Course duration for lady cadets increased

In a major policy shift, the Officer8217;s Training Academy OTA here, which churns out officer cadets for the Army, has devised a new training programme for women cadets, bringing them on par with their male counterparts from April 2008.

At present, the gentlemen cadets training course lasts 49 weeks as against 26 weeks for women cadets. The Army proposes to increase this period to 49 weeks from next year, OTA8217;s officiating Commandant, Brigadier Ashok Pillai, said.

Also lady cadets, who can serve only for five years, will now be able to serve in the Army for up to 14 years, he said. While male cadets have the option of continuing up to 14 years, under the Women8217;s Special Entry Scheme, lady cadets cannot stay on in the Army after their five-year stint.

8220;We have now found that women officers are mentally fitter than their male counterparts,8221; said the Brigadier.