India’s defence mechanism is a complex and well-structured system designed to protect its sovereignty and regional integrity. Being a land-based branch of the Indian army, the Indian armed forces play an important role in this structure. Understanding different types and branches of the Indian army provides insight into its operating skills and strategic depth. In this article, we have given a piece of detailed information about the Indian Army Types and Indian Army Branches.
1. Combat Arms: The Frontline Forces
Infantry Regiments
The infantry constructs the spine of the Indian army, which is directly wrapped in the ground match. These regiments are trained in different areas and combat scenarios, including urban wars, forest operations, and high hills battles. Notable infantry regiments include:
- Rajputana Rifles
- Sikh Regiment
- Gorkha Rifles
- Madras Regiment
- Punjab Regiment
- Jat Regiment
Each regiment has a rich history and unique traditions, which contribute to the different cultural traditions of the Indian army.
Armoured Corps
The armoured corps represents the mechanized power of the Indian Army, equipped with the most important war equipment and armored battle vehicles. Key armoured regiments include:
- 1st Horse (Skinner’s Horse)
- Poona Horse
- Central India Horse
- Deccan Horse
These units provide fast mobility and fire, which are important for aggressive operation and dominance of the battlefield.
Artillery Regiments
Artillery units offer vital fire support through long-range weaponry. They are categorized into:
- Field Artillery
- Medium Artillery
- Self-Propelled Artillery
- Rocket Artillery
- Air Defence Artillery
These regiments employ howitzers, rocket systems, and anti-aircraft weapons to support ground operations and defend against aerial threats.
2. Combat Support Arms
Corps of Engineers
This corps provides engineering support, including:
- Military Engineering Services
- Border Roads Organization
- Territorial Army Engineer Regiments
Their responsibilities include building bridges, cleaning mines, and maintaining significant infrastructure.
Corps of Signals
Responsible for maintaining communication networks, this corps ensures uninterrupted command and control through:
- Strategic communication networks
- Tactical field communications
- Electronic warfare
- Information technology infrastructure
Army Aviation Corps
Using helicopters and unmanned air vehicles, it provides airborne support for core combat support assignments, troop transport, monitoring, and accident.
3. Services: Logistics and Administrative Support
Army Service Corps (ASC)
The ASC manages the supply chain, including:
- Food supplies
- Fuel distribution
- Transport management
- Logistical planning
Army Medical Corps (AMC)
Providing healthcare services to army personnel and their families, the AMC includes:
- Field medical units
- Military hospitals
- Specialized medical services
- Preventive healthcare programs
Corps of Military Police
This unit maintains discipline and security within army installations, handling:
- Traffic control
- Security operations
- Investigation of military offenses
- Prisoner management
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4. Specialised Forces
Para Special Forces
Elite units specialising in:
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Deep reconnaissance
- Hostage rescue
- Behind-enemy-lines operations
Ghatak Platoons
Each infantry battalion maintains a Ghatak Platoon trained for:
- Advance operations
- Reconnaissance missions
- Assault team functions
- Special infantry tasks
Technical and Educational Corps
These include:
- Army Education Corps
- Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers
- Intelligence Corps
- Army Postal Service
They ensure the force remains technologically advanced and well-supported.
5. Organisational Structure
The Indian army is divided into several orders, each responsible for a specific geographical area:
- Northern Command (Udhampur)
- Western Command (Chandimandir)
- Central Command (Lucknow)
- Eastern Command (Kolkata)
- Southern Command (Pune)
- South-Western Command (Jaipur)
- Army Training Command (Shimla)
Each command oversees various units stationed within its area of responsibility.
6. Entry Pathways and Preparation
Aspiring candidates can join the Indian Army through various entry schemes:
- National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Officers Training Academy (OTA)
- Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
- Short Service Commission (SSC)
Preparation for these competitive surveys requires study, physical form, and mental flexibility.
Conclusion
Different branches and special units in the Indian army together create a malignant strength, able to meet a wide range of security challenges. Understanding the structure and functions of these devices provides a comprehensive approach to India’s military abilities and opportunities available to those who want to serve.
FAQs about Indian Army Types
Ans. Primary fighter weapons include infantry, armoured corps and artillery regiments, which are responsible for the front line struggle operation.
Ans. The Corps of Engineers provides engineering help, while the Corps of Signals maintain communications networks in the Army.
Ans. Aspirants can be included through various recording schemes such as NDA, IMA, OTA, TES, and SSC, with each specific choice criteria.
Ans. Army Aviation Corps provides air aid, including reconnaissance, accident, and contingent transport.
Ans. Ghatak Platoons are specialised units within infantry battalions, trained for advanced operations and special infantry tasks.