IKON
General Sunith Francis Rodrigues, PVSM, VSM, served as the Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army from 1990 to 1993 and later as the Governor of Punjab from 2004 to 2010. Born in Bombay in 1933, he received his early education at St. Xavier’s High School in Bombay. Proud of his Goan heritage, Rodrigues is recognized as Goa’s distinguished sons.
Rodrigues began his military career in 1949 when he joined the Joint Services Wing of the Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1952. His dedication and skill were recognized in 1972, following the war with Pakistan, when he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for distinguished service.
Throughout his career, Rodrigues held various key roles. From 1973 to 1975, he served as the GSOI Operations of a division. He was appointed Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College from 1979 to November 1981, after which he commanded a division in a high-altitude area. In 1982, he earned a Master’s degree in Defence Studies. He then served as the Chief of Staff of a Corps from 1983 to September 1985, before taking over as Director General of Military Training.
In 1986, Rodrigues was appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of a Corps in the Northern Sector. He then served as Vice Chief of Army Staff from November 1987 to April 1989, followed by a stint as GOC-in-C of Central Command from April to October 1989. He led Western Command from November 1, 1989, to June 30, 1990, before being appointed Chief of the Army Staff, a position he held until his retirement on June 30, 1993, after nearly 41 years of service.
What is the job all about?
The Defence Services are divided into three main branches: the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Each with several sub-divisions. For example, the Army includes the Infantry, Armoured Corps, Artillery, and Technical Branches such as Signals, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and the Medical Branch. The Navy is composed of the Executive Branch, Technical Branch, Electrical Branch, Education Branch, and Law Offices. Similarly, the Air Force has the Flying Branch and other specialized divisions.
There are two main types of commissions in the Defence Services: Permanent Commissions and Short Service Commissions
• Permanent Commission: When you join under a Permanent Commission, you serve until you reach retirement age.
• Short Service Commission (SSC): With a Short Service Commission, you serve for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of extending for an additional 5 years.
The Defence Services offer a wide range of roles for professionals, technical experts, and those with little or no experience. Positions include Pilots, Scientists, Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Accountants, Naval Architects, Teachers, Naval Captains, Musicians, Sportsmen, Technicians, Junior Officers, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and more.
Women also have opportunities in the Defence Services, though not all roles are open to them. Women can receive SSC in fields such as Naval Architecture, Law, Logistics, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Aviation (Observer), and the Education Branch. Additionally, women may be granted Permanent Commission (PC) in the Education, Law, and Naval Architecture branches after completing their SSC tenure, based on merit and available vacancies.
Can I go for it?
A career in the Defence Services is both challenging and rewarding. During wartime, you may be required to fight in difficult terrains and under tough conditions. In peacetime, the military often assists the civil government during natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, as well as in responding to terrorist attacks. Life in the Defence Services is demanding but filled with moments of pride and accomplishment.
Is there a future in this field?
India has one of the largest Defence Services in the world. Given frequent border issues and domestic challenges, the military is often called upon to act. There are numerous opportunities for advancement to high-ranking positions, such as Colonel, Commander, Lieutenant General, General, Admiral, or Air Marshal.
How to join?
After 10th Grade: You can join the Defence Services as a Soldier, Airman, or Sailor.
Option 1: National Defence Academy (NDA) at Pune.
The NDA, which was previously open only to male candidates, is now accessible to female candidates as well, following a Supreme Court ruling in 2021.
Eligibility:
• Navy and Air Force: You must pass 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
• Army: Candidates with 10+2 in any stream are eligible.
• Candidates must be between 16½ and 19 years old and pass both mental and physical entrance tests.
Training:
Selected candidates undergo three years of academic and physical training at the NDA, earning a B.Sc. or B.A. degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi. Afterward, they are commissioned as officers.
Further Training:
After NDA, cadets proceed to specialized academies:
• Army Cadets: Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun.
• Air Force Cadets: Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad, or Basic Flying Training School (BFTS), Allahabad.
• Naval Officers: Naval Academy, Goa (NVG).
At the IMA, Army cadets, known as Gentlemen Cadets, undergo one year of rigorous military training, preparing them to lead Infantry sub-units. Upon successful completion, they are granted a Permanent Commission with the rank of Lieutenant, subject to medical fitness.
Option 2: Medical Careers (Doctor or Nurse)
Both males and females who have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) can apply for a seat at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. AFMC is a prestigious institution for medical training, and admission is highly competitive.
After Graduation: Joining the Defence Services
Graduates can join the Defence Services by applying to one of the following academies:
• Indian Military Academy (IMA)
• Naval Academy Goa (NAG)
• Air Force Academy (AFA)
• Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Eligibility:
• IMA and OTA: You must be a graduate of any recognized university.
• NAG: A B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics or a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) is required.
• AFA: A B.Sc. with Physics and/or Mathematics or a B.E. is required.
Entrance exams for these academies are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at specified times each year. Positions are advertised in major newspapers, Employment News, and online:
Army: https://www.joinindianarmy.nic.in
Navy: https://www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/
Air Force: http://careerairforce.nic.in/
Special Consideration for NCC Cadets:
Students who have completed NCC training and passed the “C” Certificate exam are eligible for reserved seats in the following academies.
1. Naval Academy Goa (NAG)
2. Air Force Academy ( AFA)
3. Officers Training Academy (OTA)
Post Graduation: Specialized Roles in the Defense Services
Graduates in Law, Medicine, Chartered Accountancy, and Engineering can join the Defense Services in specialized roles. For example:
• Navy: Women with a Law degree (minimum 55%) and Advocate exam clearance can join the Direct Entry Law Cadre.
• Air Traffic Control (ATC): Women with a Second Class Master’s Degree in Physics or Mathematics (minimum 55%) can apply.
• Education/Finance Branches: Women can also apply for these branches based on their qualifications.
Salaries:
Salaries are determined as per Defense regulations. For more details, check the Pay Scale of Officers – www.joinindiannavy.gov.in/en/page/pay-scale-of-officers.html
Regularly check the Employment News for recruitment notifications in various wings of the Defense Services.
Explained: The Agnipath Scheme for Soldier Recruitment – What is it? How will it work?
The Agnipath scheme is a new initiative by the Indian government to recruit soldiers into the Defense Services. Under this scheme, approximately 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, with most serving for only four years. At the end of their tenure, only 25% of the recruits will be selected to continue their service for an additional 15 years under a permanent commission.
Approved by the Indian government in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme was slated for implementation starting September 2022. The scheme is open to both male and female candidates aged 17.5 to 21 years. However, following widespread protests, the government temporarily raised the upper age limit to 23 for the 2022 recruitment cycle. Recruitment under this scheme will occur twice a year for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, focusing on positions below the officer cadre.
Recruits under this scheme, known as Agniveers, will serve a four-year tenure, including six months of training followed by 3.5 years of active deployment. After completing their service, Agniveers can apply to continue in the armed forces, but no more than 25% of each retiring batch will be selected for the permanent cadre. Those who are not selected for permanent service will not be eligible for a pension but will receive a lump sum payment of approximately ₹11.71 lakh at the end of their tenure. The government plans to recruit 45,000 to 50,000 new personnel annually through this scheme, with 46,000 scheduled for recruitment in September 2022.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government jobs: please check : www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024