Sena) is the land force of the Military of India and has the prime responsibility of conducting land-based warfare. The Indian Army maintains the 3rd largest active force in the world.

Related Topics:
Hindi - Land force - Military of India - 3rd largest active force

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Indian Army is a well-trained and well-equipped military service, with a troop strength of over 1 million. It is a completely voluntary service, the military draft never having been imposed in India. The army has rich combat experience in diverse terrains, considering India's diversity on this front, and also has a distinguished history of serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Related Topics:
Million - Military draft - United Nations - Peacekeeping

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The force is headed by the Chief of Army Staff, currently General J.J. Singh. The highest rank in the Indian Army is Field Marshal, but it is a largely ceremonial rank and appointments are made by the President of India, on the advice of the Union Cabinet of Ministers, only in exceptional circumstances. (See Field Marshal (India)). Field Marshal S.H.F.J Maneckshaw and the late Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa are the only two officers who have attained this rank.

Related Topics:
Chief of Army Staff - Field Marshal - President of India - Field Marshal (India)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Combat Doctrine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The current combat doctrine of the Indian Army is based on effectively utilizing holding formations and strike formations. In the case of an attack, the holding formations would contain the enemy and strike formations would counterattack to neutralize enemy forces. In the case of an Indian attack, the holding formations would pin enemy forces down whilst the strike formations attack at a point of Indian choosing. The Indian Army is large enough to devote several corps to the strike role. Currently, the army is also looking at enhancing its special forces capabilities.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~