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Artillery epitomises firepower. It’s one of the most decisive weapons of war that plays a pivotal role irrespective of the type of operation an army fights. The School of Artillery, located in Deolali, is among the best professional institutions of the Indian Army. Here, primarily, artillery officers, JCOs and men are trained in Gunnery and employment of Artillery to degrade and destroy the enemy.
The Comdt, School of Artillery, Lt Gen NS Sarna and his team of officers briefed the BharatShakti team consisting of Brig SK Chatterji (Retd), Pavan and Aditya on the school’s functioning as a tour of the institution was undertaken.
One of the first places visited was Havildar Umrao Singh’s statue that stands tall at the crossroads. He is the only Victoria Cross the Indian Artillery has.
The emphasis in the school is on modernising its training to keep pace with a technology infused battlefield. The basics are not forgotten though, and irrespective of rank, all courses undergo gun drill training. With mediumisation of artillery progressing at a fair pace, training on 155mm guns is being emphasised more. Training on modern survey and surveillance equipment is also being undertaken.
Training on drones is integral to all courses and an attempt is being made to provide a basic degree of proficiency to all students.
The nearest firing ranges are the Deolali field firing ranges. The school conducts an annual field firing demonstration, Ex Topchi, at these ranges. The BharatShakti team was lucky to witness the entire fire power demonstration.
The School has facilities for a large variety of sports and games. The students, instructional staff, families and their families also participate in the various competitions the School runs. The Temple Hill Institute is the famed old club, and provides multiple facilities, including sports and games.
He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery after having graduated from the Indian Military Academy. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, and Senior Command course at the Army War College, he commanded a medium artillery regiment in high altitude area, an artillery brigade in deserts, and a Corps artillery brigade in intense counter insurgency environment in Kashmir Valley.
A prolific writer, the officer has written a book: Vintage Guns of India.
Recently, he has co-authored the book: Home of the Brave. History of Rashtriya Rifles.
He has a chapter in the book: Know India Better; a chapter in another book yet to be published.
He has over 300 articles on various subjects in newspapers and military magazines in India, US, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong.
He has also, edited the book: The Guardsman; and drafted the Regiment of Artillery History.
