As a Candidate, all of you have aspirations and dreams, of what your education will finally yield. If you are looking for a fat pay packet, a corporate job is the answer. But above and beyond this should be the question of what the job offer in totality. Let us see what attributes go into making an excellent career. The attributes that one expects from a satisfying profession are:
A. Professional Advancement
B. Job Satisfaction
C. Job Security
D. Economic Stability
E. Social Status
F. Quality of Life
G. Variety and Adventure
If these are what you too are looking forward to, then Army is the profession for you, as these in the Army, compare far more than favourably with any other service.
All of us are aware that, professions are competitive, in so far as promotions are concerned. Army is no different. However, as said earlier the competition in the Army is clean and devoid of any other factor but competence.
*Professional Advancement*
The promotional avenues available to an Army officer are:
By Time Scale
A. Captain
B. Major
C. Lieutenant Colonel
By Selection
A. Colonel
B. Brigadier
C. Major General
D. Lieutenant General
E. General
Job Satisfaction
Lack of job satisfaction leads to tremendous frustration and results in job-hopping. Jobs in the civil world whether with the government or the corporate leave one with no alternate avenues if stuck with a frustrating portfolio or setup. On the contrary, the sheer variety, sense of purpose, responsibility and pride, negate any job dissatisfaction in the Army.
Job Security
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For an effective career, a long-term strategy is essential and this is possible only if continuity and job security is assured. The Army has been structured to ensure that its personnel work with unhindered dignity. Additionally, statutory rules and regulations exist to safeguard the interests of the servicemen adequately both while in service and after retirement.
Foreign Courses and Postings
The service also offers opportunity for courses and postings abroad. The India Army is renowned all over the world and interaction with foreign armies is extensive. Service with UN Forces provides exposure and travel opportunities across the globe.
Pay and Allowances
The pay and allowances are as per seventh pay commission.
Training for preparing retiring/retired officers for their resettlement in civil life is one of the major functions entrusted to the DGR. The resettlement training courses provide nationally/internationally accepted certification to facilitate officers to get quick employment within/outside the country. In addition six months courses being conducted at reputed B Schools (IIMs - Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, XLRI Jamshedpur, MDI Gurgaon, NMIMS Mumbai. These courses have received an overwhelming response from officers and resulted in good job placements in the corporate sector. Other courses are being conducted in multifarious fields like Information Technology, Security Services, Entrepreneurship Development, Business Administration, Personnel Management, Hotel Management, Tourism, Human Resources Development, Law, Insurance and many other short term courses on miscellaneous subjects. Constant endeavor is made to improve the quality of training by regular monitoring
If the above were to be worked out in tangible terms it would add up to an amount that no private firm would be either capable of, or willing to pay.
Social Status in Service
All of us have our own opinion about what constitutes "social status”. However it is an undisputed fact that the status of a ‘warrior’ has stood the test of time. History and society have both held the soldier in esteem and offered him a unique status in society. By joining the Army, one becomes a member of an exclusive and elite brotherhood, which is the envy of one and all.
Post Retirement
Even after laying down the uniform, Army officers continue to have the status of the most respected citizens of our country. This added to their ingrained code of conduct and ethical values enable them to occupy a special social niche in society. Since he is much fitter due to the active lifestyle he has led, a second career or lateral absorption in parallel employment is always eminently feasible. His do or die attitude and mental agility ensures that he never really grows into old age, but continues to contribute and thus remain a valued member of society.
Lifetime Opportunity for Professionals
The Army provides lifetime opportunities to professionals like Doctors, Nurse, Engineers, Lawyers, and Teachers. Commissioned into the various Corps, one can pursue his or her passion to your heart’s content. An excellent infrastructure, dedicated support staff, and healthy environment provide unlimited growth. The Army invests heavily in human and technical resources. The latest and the best tools are made available for research and employment. Periodic forays into the academic world are encouraged in order to imbibe and practice current technology in your chosen field.
Posting/Tenures Subsequent to Commissioning
Training is a judicious mix of technical, military and managerial instruction, in top class institutions run by the Army and a host of other prestigious institutes and establishments including IITs and DRDO. In accordance with the training received, proficiency acquired and aptitude shown, one gets posted on a variety of regimental, staff, or instructional appointments in organizations throughout the country. Additionally officers proceed on deputation to various organizations and foreign appointments.
Unlike in a civil environment where a posting means virtual uprooting of a household and starting a fresh new station, in the Army it is merely a change of scene. With more and more stations
falling under the purview of peace stations and with better infrastructure facilities coming up even in small stations, the pangs of moving are speedily easing up.
Food for Thought
Here it would be apt to reiterate – That all professions serve our motherland – but none of them is in the same league as the Indian Army – for this is the only profession which affords you the opportunity to live up to these stirring lines.
"To every man upon this earth, death comes sooner or later.
And how can a man die better facing fearful odds
For the ashes of his father and the temple of his Gods”
-Macauley
Honour and social status
No stagnation, a new challenge every day.
Opportunity for growth
Sports and adventure activity
Messes, clubs and institutions facilities
Education facilities – Both school and professional colleges for children
AWWA hostel for girls in metros
Army ensures your physical and mental health.
Quality of life ensured not only for officers, but also families.
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Variety and Adventures
Variety and adventure are the spice and romance of life. No profession has the kind of recreational and adventure facilities to offer as the Army does; from membership of the best clubs in country to horse riding, swimming, golfing, mountaineering, trekking and sailing. Posting to exotic stations gives one an opportunity to see