Category:Indian Army

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The Indian Army (Bharatiya Thalsena, भारतीय थलसेना) is one of the armed forces of India and has the responsibility for land-based military operations. Its primary objectives include maintaining peace and security within the country, patrolling borders and conducting counter-terrorist operations. It also conducts rescue and humanitarian operations during calamities and disturbances. It has frequently been called upon to maintain the internal security of the country.

The Indian Army has a total troop strength of around 2.5 million (1.3 million active and 1.2 million reserve) and is the second largest standing army in the world. It is a completely voluntary service, with a clause that the only means of entry is voluntary - the military draft never having been imposed in India. The Indian Army is one of the major participants in various United Nation missions. The army has rich combat experience in diverse terrains, considering India's diversity on this front, and also has a distinguished history of serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The force is presently headed by the Chief of Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor, with Lt Gen Noble Thamburaj as his deputy. The highest rank in the Indian Army is Field Marshal, but it is an honorary rank[1] and appointments are made by the President of India on the advice of the Union Cabinet of Ministers, only in exceptional circumstances. The late S.H.F.J. Manekshaw and late K.M. Cariappa are the only two officers to have attained this rank. Though a Field Marshal is an honorary rank, the officer is held to 'never retire', and are entitled to uniform and flag as applicable to serving (active duty) officers for life.[1]

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Army

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