‘Room for technical degrees during NDA course’

The word vision has a meaning spread over a vast period of time. People who founded this academy,the only tri-services academy in the country,had the vision to have a centre of excellence that would nurture the much-needed togetherness amongst the three services. Yes,with time,things such as warfare,technology have changed. So addition to our constant vision to produce best leaders capable of fighting in a joint scene has an added aspect to it,imbibing technological advancements.

How do you plan to implement that?

The qualification for entry level has already gone up from standard X to XII over the past years. Currently we have BA,BSc degrees for cadets. Taking note of the technological changes,there is a scope of including technical degrees such as BE,BTech during the course. Of course,this is at a level of planning and will take time before it reaches the stage of implementation.

What about the 16 th Squadron being raised?

It is called the Panthers. Raising a squadron means setting up infrastructure that includes accommodation and facilities such as physical training infrastructure like the gym,swimming pool and so on,which will take another three-four years to complete. As far as numbers are concerned,we are going great. In fact this is the first course when we have crossed the 2000-cadets mark.

How do you plan to translate your vast experience with mechanized operations,counter insurgency,Rashtriya Rifles and others into improving training at the academy?

I am an alumnus of the NDA and I am what I am because of this academy. But one graduates through various experiences such as terrains,operations and so on. Today’s generation is brighter and is well aware of what is happening around. Having seen the field,I can confidently say that they also have it in them to become successful future battle leaders. Future of battle lies in junior leaders and technology. We at the academy are to ensure that they enter equipped with the right material.

Is there a need for ethical education on the backdrop of scams that have rocked the armed forces over the recent past?

We ensure that training at NDA is orchestrated with moral values and ethics. While some values can be taught,majority are imbibed during one’s upbringing and the company one keeps during the later life.

What about officer shortage? Do we need another tri-services academy?

Officer shortage is a larger question beyond the purview of this academy as numbers here are satisfactory. I don’t see the need of another tri-services academy.

What would be the immediate initiatives over the next months at NDA?

Further improving quality of physical training is my prime focus with reference to which upgradation of infrastructure such as fields,gyms,swimming pools and others is in the pipeline.