How is life in the Indian Army?

My dad was in Indian army so his experience i cant say much as he always used to be on field postings but  i  can surely give the  picture of what it is to be brought up in a defense background : A curiously significant proportion of women who do well in their  working in areas as diverse as business, media, sports and the glamor  industry come from an army background. There is something about  cantonment living that seems to confer a distinct advantage to young  girls as they step out into the larger world and try and carve out a  place for themselves.    The reasons are quite obvious. There is a  high degree of emphasis on education and activities beyond studies that  allow children to grow up in a rounded way, but if that were all, an  army background would perhaps be nothing more than a decent finishing  school. Of course the more Westernized ethic of the military did make  for a more liberal upbringing, but perhaps there is more at work here  than just that.    Perhaps the most powerful aspect of an army  lifestyle lies not so much in what it offers as it does in what it  does’nt. Army life detaches the family unit both spatially and  culturally from the larger social arena. The cantonment is another  world—with its own distinct physicality and its own code of behavior.    Postings  in each station are of small durations; no roots are allowed to be  grown. Often, cantonments are located in remote places where one is far  from the comforting and often overpowering bosom of ones larger family.  At a time when the home town posting was highly coveted and connived  for, the army made sure that the uniformity of the cantonment was the  only home you knew.    Army children thus grew up in a cocooned world that bore allegiance not to larger society  but to itself. They enjoyed a freedom that few Indians experience—the  freedom from the past. Army life is rooted in the now—there are few  opportunities to get tied down to a place or indeed to a set of people.  Transience made sure that one never belonged anywhere; everything became  an experience that shaped one without being defining.    The  effect on girls was perhaps disproportionate given the otherwise narrow  and fixed space they get allotted in the world outside. Girls grew up  free from the invisible network of tongues and eyes that keep them in  check otherwise. They grew up not knowing too well what being a girl in  India usually meant.    The freedom to live in the present and to  be who you are is perhaps the reason why Army daughters display the  easy confidence of those who do not see the world as a place full of  invisible constraints but one of frequent opportunity. It is not  that they grew up in an alien culture, for their parents, however westernized their lifestyle, came from the same traditional social  fabric but only that the relationship that they enjoyed with society was  made up of dotted lines. The outside world was a hazy blur which was  real but not consequential.    Army wives did not have it so  easy. These were women brought up conventionally who found themselves  thrown in a world with very different rules. They needed to straddle two  very different cultural universes without having any preparation to do  so.    At a time when most women got married into families, these  were the few who got married out of one. Behind the sometimes awkward  short-hair-dyed-jetblack-speaking-in-Englishevery-fifth-word army wife  lies someone who has perhaps made a dramatic transition in her way of  life and learnt to be an individual one step at a time almost entirely  by herself. No wonder the word formidable comes frequently to mind when  thinking about army wives.    The phenomenon of Army daughters  shows that freeing the energies of women in India perhaps requires above  all an absence of the overweening community that surrounds us. We can  see a similar effect, for all children who had the benefit of growing up  in self-contained colonies outside their native places.    Similarly,  hostels provide avenues for the young to discover their own independent  selves and figure out what they want in life.    On the other  side of the success of army daughters lies the tragedy of millions of  others who do not have the advantage of an alternative cocoon. For our  social system does not let go of its daughters so easily—it requires a  military cantonment to get license to do so.

Indian Army does not promise you a bed of roses, nor does it assure you of materialistic luxuries, yet the life it offers is unmatched. Having been closely associated with the Indian Army, and having a first-hand experience of the lifestyle, I can vouch that the experiences Indian Army, or for that matter, the Indian Defence Forces, offers are extraordinary. The honour and respect the job offers, coupled with the privilege of serving your country provides a feeling that no other seven-figure-pay-package job can. I'll try and give you an insight into what the life actually comprises of. As a young officer, you get commissioned after long months of gruelling training, eager to take up challenges, and serve in some of the most remote areas of the country, places whose names the common man hasn't even heard of. Life there is hard, and you learn to live life carefree, knowing the uncertainties tomorrow offers. While your civilian mates will be working out in air-conditioned gyms, you'd be patrolling for long hours in the scorching sun, incessant rain or freezing cold - depending on which part of the country you are posted to. The camaraderie that you develop with your fellow officers and troops, in such conditions, is unlike any bond that you may develop over your lifetime. While there are tenures of hardships, there are more "relaxed" postings as well. Relaxed as per army standards would mean spending long hours in the offices chalking out strategies instead. These are referred to as "peace" stations and consist of lush green cantonments that the public generally associates the Indian Army with. Here lie the true perks and privileges - clean and peaceful environs, sports complexes, golf courses, auditoriums and the officers' institutes. Life inside these cantonments is a different world altogether. The army takes good enough care of its personnel's families as well, with Ladies Club, and social gatherings being a regular affair. The upbringing that kids in the Army are exposed to is unparalleled and you only need to have a look at the number of successful people who are "military brats" to find out for yourself(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_brats#Indian_military_brats). Over and above all this are the opportunities the Indian Armed Forces offer. The Indian Army funds your course if you are willing to pursue a higher degree, it provides you with the equipment and infrastructure if you are willing to take up a sport. The list is endless. Now, to the specific topic you wanted to know more about- wife swapping. I don't believe it exists - haven't seen or heard it for myself but I can assure that the Army values its ethos well enough not to indulge in such practices. At the same time, it will not be wise to dismiss the allegations outright as well. The Indian Armed Forces are voluntary organisations, inducting its personnel from the society itself. They are not God-sent soldiers and though their morals are expected to be a grade higher than the rest - they are not alien species. The only fact I can assure you is that wife-swapping is clearly not a policy or a way of life - as the "victim" in the case involving the Indian Navy is suggesting.

Only a person who is not associated with Army or any defense force can make a statement "over rated". The person is giving his life for his country because he is serving for his country. For every defense men, his uniform comes first. Their wives, children, parents, friends all our secondary. Its sad that there are few countrymen who do mark judgement based on their assumptions. Answering to your question, I have never heard of wife swapping case ever in my life in this profession. Having said that, if any one or two incident has ever happened this do not show that it is a common practice.

A soldier's army life - A Farewell Letter: Hi All, Here is an article written from the heart of a soldier. I wish that each of our citizens and more so men in positions of power - whether politicians, bureaucrats , media mughals and other opinion leaders ( hell of a phrase ! ) - get to read this. And, more importantly, act proactively for the sake of our nation. My Army Life 1977-2006 I Love the Indian Army – but I must leave Now! I stumbled into the Indian Army in the late seventies. The School which admitted us mid-session, when we returned from Singapore, where my father had a brief teaching stint at the Singapore University, was The Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan. With teenage sons of Army officers as friends, it was natural to apply to join the National Defence Academy. A friend filled my form and even paid the application fee. I wasn’t serious at all of pursuing a career in the military – much like Hrithik Roshan in Lakshya. I saw a movie with my friends, after each of the four NDA entrance papers, and argued with my father when he questioned me on my lack of commitment to the exam. Surprisingly, I qualified on the Service Selection Board standing 19th in the Army all India merit list. I then chose to join the National Defence Academy, as a career was assured at such an early age. Astonishingly, within a few days of joining the NDA, at pristine Khadakwasala, I began my life long affection and admiration for the Indian Army. The NDA was awesome and I took to it as if the place was always meant for me. It was, and probably still is, a remarkable institution where everything works like clockwork, and boys transform into enthusiastic, self confident young men with fire in their belly and an idealistic vision to contribute meaningfully to the security challenges that India would face in the future. Three years later at the Indian Military Academy in Dehra Dun, I learnt that toughness and fitness was not just about well developed physical abilities, but also as much about mental strength, and that the IMA motto of ‘Service before Self’ was not some Gandhian mumbo-jumbo, but the very edifice of life in uniform as an officer. The many years in my Infantry battalion were even more memorable. Not a day was spent as “work”. Every day was enjoyable with a huge family of 800 men; the love, respect and camaraderie was astonishing especially in this day and age. A life of great honesty of purpose; lived simply and with great pride, respect and honour. I had a tour of duty in Kashmir in every rank I have held. As a Lieutenant in Baramulla before the militancy, as a Captain in the Siachen Glacier at 20,000 feet, as a Major and company commander in Kupwara fighting terrorists, and as Lt Col as second-in-command of my unit in Badgam in a counter insurgency deployment on the outskirts of the Srinagar airport. Finally as a Colonel and Battalion commander, I had three different innings in the Kashmir Valley, first as part of the offensive plans during OP PARAKRAM in 2001, then fighting militants in Anantnag during the 2002 Amarnath Yatra and during the state elections, and finally on the Line of Control in high altitude in the majestic Gurez Valley. Interspersed between these challenging times was an opportunity to serve with the United Nations in Iraq-Kuwait as a Military Observer where I saw closely officers from 34 different nations from around the globe and learnt from them about their militaries and the relationship between the State and the soldier in other countries. I also had instructional assignments at the Indian Military Academy, Dehra Dun and at the Infantry School teaching young infantry officers. I then had an enriching year at the Army War College at Mhow during the Higher Command course in 2004-5, learning the art of higher command in the military and traveling to every corner of the country, expanding knowledge, visiting not just our various military headquarters, but also the citadels of economic power of our nation. After the one year sabbatical at Mhow, I moved, in Apr 2005 to a dream job, to the seat of power of the Army in Delhi – the Army Headquarters with an office in South Block and an appointment in the personnel Branch of the Army dealing with postings and promotions of officers of our Army. After three years at Delhi, a Brigadiers rank was round the corner in mid 2008. The sixth Pay commission too was promising salaries to meet with the aspirations of soldiers and government officials who had been made to feel like poor cousins to their corporate friends in the galloping India of the 21st century. Inspite of such a bright future, I felt I must I leave the Indian Army. The three years in the nation’s capital left me with a strange emptiness which refused to go away. All the years, I felt that the many years I spent away from my immediate family, in remote corners of India, were for a cause which was noble and worthwhile. I always felt huge pride for my soldiers and brother officers. I felt there is a grateful nation behind all of us stationed so far away, battling the vagaries of weather and the uncertainty of life. I remember in SIACHEN, in 1988, just before we started our deployment on the main Glacier, the shy 17 year old soldier, no more than a kid, who met me, then the Adjutant, and requested me to be posted to the transport platoon after this tenure, as he was very fond of motor vehicles. Four days later, he was violently taken ill at KUMAR our Headquarters at 16000 feet. We tended to him the whole night, as the helicopter could come to rescue him away only in the morning. Sadly, the High Altitude Pulmonary Odema which afflicted him was faster. He was dead before the copter arrived at the crack of dawn. It was a sad loss so soon after our induction on to the Glacier, but we took it on our chin as the accepted dangers of a soldier’s life. We shed not a tear, and proceeded to do our duty for the next six months, battling the odds and the enemy, in incredibly difficult conditions. I recall when a soldier, who had slipped and fallen towards the enemy side was rescued at Bana top, at 20,000 feet by a brave and courageous officer who went across single handedly at grave risk to his life, to get him back. The soldier spent four hours exposed to temperatures of below minus 40 degrees C, (later both his arms were amputated). When I met him in the hospital a month later he said he knew that his company commander would come to rescue him. It taught me a lesson in trust, faith, camaraderie and leadership which I shall never forget for the rest of my life. I also recall the young soldier who bravely jumped into a building, unrelentingly chasing three dreaded terrorists who had hidden there. We were on the outskirts of Srinagar airfield and fighting a fierce gun battle through the cold winter night in Dec 2000. He killed two of them but in the process was hit by a bullet through the head. He died in my arms. What was even more poignant was the gesture by his father when we honoured him on our battalions Raising day, the following year. In an age where money means everything, the old man broken by his young son’s loss, refused the money we as a unit of 800 had collected as a gesture of our sympathy and concern. He said he had no need for the money and the unit could put it to better use by honouring his brave son in any appropriate way. What I observed over these three years at Delhi, unfortunately have been a sad revelation of the nature of the relationship between the Indian soldier, the State and the people of India. Like RK Laxmans common man, I have observed silently the ignorance and apathy of the establishment towards all issues military. As our expectations from our cricket team, we expect the very best from our military in critical moments of our history, like the 71 War or the Kargil conflict. If we were to build our home, we shall obviously get the best builders and architects we can afford, if our mother was taken ill, we would look for the very best hospital and doctor that we can afford. The critical question is; do we do enough as a nation to ensure that we have the best military India can afford? Are we as a nation doing enough to ensure that we have the best men and systems in place to guard our sovereignty and security interests? Do we do enough to recruit and retain the brightest men and do we have the structures in place to meet the security challenges within and across our borders in the coming years? For a start, the inability to put in place an integrated Chief of Defence Staff is the foremost of our weaknesses and is symptomatic of the apathy and ignorance of military matters in modern India. It is often dismissed as a peripheral issue, one that can wait till the services themselves resolve it. The hard truth is that without true integration of the Army, the Air Force and the Navy, a modern military will be grossly inept and incapable of prosecuting a modern day war. To use the cricketing analogy a bit further, the Kargil war was T 20 cricket and can hide a few fatal flaws, but a full scale war will be like a Test match, only synergy; balance, close integration and team spirit will ensure success. You cannot blame the Defence Secretary or the civilian staff in the Ministry of Defence for the lack of awareness of these issues – very often the Defence Secretary would not have a days experience in the ministry till he joins as the head of the Ministry of Defence. He may have arrived from the commerce, railways or whichever ministry, the senior most bureaucrat is available at that time. The Defence Minister too often has no experience on defence matters till he becomes the Defence Minister. It is like appointing a CEO in a telecom company who had spent all his life in the cement industry! We cannot quite expect them to understand the vital need for integration of the Services. As a comparison to our system, the United States has a long tradition of appointing secretaries of Defence and Presidents who have spent years soldiering or they choose from retired Generals with vision and an impeccable record of service for these assignments. In fact, even in India it would be inconceivable for the Foreign Secretary to be appointed from amongst the bureaucrats in say the coal ministry, so this assumption that the defence ministry can be managed by amateurs is an insult and an affront to the security needs of India. To cite another example, we have no clearly enunciated and documented national counter-terrorism policy. In a nation where the threat of terrorism looms larger with every passing day, it is a matter of shame that we haven’t formulated one yet. With the best minds in the Army, with years of experience in counter terrorism retiring every year, it is a pity we have failed to capitalize on their experience and set out a clearly laid out document. The alarming growth of the Maoists in the Red Corridor, will test the ability of the Indian state to respond to this challenge in the coming years. Policing being a State subject and internal threats being the concerns of the Home Ministry, there is an urgent need to look at counter terrorism holistically outside the confines of individual perceptions of States and various ministries. We must radically alter the narrow confines of each ministry when we define the policy for internal threats. There is apparently a visible lack of statesmanship and professionalism on any macro issue concerning national security. An oblique pointer to India’s concerns on national security and how embedded the military leader is in the psyche of the educated Indian is the representation at various Leadership summits and Conclaves. The ‘who is who’ of India and other countries are invariable present. There will be national political figures, corporate leaders, media barons, and of course movie moughals. So while we have the likes of Aiswarya Rai and Sharukh Khan telling us their take on leadership – the practicing military leader, whether a senior General or the young Major who is an Ashok Chakra winner – shining examples of leadership in its many hues – are conspicuous by their absence. From our fiercely independent and vibrant media, one would have expected greater maturity in their coverage of security affairs. It is revealing that a study in the USA suggests that the gradual erosion of coverage of international issues by their media networks was possibly a reason for their flawed international security interventions as the American public was not capable or knowledgeable enough to question their leadership. The Indian media must ask itself – do they exhibit enough concern on the larger dimensions of national security and do they have enough knowledge of military affairs to fulfill their role as the watchdogs of the nation? Will the increasing trivialization and localization of news affect our security? There are many such concerns that we must address as a military, as a society and as a nation. There are individual and collective responsibilities that we must fulfill. Will India and Indians meet the challenge of the future? Time, and the collective will of the nation, will tell. SOURCE : https://www.facebook.com/notes/578073185545496/

Being an Army Officer's Kid .“So, what does your father do? Why did you join the school at this time of the year?” This was the question that my mathematics sir had asked me, after I introduced myself on the first day of my  school in my 9th class, which I had joined in the middle of the term. "My father is an Indian Army Officer,serving as Colonel" And the moment I tell  this to people, the first thing that flashes across the minds of 90% people is the overflowing free booze, parties every alternate day, huge houses, style, free ration, canteen privilege, travel warrant for 1st class AC, privilege of living in a different place every year, loads of people to work for you, free parking, VIP entries and reservations, amazingly cool uniform with badges, 6-pack, muscles etc. Actually I did not know that there were people who think this way, until that day, when my mathematics sir retorted, with a sneer on his face complemented with a side smile. “aish hai tumhari phir tho, kyun!! Sab free hai.” I had come across only the type of people who on hearing what my father does put him up on a pedestal their entire lives. But this was different. It was like a moment of revelation for me. I was only in 9th class and at that age I was not able to get over that expression my sir had given in front of 49 students. I went to my father that evening when he returned from his “get fed to death”physical exercise routine, I crouched down next to him while he untied his shoe with my eyes wide and a very disconcerted expression on my face. That expression was enough for him because he knew there were endless questions brewing up in my mind which I had not been able to figure out myself and that he could not get away without answering them. He was very used to those expressions, still is and knows exactly what he might have to deal with. I questioned him if what my sir said was true. I knew it wasn't but still, at that age I guess I was in that confused state of mind which needed confirmation that what I was thinking was right. To this my father replied (surprisingly calm, I think he had been through similar situations too already), “People believe only on things that they see or want to see. And that’s what your sir also did. In a way he is not wrong because he expressed only what he saw or rather wanted to see. But you know the truth and you are my Son. Why don’t you tell the truth to people about what your father does? It might even motivate people to join the defence services.” I was just 15, I was smart but not so much that I could actually go up to that sir the next day and argue my points with him. I let it go. But the incident didn't let me go. It stayed with me, and I saw many more of those side sneers till my engineering. Because I was in Hyderabad at that time and it was and still is a popular belief in southern part of India that “only those who do not study well and  always want to have fun go into army as  they do not have any other option”. FUN!!!! I mean come on guys!! Its Army  not a night club!! And the options apparently are engineering, doctor and US. Not much of an option, are they? Pathetic!! It made me angry but I had more of pity for people who thought like that, because it was only due to lack of exposure to things like these. That was the point when I decided to do something about it, now that I was more intellectually matured and had a better know how of things and how they worked. I took it up as a mission. And here also I am going to do the same. I am going to tell you only what I have seen and experienced and have been through. And let me tell you that there is a lot more to it than what I tell you but I guess this is enough for those people who do not see or do not want to see the other side. Frankly speaking, it's fun to have your father work for army. Yes there are amazingly happening parties, Yes we move a lot, Yes we have access to lot of “free” stuff and facilities to enjoy, Yes we have amazing houses which were constructed by the British, Yes we have gourmet French and British cuisines to gorge on most of the times, Yes we have a cook, a gardener, a cleaner, and a man for every other  category of work we can come up with, And it’s a yes for many more such things. But there is a glitch. Imagine living in areas covered with  jungles.When we were in Dinjan, a place in Assam, there were literally leopards lurking around at nights. We were living just next to this huge forest sort of area. Generally, these are the type of places we get to go. Places bordering the country. In some places we were not allowed to tell our father’s name or any other details to anyone due to fear of terrorism. We were made to practice the false names and occupations of our parents everyday so that we do not blurt  out things. I have been through incidents where another officer’s family was shot down by ULFA in the middle of the road. Though I have been to almost every state but the places are always so murky and haunting that every place has its own story which has always affected me in one way or another. Now you cannot call  it a holiday exactly!! Right?? And still people comment on how we get to travel a lot for “free”. We kids never get to be with our fathers. In the whole year they are away for at  least 8 months. And that is the reason Army takes up the responsibility of the  officer’s wife and kids. And the months during which fathers are home, they barely show up at home due to night duties, mission planning, court sessions,exercise routines etc.They have no  Sundays or Saturdays. There are very few nights when we get to be with them, forget about the day times. In emergency times like the Kargil war, the situation is unexplainable. It is very difficult to put it in words. I still remember the war. I have never been the same person since then. 1999-that’s when the war took place. I was just 10. All I remember is that we were suddenly shifted to my grandmother’s place in Bhilai. I was puzzled. For my little brain was used to going to her place only during holidays. I was worried that my teacher would scold me for not attending the school. But there were other pressing issues. We were shifted by the army. I had not seen my father for a couple of days before that. They were busy arranging and planning things to go to war. But before he left, he called us to be in Bhilai railway station, their train was going to pass from there. I saw my dad only for 5 mins and then he left. For next 1 year we had no idea about where he was, what was he doing…was he still alive? The only tiny bits of information we got were from army headquarters which informed us nothing but that they were fine. The secrecy had to be maintained because then families could be tortured for information by the opposite party. I remember being glued to DD news with my mother all day long, because they were the ones who were constantly reporting about the deaths. I remember my mother, always praying. She never cried in front of us. She never let us feel the seriousness of the situation. I knew she cried alone though. She hardly ate. I still remember many names being read on TV whom I knew and were suddenly no more. After 6 months we were sent to Meerut. They said that’s where our fathers will be coming after the "thing" was over. We waited. I used to stand in front of the huge gate of my house, swinging back and forth on it hoping to see my father walk towards me any moment. But instead of that I saw bodies, being carried to their homes. So many of them, that I forgot to keep a count. Everyday there used to be a procession for those who gave their lives for the country. Though the war had subsided, but still the tension prevailed. Our fathers were still not home. Only after another 6 months they were back. Unrecognisable. Tormented.Tattered. They had been through a lot, obviously. So what if they were trained to be in such situations. They are still human beings. They had seen so many deaths, that something in them had died. The kindled spirit that he possessed was gone. He was happy to be home but the number of bodies he had seen still haunted him, they still haunt him. And he is not the only one. There were so many like him, who survived the war but couldn't survive its effect on them. The war had drastic and un-repairable effects on these men. But the horrors of war were not over. There were prisoners of war. And it was country’s responsibility to get them back. But the darned politicians. Every other day, there used to be bodies sent home from Pakistan, tortured, with sometimes eyes removed, finger nails pulled off, ears cut off, fingers and toes smashed one by one… all this when the person was still alive. Pathetic. I had not seen them, but my father would discuss it with my mother every night. I have not narrated even 20% of what I wanted to. But I am going to stop here. I just ask one thing though, are we still not worth what we get???

As a Candidate, all of you have aspirations and dreams, of what your education will finally yield. If you are looking for a fat pay packet, a corporate job is the answer. But above and beyond this should be the question of what the job offer in totality. Let us see what attributes go into making an excellent career. The attributes that one expects from a satisfying profession are: http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/alpha/life-in-army.htm#Professional-Advancement http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/alpha/life-in-army.htm#job-satisfaction http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/alpha/life-in-army.htm#job-security http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/alpha/life-in-army.htm#economic-stability http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/alpha/life-in-army.htm#social-status http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/alpha/life-in-army.htm#quality-of-life http://joinindianarmy.nic.in/alpha/life-in-army.htm#variety-and-adventures If these are what you too are looking forward to, then Army is the profession for you, as these in the Army, compare far more than favourably with any other service.All of us are aware that, professions are competitive, in so far as promotions are concerned. Army is no different. However, as said earlier the competition in the Army is clean and devoid of any other factor but competence.Professional AdvancementThe promotional avenues available to an Army officer are:By Time Scale Captain Major Lieutenant Colonel By Selection Colonel Brigadier Major General Lieutenant General General Job SatisfactionLack of job satisfaction leads to tremendous frustration and results in job-hopping. Jobs in the civil world whether with the government or the corporate leave one with no alternate avenues if stuck with a frustrating portfolio or setup. On the contrary, the sheer variety, sense of purpose, responsibility and pride, negate any job dissatisfaction in the Army.Job SecurityFor an effective career, a long-term strategy is essential and this is possible only if continuity and job security is assured. The Army has been structured to ensure that its personnel work with unhindered dignity. Additionally, statutory rules and regulations exist to safeguard the interests of the servicemen adequately both while in service and after retirement.Foreign Courses and PostingsThe service also offers opportunity for courses and postings abroad. The India Army is renowned all over the world and interaction with foreign armies is extensive. Service with UN Forces provides exposure and travel opportunities across the globe.Pay and AllowancesConsequent to the Sixth Pay Commission salaries have shot up. While the pay and the allowances of an Army officer may superficially appear to be at par with other Central government services, and may be less than that offered by the corporate sector, the quality of life and non-inflationary nature of the perks, which the Army offers outshine the other services. Government job entitles you to many hidden perks, which you may NOT quantify while calculating remuneration. Apparently, there are about 61 types of facilities, benefits and allowances that are applicable to Army in general. In fact if one were to work out the remuneration of a service officer vis a vis a comparable job in the private sector, on the basis of ‘Cost To Company’ (CTC) you would be astounded to find the returns of an Army man to be more if not the same. Some of these perks which are not quantified in terms of cash and are immune to inflation are as follows in case of a Lieutenant, which is the starting rank. Starting Pay Rs 15600/- to Rs 39100/-PM Grade Pay Rs 5400/- Military Service Pay Rs 6000/-PM Kit Maintenance Allowance Rs 400/-PM Transport Allowance Rs 1600/- PM to RS 3200/- PM Field Area Allowance Rs 25% of Basic Pay RS 6780/- PM Counter Insurgency Rs 6300/- PM High Altitude/Uncongenial Climate Rs 5600/- PM Siachen Rs 14000/- PM Flying Pay Rs 9000/- PM Parachute Pay Rs 1200/- PM Special Forces Rs 9000/- PM Gallantry Awards Technical Pay Life Long Pension Qualification Pay/ Grant For Service Courses Rs 6000/- Pm To Rs 20000/- PM Outfit Allowance Renewed Every Three Years Rs 14000/- PM Initial & Rs 3000/- PM Entitled Rations Annual Leave Two Months & Casual Leave 20 Days Concession On Air Travel Free Train Travel Once A Year And Subsidy For Other Journeys. Free Medical- Self And Family In Well Equipped Military Hospitals Subsidised Housing In Clean Cantonments All Over The Country Canteen Facilities For Subsidised Purchase Of Items Including Cars And Air Conditioners. Insurance Cover For Rs 15 Lakhs At Subsidised Premium Group Housing Schemes In Cities Including Metros Low Interest Loans Separated Family Accommodation In Choice Stations. Encashment of Leave Upto 300 Days At Last Pay Drawn Study Leave Upto 2 Years With Full Pay And All Benefits Foreign Postings The above are entitled as per service conditions and qualifications acquired. Cadets at the IMA, OTA, Cadet Training Wing at CME, MCME, and MCTE get a fixed stipend of RS 2100/- PM. Post Retirement Benefits Pension At 50% Of Last Pay Drawn Death Cum Retirement Gratuity Free Medical Treatment Including Dependants Canteen Facilities As Before Insurance Cover Resettlement Opportunities MBA Programme For Retired Officer Training Programme (Officers) Training for preparing retiring/retired officers for their resettlement in civil life is one of the major functions entrusted to the DGR. The resettlement training courses provide nationally/internationally accepted certification to facilitate officers to get quick employment within/outside the country. In addition six months courses being conducted at reputed B Schools (IIMs - Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, XLRI Jamshedpur, MDI Gurgaon, NMIMS Mumbai. These courses have received an overwhelming response from officers and resulted in good job placements in the corporate sector. Other courses are being conducted in multifarious fields like Information Technology, Security Services, Entrepreneurship Development, Business Administration, Personnel Management, Hotel Management, Tourism, Human Resources Development, Law, Insurance and many other short term courses on miscellaneous subjects. Constant endeavor is made to improve the quality of training by regular monitoringIf the above were to be worked out in tangible terms it would add up to an amount that no private firm would be either capable of, or willing to pay.Social Status in ServiceAll of us have our own opinion about what constitutes "social status”. However it is an undisputed fact that the status of a ‘warrior’ has stood the test of time. History and society have both held the soldier in esteem and offered him a unique status in society. By joining the Army, one becomes a member of an exclusive and elite brotherhood, which is the envy of one and all.Post RetirementEven after laying down the uniform, Army officers continue to have the status of the most respected citizens of our country. This added to their ingrained code of conduct and ethical values enable them to occupy a special social niche in society. Since he is much fitter due to the active lifestyle he has led, a second career or lateral absorption in parallel employment is always eminently feasible. His do or die attitude and mental agility ensures that he never really grows into old age, but continues to contribute and thus remain a valued member of society.Lifetime Opportunity for ProfessionalsThe Army provides lifetime opportunities to professionals like Doctors, Nurse, Engineers, Lawyers, and Teachers. Commissioned into the various Corps, one can pursue his or her passion to your heart’s content. An excellent infrastructure, dedicated support staff, and healthy environment provide unlimited growth. The Army invests heavily in human and technical resources. The latest and the best tools are made available for research and employment. Periodic forays into the academic world are encouraged in order to imbibe and practice current technology in your chosen field.Posting/Tenures Subsequent to CommissioningTraining is a judicious mix of technical, military and managerial instruction, in top class institutions run by the Army and a host of other prestigious institutes and establishments including IITs and DRDO. In accordance with the training received, proficiency acquired and aptitude shown, one gets posted on a variety of regimental, staff, or instructional appointments in organizations throughout the country. Additionally officers proceed on deputation to various organizations and foreign appointments.Unlike in a civil environment where a posting means virtual uprooting of a household and starting a fresh new station, in the Army it is merely a change of scene. With more and more stationsfalling under the purview of peace stations and with better infrastructure facilities coming up even in small stations, the pangs of moving are speedily easing up.Food for ThoughtHere it would be apt to reiterate – That all professions serve our motherland – but none of them is in the same league as the Indian Army – for this is the only profession which affords you the opportunity to live up to these stirring lines."To every man upon this earth, death comes sooner or later.And how can a man die better facing fearful oddsFor the ashes of his father and the temple of his Gods”-MacauleyQuality of LifeAs an Indian Army officer at 21, you’d be looking at a lifestyle that one cannot imagine in any other profession, so early in life. What compromises "Quality of Life”? On one hand is a job with a thick pay packet but with the drudgery of 9AM to 9PM schedule, no avenues and time for extracurricular activities, no scope for adventure and excitement, no social status, lack of family life, threat of being terminated with a month’s salary, working in suffocating environment with no self respect and honour. On the other hand is a job which offers you challenge, adventure, excitement, honour, prestige, self respect, whole some family life, safety and security for the family and to top it all the love, respect and esteem of our great India. In the somewhat chaotic social and economic conditions that prevail in our country, Army life is an island of sanity and social order that is the envy of our countrymen. Quality of life is an important attribute of Army life, and has no parallel in any other service. Some of the intangibles, which go to make the quality of life in the Army, are:- Service of the motherland. A profession to be proud of Opportunity to travel and know the country and its people/culture/flora and fauna Opportunity to serve and represent the nation abroad A pure and noble profession Honour and social status No stagnation, a new challenge every day. Opportunity for growth Sports and adventure activity Messes, clubs and institutions facilities Education facilities – Both school and professional colleges for children AWWA hostel for girls in metros Army ensures your physical and mental health. Quality of life ensured not only for officers, but also families. Variety and AdventuresVariety and adventure are the spice and romance of life. No profession has the kind of recreational and adventure facilities to offer as the Army does; from membership of the best clubs in country to horse riding, swimming, golfing, mountaineering, trekking and sailing. Posting to exotic stations gives one an opportunity to see India and its different cultures, in all its vivid glory. You may also get a chance to go abroad on course or on posting. So, if one is looking for a profession, which goes beyond being a mere job, accept the challenge and join the Indian Army.

Dear sir. Please understand this wife swapping isn't something that is expected from any man let alone army men, but still people indulge in this type of unethical activities. We should leave this to them only. Army men usually "SWAP" comfort,sleep and their life for us civilians. And I am no army person but I wish my 8 month young son will join that elite"breed". Jai hind.

Awesome. Tough. Adventurous. Isolated. Only the best of friends and worst of enemies come by. Great Courage and fortitude is the norm. Credits: The last two sentences are some that I have seen on Army Cantts and used them to just show meaning in the army life. I do not own them.

Frankly if u want to join it just for money and comfort its a wrong choice. It's not true that those who are unable to do anything join army CDS(combined defense service ) is one of the toughest exam. And it doesn't mean that after joining army u would live like a hippie u will get paid good and facilities which any othe service and business won't provide. my friend Remember my words "it's a life of a real man." If u want to live a disciplined and prideful life than its the best option.