Lead From Front
Young officers yet to be bitten by the bug of cynicism or the trappings of the higher ranks continue with the tradition of leading from the front in counter insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir going beyond the call of duty. The jawans and the young officers are the mainstay of the army.
During the 1999 Kargil conflict, 26 officers were killed whilst leading the charges up the mountains. It is the sheer courage displayed by the young officers which has lead the army to gain ascendancy over militants in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian army is an officer- centric force. Young officers are trained right from their IMA days to confront danger before the men under them are exposed to it. Last thing a gentlemen cadet sees before he becomes an officer, with the ” pips- of a lieutenant on his shoulder, passing through the portals of the Chetwode Hall at IMA is the credo enshrined “The safety, honour and welfare of your country come first always and every time. The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next. Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time. Thus the Indian army is by far the best.
