The Armoured Corps Centre & School (ACC&S) is one among a handful of premier Category A training institutions of the Indian Army. In the combat zone, a Tank is known as the King of the battlefield, and ACC&S trains the men who create terror in the hearts of the enemy as they launch a ferocious armoured attack to decimate the enemy and capture territory.
The ACC&S conducts various courses to train all ranks of the Armoured Corps—from Agniveers and junior leaders to mid-career officers. The Centre also trains a fair number of foreign students every year. It’s also been nominated as the centre for training on drones. In fact, training on drones has been included in most courses that the ACC&S conducts.
As far as Agniveers are concerned, after a basic training leg they are allocated their trades such as Gunner, Driver or radio operator. The specialised training starts at this stage. The School uses models, cut models and simulators to impart training and reduce costs. An individual fires over a 100 rounds on the simulator before he fires a live round. Such a process ensures optimisation in terms of costs and time required at the firing ranges.
Radio procedures are extremely important in a mechanised battle and adequate training is given in communicating on the radio. The tank crew is often required to operate in pitch darkness which makes knowledge of radio operations absolutely essential. Fording through water obstacles is another aspect of training. The crew are trained in shallow, medium and deep fording. The tanks run through specified water levels as the crew graduates to confidently drive their tanks through higher levels of water, much above the top of the tank.
In recent times, the ACC&S’ professional leadership has studied the war in Ukraine and also the Gaza conflict. Battles have been analysed and relevant lessons have been absorbed in the training curricula for different courses.
Adequate sports and games facilities are also available on the premises for the students to enjoy their time as also keep themselves physically fit.
Located at Ahilya Nagar (formerly Ahmednagar), near Pune, the ACC&S is a long-standing establishment that also functions as a Depot through which all retiring personnel below the officers’ rank pass through as they head for a 2nd innings in civvy street.
The ACC&S continues to remain the single point of contact for all the armoured corps veterans who may have post-retirement queries and possibly require some assistance.
