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born2battle · 3 years

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Specialization Course In Sweden & Second innings at Deolali...

Our team of 12 IGs & 8 AIGs for Specialization Course on 155mm FH77B assembled in Deolali in the first week of Jan 1987. There was a brief orientation program to facilitate the preparations prior to departure. We then proceeded to Delhi for collection of our passport, visa, air tickets and foreign currency. It was a unique experience for all of us prior to our first foreign travel. Our families could not accompany initially but were given necessary permission to follow subsequently.

On 15 Jan 1987, we took off as a delegation by Air India flight from Delhi to Frankfurt, full of Josh and enthusiasm for our maiden flight for a duration of 9 hours. Next morning, we boarded the connecting flight to Stockholm where we were received by representatives of M/S BOFORS. The outside temperature was minus 20° celsius --- just as expected.We then proceeded by road to Karlskoga which was a mesmerising journey of three hours with breathtaking views of snow-capped terrain till we reached Scandic Hotel in Karlskoga. On arrival, we had a grand welcome dinner in the Hotel itself, which was going to be our Home for the next four months.

Next morning, we were issued special snow clothing & equipment which was to be used during the training. We were also given a set of books and manuals pertaining to the highly sophisticated weapon system. The Course began on 22 Jan 1987 in the training facility of M/S BOFORS. The facility had excellent indoor infrastructure , huge gun sheds and outdoor training areas in close vicinity. The Course commenced with an overview & demonstration of the entire weapon system. Capabilities of the main components ---- the Gun itself, the Gun tower ( Scania ), the Computer system ( BCM & ODM ) and the Ammunition system were explained in outline. The schedule of training was laid down from 9 AM to 5 PM ( Mon to Fri only). Interestingly, these timings coincided with the daylight availability during Jan/Feb.

The training began at a hectic pace under the guidance of Swedish instructors who were the experts on the automated weapon system. They taught us in detail about each sub- system, with greater emphasis on practical aspects. We were specially impressed with the automated laying & loading system which enabled the Gun to fire 3 rounds in 14 seconds. It was complimented by the Auxiliary Propulsion Unit of the Gun which gave it the unique Shoot & Scoot capability. This was practiced during every deployment & re- deployment in the firing ranges. The Computer system operated at the OP End & the Gun End enabled quicker response and greater accuracy in engagement of targets. The lethal effect of variety of ammunition was also witnessed during each firing practice. As a result of regular practices, in different terrain and weather conditions, we gained competence about the new weapon system --- appropriately referred as the System of Systems!!

Meanwhile, some of us could bring our families to Sweden which was to be a maiden foreign experience for them as well. I felt so happy that Sanjivani could also come over while I attended this prestigious Course. On the weekends, all of us went on several sight seeing visits beginning with Karlskoga itself --- the City which was famous for Alfred Nobel & ofcourse M/S Bofors. The trips to tourist destinations in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo & Copenhagen were most memorable. The interaction with the locals in Karlskoga as also during all the visits in Sweden was very encouraging. On the whole, we learnt quite a lot about the Swedish culture and the way of life. Each weekend enabled us to refresh after our hectic training schedule , which was certainly educative but challenging.

In the first week of Apr, we were intimated our posting orders by FAX to enable planning our move after returning to Delhi. Our Team was divided equally between School of Artillery, Deolali & the Medium Regiments which were to be equipped with the new force multiplier, popularly called the Bofors Gun. I was lucky to be part of the IG Team tasked for conversion training at Deolali. All of us were sanctioned casual leave for two weeks which could be availed abroad or in India. Our Course concluded on 15 Apr 1987, after which myself & Sanjivani availed this opportunity to visit London and Paris before returning to Delhi. We still cherish these beautiful memories, specially the cruise across the English Channel. The farewell ceremony organised by M/S Bofors was indeed the grand finale of our memorable Course and stay in Sweden before we left Karlskoga, with an album of memories!!

We felt so thrilled to return to Deolali for yet another tenure in the Home of the Gunners. It was special home coming since we were considered as special instructors, on a special weapon system, just inducted into the Regiment of Artillery. We were constituted into a special Cell ( termed as FH Cell ) and were allotted all the resources to plan, organise & conduct the Conversion training. We had a special session with the Commandant who welcomed us back into the Red Band fraternity. He emphasised about facing our new challenges not only as Trainers but also as the Think tank for formulation of concepts of employment of the new force multiplier.

We were allotted temporary accommodation in Rajasthan Colony ---- name of the Colony was a mystery, where our luggage could be unpacked finally. It was necessary to settle quickly so that our daughters could commence schooling & I could begin my preparations as an Instructor. Our excitement was further enhanced when we came to know that another baby was expected to join our family by the end of the year. The milestone event happened on 15 Dec 1987 when we were blessed with a son, to be later named as Aditya. Soon thereafter we were allotted our permanent accommodation on Connaught Road. This accommodation was just opposite the Army School.

We took on the challenge of preparing new lesson plans, training aids and user handbooks before the commencement of the conversion training. In the training, we covered theoretical as well as practical sessions including firing in the Deolali ranges. Simultaneously we had to organise brainstorming sessions in order to evolve the concept of employment of the Bofors weapon system in the Indian context. The intense schedule of conversion training lasted till end of the year. We had several visits by dignitaries who were demonstrated the capabilities of the automated Gun.

In Exercise Topchi, the Bofors Gun was the centre of attraction during the Fire Power Demonstration for the Staff College Course. It was also on display during the Republic Day Parade on the Rajpath in Jan 1988. The conversion for additional medium regiments continued as before, however I got a brief respite when i was detailed to attend Senior Command Course at Mhow in the peak summer season Apr-Jun 1988. On return I resumed the training of LGSC courses who were also trained on this special equipment. Thus, we gradually gained further competence and confidence about the employment of the latest Force multiplier.

Just after completion of two years of my second tenure at Deolali, I received the news about my approval for my next promotion as Lt Col. This was followed by the posting order. I was supposed to report as Staff Officer (Operations) in the Div HQ at Rajouri, J&K. It was indeed going to be a challenging assignment on the LOC. The flip side was that my family would not be entitled to join me at Rajouri since it was a field area. We had to therefore choose a selected place of residence for the family accomodation. The choice was between Deolali (the current location) or any other nearest Army Cantonment to Rajouri. We took the tougher option of selecting Jammu (Four Hrs from Rajouri) as our SPR (Selected Place of Residence). This was going to be a challenge even for all the family members in this new environment in J&K.

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#INDIAN ARMY #indian arty #Fauji #faujilife #bofors gun

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foujilover · 4 years

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आज़ादी की कभी शाम ना होने देंगे , शहीदों की कुर्बानी बदनामी ना होने देंगे , बच्ची है जो एक बूंद भी लहू की तब तक भारत माँ का आँचल नीलाम ना होने देंगे Jay hind SRR.411 Radhe Radhe #army #armylove #armylife #fauji #faujilife #indianarmy #instagram #jayhind https://www.instagram.com/p/CCmhuTVgU6S/?igshid=3dbm4kbsat5g

#army #armylove #armylife #fauji #faujilife #indianarmy #instagram #jayhind

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unchainedreamzblog · 4 years

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#Repost @shomaabhyankar (@get_repost) ・・・ An old #trunk converted into #vinyl record holder and #turntable top especially for me by a dear dear friend @unchainedreamz_ I just had to tell her why I needed what I needed and she turned on her magic to do this #trunkmakeover I had always wanted to retain a few of our #faujilife trunks for fond #memories of a life well lived... I would never trade it for anything else. Fauji life gives you strength to face adverse conditions and gives you friends for life... And some of them as talented as @banditadutt But the metal boxes and trunks in their fauji avatar did not fit into my home decor. I knew the role each trunk needs to play in upcycled looks. I had put up pictures of one trunk few months ago and the two trunks this time each would act as storage of different things and double up as #coffeetable and turntable top. Bandita has done a tremendous job with these. I am so glad I relied on her for my #prized #collectible tables. Head over to @unchainedreamz_ if you want to connect with her and need some #customised decor for your home. #recycle #reuse #reclaim #decopaugebox #artistfriends #art #decorideas #homedecor https://www.instagram.com/p/B7iNsLnFw3H/?igshid=xxypw8t85612

#repost #trunk #vinyl #turntable #trunkmakeover #faujilife #memories #coffeetable #prized #collectible #customised #recycle #reuse #reclaim #decopaugebox #artistfriends #art #decorideas #homedecor

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k-i-n-g-music · 4 years

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“Meri Majboori” available on all platforms, see links below👇. Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/3FL1F0z2VaxBAM0fuIAjHX?si=tZ48nDEeS-u2UEETpPDp6g Distrokid - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/king21/meri-majboori YouTube - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=To5wBPwl3e4 Apple Music/iTunes - https://music.apple.com/gb/album/meri-majboori/1491446698?i=1491446699 GooglePlay - https://play.google.com/store/music/album/K_I_N_G_Meri_Majboori?id=Bxan3lad7v74r5n6abwhplwa67q Deezer - https://www.deezer.com/en/track/831391272 Napster - https://us.napster.com/artist/k-i-n-g/album/meri-majboori/track/meri-majboori #merimajboori #k_i_n_g_music #punjabistudents #nri #studentlife #nrilife #byemom #fauji #faujilife #maa #punjabi #student #studentlife #students #internationalstudent #internationalstudents #internationalstudentlife #missyoumom #missyoumom❤️ #missyoumommy #missyoumomma #missyoumaa #maakapyaar #maakapyar #punjabisong #nripunjabi #pardesi #pardes #punjabisongs #punjabisinger #punjabisingers https://www.instagram.com/p/B9L9OaDnEYd/?igshid=14el96oryi1ek

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adityatheartist · 2 years

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#nocaptionneeded 🇮🇳❤️ . #theartist @adideo009 @theartlover_deo #theartistadityadeokar #theartlover_deo #adityatheartist #madebydeo😘 #clickedbydeo😘 #deo_edit😘 . #artislove #artislife . #art #artist #artistic #artlover #artshare #artistic_nation #artistsinindia #indianairforce #indianarmy #armylover #proudindian #painting #pencildrawing @domsindia #fauji #faujilife #ak47 #tattoo #love #viral #viralindia 💝✨ (at Baramati - बारामती) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZJ7sHLhryP/?utm_medium=tumblr

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born2battle · 4 years

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Specialisation Training in LGSC at Deolali

In the last week of May, I was given a fond farewell, both during the Bara Khana and in the Officers Mess before departure for Deolali. I felt happy to proceed for LGSC but also sad to leave the Jat Balwan family after a long association of five years. I availed annual leave for a month at Aurangabad enroute to Deolali. On 30 Jun 1976, I reported at the Reception Centre established at Deolali Railway Station. Transport was provided to move further to yet another grand Reception Centre set up in B Mess. Some other officers detailed for the same Course had also reached meanwhile. We were welcomed with refreshments & handed over the Information Brochure containing all the basic information to facilitate settling down. Bachelors were allotted two room suites in one Block, just adjacent to B Mess. Married officers were allotted family quarters in three dispersed locations. We were expected to settle down in the next three days. An invitation was also handed over for a social evening at Temple Hill Institute on Saturday, where we would be formally welcomed as Long Gunnery Staff Course Field 743.

On 05 Jul, we assembled in Sarvatra Hall for the Welcome Address by Brig Avatar Singh, the Commandant, School of Artillery. He began his speech by complimenting the entire Course ( total of 30 officers in a service bracket of 5 to 10 years ) for this great achievement of selection for LGSC. He advised us to devote greater efforts and focus on improving from Good to Excellent, with renewed quest for professional competence. Then, we moved to the Field Wing ( just across the Cadet Hill ), where we were addressed by Col D D Batra , the Chief Instructor, Field Wing. He emphasised that we must lay equal stress on the theoretical & the practical aspects while learning about any weapon system. He explained the course structure in detail & issued the training calendar for next one year. Our training was to be conducted in five capsules in the following sequence :-

Basic Leg ( 2 months )

Gunnery Leg ( 3 months )

Survey Leg ( 2 months )

Tactical Leg ( 3 months )

Special Leg ( 2 months )

Basic Leg commenced in full swing, the very next day. We had guessed that it would not be as” Basic” as the name suggested. Three new subjects namely ---- Ballistics, Equipment & Ammunition, were bombarded at us daily. It was a challenge to understand the theories of Ballistics and trajectory computations. It was even more difficult to learn about the design and functions of all the components of each type of Gun of different calibre ( 75 mm, 100 mm, 105 mm, 122 mm,130 mm ) & Mortars of 120 & 160 mm calibre. The theories of design and effect of a variety of ammunition systems of the aforementioned type of Guns were equally complex, due to peculiar features of Shells & Fuzes, Cartridges & propellants etc. In addition to these intense sessions throughout the day, we had to carry out self study and prepare for giving lectures on three different topics, These were called TPs ( Teaching Practices ) and were assessed by a separate team of IGs. At the end of the Basic Leg, we appeared in Written & Practical tests. The results gave us a true feedback about how much we knew & how much we still needed to know.The realisation dawned that we had just touched the - Tip of an Iceberg !!!

We progressed into the Gunnery Leg, hoping that it would be easier comparatively!! The focus was on all critical aspects of technical Gunnery, in case of all type of weapon systems. It meant attaining higher levels of proficiency in standard of shooting from OP end & accurate response after quick deployment & firing from the Gun end. This was practised during Course shootings in Deolali Ranges, both by day and night.We were also taught the practical aspects of maintenance of all equipment. It was really enjoyable stage of learning, as we built up our confidence gradually, from 75/24 Pack Howitzers to 130 mm Medium Guns. We had to give three lectures again on different topics in the form of TPs, which were assessed by a different team of IGs. It certainly developed our instructional ability. Incidentally, one of the TPs had to be in Hindi , being the language of instruction for teaching in the Regiment. We had to prepare for Group Projects as well. This task had to be done as a syndicate work in late evenings. Such meetings always ended up with a drive down upto the Railway station or Deolali market --- for refreshments, as per Gunners culture prevalent in Deolali. Finally, the Gunnery Leg ended with the Written & Practical assimilation tests. Incidentally, we could arrange few get togethers and trips to visit Shirdi & Trimbakeshwar in this period.

In Dec, we proceeded for the much awaited educational tour for a duration of two weeks. The aim of this Tour was to acquaint us with the production facilities for Artillery equipment , sub systems and manufacture of ammunition by the Ordnance Factories. We were privileged to travel by a reserved compartment which was attached to various trains, in accordance with the schedule of visits. At the halts, we stayed in the compartment itself, which was placed on the railway siding. We visited Pune, Ambernath, Bangalore, Jabalpur, Kanpur & Dehradun. It was an enriching experience indeed for all of us, including the IGs who accompanied during the Tour. It also strengthened our Course spirit. We returned fully rejuvenated to progress from “ known to unknown”.

Survey Leg commenced in the New Year. We had to learn the basic concepts of Surveillance & Target Acquisition, the special equipment employed & the relevant procedures. Several exercises were conducted to practice setting up a grid and establishing link up between the OP & Gun end. The accuracy of the procedures was tested during Course shootings in Deolali ranges, having a total area of 30 x 10 km. Simultaneously, Exercise TOPCHI was conducted as a demonstration of fire power, to be witnessed by the officers of Defence Services Staff College. Our Course was also integrated in this annual event, which proved to be useful in the long run. Each of us was again assessed for yet another TP during the Survey Leg. In the end, the usual written & practical tests were conducted.

Tactical Leg began in Mar, in the Tactical Wing located adjacent to HQ, School of Artillery.This was conducted with total focus on tactical employment of Artillery, both in defensive & offensive operations. We were taught by senior instructors who had completed the command of their Regiments. Most of the instruction was through Sand Model Discussions (SMDs ) depicting various terrain scenario. We had to evolve the plans by resorting to Syndicate work in the afternoon & submit the solutions by sunset. In addition, we were assigned Projects to summarise the contribution of Artillery in previous military campaigns. Fire planning was practised & tested in the Fire & Move Exercises in Deolali ranges. It enabled use of variety of ammunition ( High Explosive, Smoke, Illuminating, Rockets etc ). It was also interesting to learn about the staff work required at the level of Brigade/ Division/ Corps. In the end, we were tested by giving us a tactical scenario , for which we had to write an elaborate tactical appreciation & evolve an Artillery plan. This Leg really expanded our tactical horizon, in a short span of three months.

Around mid Jun, just when I had completed 6 years of service, a team of Staff officers from MS Branch of Artillery Directorate visited School of Artillery. They announced our posting orders to be executed after completion of the Course in end of Jul. It was not much of a surprise since we had a general idea about our performance which was the basis for planning our postings. Most of the officers were to proceed back to their respective Regiments, while seven of us were to be retained in School of Artillery. I felt really privileged to be in this list of top performers, selected to continue their innings at the “ Home of the Gunners”.

Normally, the tempo of studies declines after receipt of the Posting Orders but this did not happen in our Course. We moved back to Field Wing with renewed enthusiasm and set about learning about special equipment such as 105 mm Abbot, 160 mm Tampella Mortar, 7.2 inch Gun & GRAD BM 21. Each of these equipment & associated sub systems and ammunition was unique. This was experienced during the practice firings , which was absolutely impressive. We were also informed about new equipment / ammunition which was under development or undergoing trials. The Special Leg ended on a special note of euphoria.

Soon, the last fortnight of the Course began. We had to put up a Variety Entertainment Program in the last week. All officers & families decided to participate & get on the stage to display their hidden talents. It was an occasion which I would never miss. So, I too joined the Qawali group & also gave a duet for the first time. It was an impressive show which was well appreciated.

Next day, the Chief Instructor announced the final results.He interviewed each of us and apprised us about our performance including the instructional ability. I received a special pat on the back for topping the Course & obtaining ‘Alpha X- Ray grading’ ( above 70% score ). He expressed confidence that I will prove to be an asset as an IG in the Field Wing.

The farewell functions began with the formal dining out from the Field Wing at the Temple Hill Institute. On the next day, there was a farewell from “ A” Mess being the oldest Officers Mess in the Campus. This was a formal farewell from the entire School of Artillery with the band playing the farewell tune “Auld Lang Syne”. On 01 Aug 1977 (which coincided with the Raising Day of the Jat Balwans ), we assembled on the final day, for the final time, for the final ceremony, in Sarvatra Hall. This was the traditional ‘IG Band’ ceremony. We were privileged to be awarded the coveted red band known as the ‘IG Band,’ which had to be worn on the Peak Cap, as a symbol of distinction. What a transformation, as hereafter, we would be respected as a part of an elite “Band of Brothers” - the IG fraternity.

#fauji #faujilife #indian army #gunners

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born2battle · 4 years

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Bedding - in Phase at IMA

It was a fully rejuvenating vacation in the Kashmir valley after my long innings at the NDA. I sought the blessings of Vaishno Devi before boarding the train to Dehradun towards my next goal of the President’s Commission in the Indian Army. On arrival at the Indian Military Academy, we as ex-NDAs observed several distinct differences as compared to NDA. The campus itself was compact and all the buildings had a majestic look of the Pre-Independence era since IMA was established in 1932.

Chetwode Block is the most impressive landmark symbolic of the IMA. It derives its name from Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode who was the Commander in Chief of India and had inaugurated the Academy on 10th December 1932. The IMA crest is composed of crossed swords with the flaming torch superimposed by the Dharma Chakra of King Ashok. The background colours are steel grey and blood red. The scroll has the inscription “ वीरता और विवेक ”. Training at IMA is conducted over three terms. However, ex-NDA Cadets are trained only during second and third terms while cadets of Direct entry and ex-Army Cadet College entry are trained for all three terms.

We were familiarized with the campus in the very first week. We liked the feeling of being termed with respect as a Gentleman Cadet for several reasons - our uniform was olive green (earlier colour was Khaki), our haircut upgraded to IMA style, exemption from ragging and minor punishments like front rolling & cycle-lifting. All Cadets were distributed in Companies instead of Squadrons. I was assigned to “Alamein” Company named after the famous battle in Second World War. Three Companies constituted a Battalion, and each Battalion had a separate Mess. Interestingly, there was no central Cadet’s Mess, which we missed as Ex- NDAs!!

Training at IMA focussed on four pillars of development - military, physical, intellectual and leadership. Obviously, there was greater emphasis on military subjects with very few academic subjects. We were introduced to Leadership series through Case Studies. Physical training, Weapon training and Equitation training continued to be pitched beyond the level which we had already achieved in NDA. We had to specially undergo BPET (Battle Physical Efficiency Tests) & Marksmanship tests every week. In case the standards were not met, the privileges were restricted. There were some new aspects introduced in outdoor training such as Sword Drill, Russian Obstacle course (as shown in the Hindi movie ‘Lakshya’) and driving of military vehicles i.e. Jeep/ 1 Ton/3 Ton. Sports & Club activities provided necessary relief from the hectic routine.

We attended firing demonstrations which enabled us to understand the capabilities of Infantry weapons, Artillery guns and the Battle tanks. Besides, there were static equipment displays put up by the Engineer Regiment and Signal Regiment. In addition, detailed presentations were given by ASC (Army Supply Corps), AOC (Army Ordnance Corps) and EME (Electronics and Mechanical Engineers). All these helped in submitting our choices for allotment of Arms/Services by the end of the term.

In this term, we learnt about warfare in the Plains (rivers, canals and desert terrain) and Jungle warfare. This was practically applied during the one week camp in Asan Ranges situated about 50 km away. It was a tougher camp in the form of a two-sided exercise where we had to constantly apply various platoon level tactics, both during day and night. It was even more difficult in the last three days where we had to survive on ‘survival rations’. Finally, there was the usual ‘JOSH run’ of 50 km, wearing the entire battle gear, which was indeed a test of physical and mental endurance. The Camp certainly forged the bonds of friendship and comradeship.

On return from the Camp, the GCs of the passing out course, who were our immediate seniors, were assigned their Arms and Services. It was also the time, when we submitted our choices, since it would be our turn in the next term. Rehearsals started for the Passing Out Parade and other functions. In fact, this term was so hectic that we hardly got a chance to visit any nearby tourist spots of the Doon Valley, except Mussoorie and that too in the mid-term break!! Finally, the POP was conducted on the Chetwode Drill Square and culminated when the 46th IMA Course stepped onto the “अंतिम पग” for the last time. On the same night, there was the much-awaited ‘Pipping Ceremony’ in the Chetwode Hall. The parents were privileged to pip the stars on the shoulders of their sons ---- exactly at midnight. Next morning, was the Oath Ceremony followed by paying of homage at the War Memorial. Newly commissioned Young Officers (our immediate seniors) were all set to bid farewell to IMA and proceed to their respective regiments to serve the Country in true spirit of the Chetwode Motto.

#ima #indian military academy #fauji #faujilife

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