 His training abroad includes a deputation to the Royal Navy on board in 1963 and a course in amphibious warfare with the US Navy at Coronado, California, in 1976.Kumar has held operational commands and important posts such as the Vice-Chief of Naval Staff, the Flag Officer Maharashtra Area, Commander of the Flotilla in Mumbai and Fortress Commander, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.He was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, before being appointed as the Chief of Naval Staff.