Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, in his address to the Agniveers, highlighted their unique position as defenders of the nation’s sovereignty. He described them not just as soldiers but as leaders and innovators, underscoring their pivotal role in the military. During his interaction with Agniveers undergoing training at the Maratha Regimental Centre and the Airmen Training School (ATS) in Belagavi, Gen. Chauhan emphasised the changing nature of warfare and the critical role young, dynamic Agniveers play in embracing the technological aspects of modern conflict.
Gen. Chauhan highlighted the noble purpose of military service and the Agniveers’ pivotal role within the military framework. He commended them for their exceptional commitment to the nation by choosing to serve in the Armed Forces, acknowledging the personal challenges they and their families face. He spoke about the hardships endured while operating in challenging environments, assuring the Agniveers that despite these challenges, their journey would be immensely rewarding, fostering personal growth and a deep sense of pride in serving the nation.
Elaborating on the evolving nature of warfare, the CDS addressed the complexity and unpredictability of future conflicts, which now include cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and asymmetric threats. He stressed the importance of technology integration and continuous learning, urging Agniveers to stay abreast of the latest advancements and adopt innovative approaches to combat.
During his visit to ATS, Belagavi, Gen. Chauhan toured the training institute to gain insight into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Agniveervayu training. He interacted with the third batch of Agniveervayu trainees undergoing training under the revised induction pattern introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2022. He exhorted them to focus on becoming technologically proficient soldiers prepared to meet the challenges of future warfare.
In his address, the CDS emphasized that learning is a lifelong process, particularly in the ever-evolving, tech-intensive field of warfare. He stressed the importance of continuous skill enhancement and technological proficiency. He advised the trainees to uphold values such as integrity, physical fitness, discipline, and esprit de corps in their pursuit of professional excellence.
Gen. Chauhan lauded the efforts of the training faculty at ATS and the Maratha Regimental Centre and urged them to continue striving for excellence to further the nation’s operational might.
Vinay Chati, Pune
