Territorial Army deployed for nation's service
The Territorial Army is an important military reserve force made up of part-time volunteers. Their job is to support the Indian Army. The force was raised in 1949 under the Territorial Army Act 1948. It serves as a complementary force to the regular army. This force becomes active during natural disasters and emergencies. The Territorial Army is considered important for the security of the country. It has 32 infantry battalions, of which 14 battalions (about 14,000 troops) can be deployed in Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, Southwestern, Andaman and Nicobar and Army Training Commands. The Territorial Army is for those who are professionals in other fields and want to serve the country. It is a part-time job which provides an opportunity to the Indian youth to show patriotism. Territorial Army personnel are trained for a few weeks and months in a year. Their training is not regular, nor is it as strict as army training. The Territorial Army is activated only under special circumstances. For example, in internal security, disaster management and war-like situations, the force of these soldiers is activated. The Territorial Army unit has been part of operations in 1962, 1965 and 1971. The 'Terriers' also went to Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Rakshak and the North-East region during Operation Rhino and Operation Bajrang.
The Territorial Army troops were directly deployed in the Kargil war zone. He also fought against the enemy. Besides, Territorial Army personnel were also supplying essential commodities like food, water, medicines and other materials to the troops. Medical assistance, engineering work and other assigned tasks were well executed by the Territorial Army. He played an important role in this war in getting rid of the enemies. Being a part of the Indian Territorial Army is not only a matter of pride but many eminent personalities have also proved it by being a part of it. India's star javelin thrower and two-time Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra has not only made the country proud on the field of sports but has now also become a part of the Indian Army. In the past, two legendary Indian cricket captains Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra, politicians Anurag Thakur and Sachin Pilot, Malayalam film industry superstar Mohanlal and actor Nana Patekar have served in the Territorial Army. Recruitment to the posts of Junior Commissioned Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer and other ranks is done from time to time in the Territorial Army. The selected candidates are given a rank equal to the Indian Army and they discharge the same responsibilities. In recognition of nation-building efforts and contributions made during war or conflict, several individuals of the Territorial Army have been honoured with gallantry as well as distinguished service awards. The age of the candidate should be between 18 to 42 years and he should be fully medically fit.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, after Operation Sindoor, the tension on the Indo-Pak border increased continuously, the central government also gave Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi the right to call the officers of the Territorial Army. If needed, the Territorial Army can be called. At such a time, the spirit of service to the country has started shaking in the minds of the common people. Many people have a feeling that if they were in the army, they would have got a chance to teach the enemies a lesson. In the Territorial Army, you can serve in the army even while being a common citizen of the country. It is a kind of volunteer service. Which you can join with your job, business or other work. You get training, salary and other facilities like other military officers. In 2019, women were also accepted into the Territorial Army as officers or other ranks. This was possible after a court order in 2018. Now the youth are being given the opportunity to join this service for cyber warfare in the Territorial Army. Skilled youth on the technical front are being selected as cyber warriors. The Indian Army has recruited Territorial Army Officers for ordinary Indian citizens. This recruitment will be in the form of Army Officer (Non-Departmental) in the Territorial Army. The first is six months of pre-commission training. During this time, he will be taken as a Gentleman Cadet. Candidates will be commissioned into TA only if they successfully complete this training. There will be a two-month annual training camp every year. The first two years at OTA Chennai will consist of three months of post-commissioning training.
It is a part-time concept with two months of compulsory training in a year. It is an all-volunteer force that works in the second line after the Indian Army. Especially in times of emergency, these soldiers serve the nation, while in times of peace, they continue civilian work. You get a chance to serve the country by joining the Territorial Army. It allows people to work as a team, come together and instill a sense of security among people. Commissioned officers in the Territorial Army may be called upon for long term military service depending upon the requirement. On recruitment as an officer, commission is given to the rank of lieutenant.
"He is the custodian of dreams,
Their actions are holy, synonymous with valour, their decisions are sacred
The guardians of freedom stand proudly on the thrones
They are the structure of courage, their goals are sacred
Their only purpose in life is
Let our India be prosperous and secure.
Let every straw be dedicated to them
But now our India is not fragmented.
They are a source of inspiration for the youth
It's a song written for democracy.
The keepers of freedom are greater than all riches.
In every victory, only India wins. ”