Territorial Army

BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Anurag Thakur was on Friday commissioned into the Territorial Army as a Lieutenant by the Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir S Suhag.

The Territorial Army (TA) provides excellent opportunities for employed young men to join the Indian Army and earn the glorious uniform. This is also helpful for one to fulfill his dream of becoming an officer and joining Indian army if he wasn’t able to do it earlier with regular entries. Not only this, Territorial Army brings you lots of other opportunities, in short it provides you an adventurous life with your regular job.

Only male citizens of India and Ex-service officers who are medically fit in the age group of 18 to 42 years. They should be graduates from any recognized university and gainfully employed/self-employed. Serving employees of Police/Paramilitary Forces are not eligible Territorial Army is not for just passed-out candidates or someone who has just 2-3 years of working experience.

To make sure you clear the Territorial Army exams, it is better you get well settled in your current profession first. Also if you have missed out regular entries due to age factor, it doesn't mean you are perfect for Territorial Army now, you need to fulfil all eligibility requirements to get shortlisted for next round.

Like regular entries, TA grants you a commissioned rank of Lieutenant. Pay and Allowances and privileges will be same as regular Army Officers when embodied for training and military service. Promotions up to Lt Col by time scale subject to fulfilling laid down criteria. Promotion to Colonel and Brigadier by selection. Officers commissioned in TA Infantry may be called out for military service for longer duration depending on requirement.

Selected candidates have to attend one month basic training in the first year of commission, two months annual training camp every year including the first year and three months post commissioning training within first two years at IMA Dehradun. The exam consists of a short essay and objective type questions on general awareness including issues related to political/economic affairs, international situation and sports. (Courtesy: Defenceforum of India)