Wouldn't you like work that is not only highly rewarding, in terms of growth, camaraderie and pride but also provides you a way of repaying all that you owe your country. If your answer's yes, a career in the Indian Armed Forces might be for you.

You will not only be joining a great organisation but become part of a glorious tradition. But first, you must decide which branch of the armed forces you will make your calling. Rediff.com is putting together a series of articles on a career in the armed forces. Today, let's take a broad look at the various branches. 

Army
The Indian Army is the second largest in the world with 1.3 million active troops, and 1.2 million reserve troops and over 5,000 battle tanks. It is the branch of the armed forces responsible for land-based operations.

It follows a hold-and-strike combat model, with one formation pinning the enemy down and removing chances of escape while another 'strike' formation enters and neutralises the enemy. Its duties include safeguarding the territory of India against external aggression, assisting in civil administration during internal disturbances, maintaining law and order and organising relief during natural calamities.

The highest post is 'Field Marshall', but this is a honorary post, granted by the President of India, and a person is said to be a Field Marshall for the remainder of his life. Only two people have ever occupied it. The highest practical rank is General. The highest honour that can be bestowed on an Indian soldier is the Param Vir Chakra.   

The huge institution has a number of available services which range from the Army Dental Corps to the Military Farms Service. There are positions available for candidates with a wide variety of skills. The lowest rank in the army is that of Officer Cadet. Entry is usually through the National Defense Academy.

Navy
The Indian Navy is the fourth largest in the world with 55,000 personnel and 155 vessels. It employs 5,000 aviation personnel and 2,000 marine commandos. It is a "blue water" navy and although it faces the problems of ships nearing the end of their service lives, the Navy has sea-based nuclear deterrence and intends to induct as many as five nuclear subs in the near future.

The Navy is sworn to protect -- along with the Army and Air Force -- the territory of India. It also co-operates with the Coast Guard to secure the Indian coastline. It provides assistance (military as well as humanitarian) to among India's maritime allies. It engages in exercises with many countries, furthering India's diplomacy and is actively engaged in exploration.

The highest rank of the Navy is that of Admiral. A ceremonial for-life rank of 'Admiral of the Fleet' exists -- which is the Naval counterpart to 'Field Marshall' -- but it has never been occupied.

The Navy can be divided into two fleets: the Western fleet, homeported in Bombay, and the Eastern fleet, homeported in Vishakapatnam.

The Indian Navy is currently going under a massive expansion plan, with billions of dollars being pumped in to buy new vessels, including aircraft carriers and 26 subs over 30 years.

Air Force
The Indian Air Force is the fourth largest in the world, with 170,000 personnel, and over 1,400 aircrafts. It is in charge of protecting India's airspace and providing air cover to ground forces. It provides assistance during emergencies. It aids in monitoring supply lines to the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battleground.

It also aids civil authorities in the large-scale movement of troops and paramilitary forces. It caters to the needs of soldiers stationed in remote parts of the country.

The head of the Air Force is the Air Chief Marshall. The highest rank available is the ceremonial Marshal of the Indian Air Force, which is a for-life rank. Only one person has achieved this rank.

The IAF has a number of branches that a person can be commissioned in from Flying to Logistics to Dental and Medical. There is even a Meteorological Branch.

The IAF currently has 5 regional 'Commands' -- each under an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief -- and a Training and Maintenance Command.

Coast Guard
An independent entity created in 1978, the Coast Guard was created to protect the coastline of India from criminals. It works closely with the Navy and the Customs Department. It has over 75 ships and 45 aircrafts. It patrols the seas and the mouths of rivers. It catches pirates and helps to clean-up oil spills.

It conducts rescue missions and heavy patrolling of regions around Mumbai and Gujarat has resulted in the apprehension of many smugglers. It is also committed to protecting the "maritime environment, ecology and rare species" and preventing maritime pollution. During wartime it is expected to aid the navy. It has conducted exercises with Korea and Japan [Images].

Paramilitary Forces
The Indian Paramilitary Forces are the second largest in the world, after China's. The over 1.4 million troops under this branch fall under the Ministry of Defense or the Ministry of Home Affairs.

There are a large number of Paramilitary Forces, which generally perform counter-insurgency operations, specialise in the protection of certain places or in maintaining law-and-order in high pressure areas and situations.

Branches include the Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, the Defense Security Force and 10 others.  

Part II: Careers in the Army

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