When an uniformed soldier picks up his gun and aligns his duty of safe-guarding the nation with the Government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and is ever ready to enhance his team or platoon's combat readiness for future multi-domain warfare -- it's the ultimate.
One can halfheartedly say - "It's a marriage made in heaven".
Max Cooper, owner of 45 McDonald's franchises once said --- "I have always felt that I don't have to be an originator -- just a good duplicator".
Indian Army will always aim to 'shape' future-ready warriors. The kinds of trainees as prescribed in text books - is like producing 'good duplicators'.
It works on the average conditions. But with Indian army -- it is also being a different .... who would make a difference to his battalion and the country.
What about those who want to run the extra mile ? Who want to take a free extra shots ?
What about those -- men and women in olive green - who want 'slight improvement' over PERFECTION --- Well's that a true Indian soldier is all about.
Grill a Gorkha Regiment young officer--- and in couple of minutes - one could be greeted with his war-cry --
"Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali!".
So much is his faith that in the next couple of hours or so -- his gun will do the Tandav and destroy the enemy.
Try this out with a Rajput Regiment young officer -- he will scream "Bol Bajrang Bali Ki Jai".
With him too -- the trust is immense and hence the results will be impeccable.
And as the Dictionary explains - it's in accordance with the highest standards -- faultless.
The fact of the matter is Firing Training has to take place in a firing range. It may be the heights of Himalayas or somewhere else.
But a soldier who is getting training with ordinary to a slightly extra ordinary gun or rifles --- has to get used to the local topography.
Imagine a rice-lover Mizo soldier undergoing such a training in Gujarat. Take a pause; and even imagine the reverse situation when a Madras Regiment or a Rajput Regiment soldier has to undergo training in the tough terrains of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Rifle training is a core component of basic soldier training -- is the refrain from instructors.
Of course -- the physical fitness and leadership qualities also matter.
"We used to call it an adaptation to Battlefield Realities....," remarked a retired army officer involved in 1999 operations.
"Under this.... the training exercises simulate real-world scenarios, allowing soldiers to practice and adapt skills to potential battlefield conditions and adversaries.
The training capsules aim to bolster the Army's combat capabilities," he added.
It may be in the long run to help in 'fostering collaboration' with the industry
-- both desi and foreign-made.
But things are being scaled up too.
Even in the remote corner of Arunachal Pradeeh in a firing range (otherwise a peaceful centre from the their point of view ) -- the soldiers are eyeing the cutting-edge indigenous defense technologies under realistic battlefield conditions.
"Gun training chahiye ... drone driving bhi chahiye" -- one soldier remarked in a jovial moo in Nagaland.
His superiors quickly understood the spirit behind.
They may not have ready answers. But one young officer recalls his girl friend's 'good morning' message -- "You cannot stop an IDEA whose time has come".
Now as an officer, he too realises his colleague is a very good shooter but he has an idea. Now that faceless young patriot also wants to become a dependable drone flyer. The 'idea' has germinated well.
Nevertheless they have to follow rules.
Suddenly I remembered what was told to us at the Defence Correspondents' Course (2000) at the College of Combat, Mhow -- "We may encourage Jack of all trades' but in army we need a Master of some... so training has to follow a structure... and not just about Mood and Marji".
A senior officer explains the theory part --
"Army training in a firing range focuses on marksmanship and weapon handling.. we will lay adequate emphasize on safety protocols and how to put up best skills under huge stress".
No, as a nation and as a force we cannot be stagnant either - he cautions.
"The Training will include fundamental weapon skills, physical conditioning, and techniques for identifying and of course hit at adversaries and also keep him engaged for long hours... if necessary".
Trainees are also taught to learn to control their heart rate and breathing. They have to focus on sight perfection and execute a precise trigger squeeze.....
The 'Indian Army' is also about alphabet A - to be at the top among the toppers.
But the same A is also about the Accuracy.
Coordinators and superiors will ensure that the firing Ranges are also equipped with technology that allows for precise control of targets and even the creation of complex scenarios. They will focus on Ability !!
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| ONE Pen = Four Bullets - a mischievous young soldier joked |
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| "Like Sachin, I am Lefty and my dad's name is Sachin" |
Extra info:
The Amethi unit in Uttar Pradesh produces the AK-203 'Sher' assault rifle for the Indian armed forces, a modern, domestic version of the Kalashnikov rifle capable of firing at 700 rounds per minute with an effective range of 800 meters.
These rifles are manufactured by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) in Amethi under the "Make in India" initiative with licensed production beginning in January 2023.
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Extra Info:
"Yudh Abhyas" refers to a series of annual joint military exercises between the Indian and US armies, held alternately in India and the U.S. since 2004.
The 20th edition, in September 2024, took place at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
The exercise focused on interoperability, counter-terrorism operations, and enhancing military cooperation.
Ends
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