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Armed Forces



"Into the valley of death rode the six hundred...
Theirs not to question why,
Theirs not to make reply
Theirs but to do and die..."

...Some decisions are made before the call comes...

A career with the Army, Navy or Air Force carries with it a lot of commitment. Everyone professes to love their motherland and express that love in various ways. But not everyone is brave enough to devote their lives to help protect their country.

If you have a strong desire to prove your mettle and have made up your mind to join these forces, well, there is no stopping you!! The opportunity for various aptitudes vary with the position and job assignment. Special emphasis is laid on physical fitness, personal discipline and commitment.

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There are doctors, engineers, pilots, sailors, computer professionals, accountants, paramedics, dentists, vets, educationalists, legal experts, administrative and logistics officers and the largest group is, of course the combatant force. (Where else would you find such a wide range of careers amalgamated ?!?)
Army
Highly advanced and developed countries today rely on armoured personnel carriers, tanks, missiles, helicopters, air borne artillery, mobile field guns, nuclear power etc., whereas the developing nations rely more on trained infantry and guerilla There are several avenues for work in the army:

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  • Infantry
  • Armoured Corps
  • Artillery
  • Engineers
  • Signals
  • Army Service Corps (ASC)
  • Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME)
  • Ordinance Corps (AOC)
  • Army Medical Corps (AMC)
  • Nursing Officers
  • Dental Officers

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Navy
The Indian navy performs the job of protecting the oceanic resources and the large number of island territories in war and peace.

The Indian Navy consists of the nation's combat fleet, its supporting ships, their personnel, the training establishment and the land bases. Being the 7th largest in the world is a tough job that requires skilled manpower. Despite all the latest technology, it is the officer who faces the real challenge on sea.

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If a naval officer is what you want to be - hard work, professionalism, risk and adventure should always be by your side. You will get the opportunity to move around and visit different places within India and abroad (don't get starry eyed!! you'll be working, of course!!) Apart from all this, there is always the satisfaction of being at the vanguard of the nation’s defense that keeps these brave men moving.

The executive branch is the operational branch of the Navy and it is the officers of this branch that exercise the command of ships at sea. The 3 arms of this branch provide great job opportunities -(a) General service, (b) Aviation arm, (c) Submarine arm.

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Air Force
The airforce supplements and complements the defense and offence endeavors of the Army and the
air1.gif (864 bytes) Navy. Today, the Air Force is studded with sophisticated fighter aircraft like Mirage2000, MIG29, MIG27, Jaguar, MIG25, MIG27, MIG21.(ever dreamt of riding one of these beauties??!!)
Our air force is big by world standards and we can boast of the best trained men and resources which are engaged in our defense.(Yes people!! we do have lots to be proud about). The pilot is the main man to look for. It goes without saying that our man has to be highly trained and qualified.

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Other than the officers in the flying branch who fall under 4 categories,

  • Fighters and fighter-bombers.
  • Transport
  • Bombers
  • Helicopters

the Ground Duty Branch is constituted by the following -

Technical Branch
Administrative Branch
Administrative officer
Air traffic controller officer
Fighter Controller

Logistics Branch
Accounts Branch
Education Branch
Meteorology Branch
Medical Branch

Entry in the Army, Navy and Air Force after 10+2
In addition to the interview, the candidates are put through intelligence tests both verbal and non-verbal.
Mathematics - 2-2 and a half hours (max score-300)
General ability test - 2-2 and a half hours (max score-600)

Candidates are put into group discussions, group planning, outdoor group tasks and even asked to give lectures on specific subjects. This is a thorough assessment of the candidate's intellectual qualities, social traits and interest in current affairs. What you need to do is, brush up all your reading and your ability to talk intelligently (if you haven't been doing that for sometime!!).
air6.gif (1380 bytes) Apart from your intellectual abilities, it is your muscle power that will eventually come into use when you need it. You should be in good physical and mental health (remember to sack your shrink before you submit your form!!!!) , free from any disease or disability which would hamper your efficient performance of duties. Someone who is smart would get himself medically examined before submitting his application (height, weight, and chronic illness etc.etc.). The not so smart will go right ahead and waste the government's valuable time (what a pity!!)



Graduate and post graduate entry into the armed forces

Written examination, interview, intelligence and personality tests are common with the 10+2 entry scheme.
English 2 hours (100 marks)
General Knowledge 2 hours (100 marks)
Elementary Mathematics 2 hours (100 marks)

Entry after 10+2(PCB group) into Army Medical Services

It is important that you pass your class12 with 60% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English (otherwise you can kiss this career goodbye!). The selection test is held in 2 parts written test and an interview.

Well, the benefits and lifestyle offered by the services are definitely distinct from all the other services making it an evergreen career option. Service conditions and perks have improved over the past few years (this should sit you up!!).

Facilities provided to the defense personnel (all 3 services) are not easy to come by in civilian life. They are provided with leave travel, accommodation, free medical services, schooling and transport for children, group insurance and housing schemes, loans and settlement prospects (they deserve it as they defend the nation, don't they??).Retired service officers are employed in industries, as administrative officers in paramilitary services, diplomatic services and can be even offered re-employment after retirement.

Students from humanities, commerce and science streams can enter the services at several points - 10+2, graduation, post graduation and professional qualification. (you are free to pick and choose - as and when you like!!)

Women have always boosted the morale of the armed forces by participating in various social and welfare activities of the various branches of the Armed Forces. They are now expected to play an active and direct role in shouldering the duties too. (About time!!)

The armed forces have begun recruiting female candidates for some select branches for the short service commission that is of 5-10 years duration. This is the time and opportunity for all you women to gather your courage and wits and plunge in. (Show those men what you are worth !!)

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If a secure and disciplined lifestyle is what you are looking for coupled with adventure and tripled with challenges -

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 Go Ahead Young People, Make a Commitment to Your Nation !!!

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