Why Indian youth shying away from joining the Indian Army?

[pmaitra]

Sure thing; but then how come USAF and other NATO countries manage to get general people in just on the basis of preliminary entrance tests? They fly fighter jets too. I am saying that since anyway applicants have to undergo physical and aptitude testing in IAF selection process, then what is the point of putting a concrete barrier to the people of Commerce or even Arts? Who knows they might be sharp students who excelled in science and maths before fancying a field change but had second thoughts later? What if a significant amount of them could clear the IAF entry tests in both physical and mental aspect?

I know what you are saying man. Completely. But choosing a stream doesn't necessarily mean that the person lacks aptitude just because initially he or she chose commerce or arts. Maybe at that time this is what they could have thought they wanted but later would be interested in joining IAF? IAF can always reject them in initial tests if they don't match the performance isn't it?

Sure, why not? Statistics have the habit of ignoring the exceptional cases, which you mentioned (if I am understanding you correctly). So, we have to come up with an alternative. The only problem that I see with removing that barrier is that to let in a few potentially good pilots, we might open the doors to a large number of not-so-good pilots. What US is doing is a great example of how this can be achieved, but then, maybe GoI does not have enough resources to train people from all backgrounds and then take an aptitude test to see who is good or bad and instead stick to the 'safer' and more cost effective way to include only that group that has a higher probability of succeeding.

Maybe someone with more knowledge on this issue can provide us with more details.

 

[Tshering22]

Sure, why not? Statistics have the habit of ignoring the exceptional cases, which you mentioned (if I am understanding you correctly). So, we have to come up with an alternative. The only problem that I see with removing that barrier is that to let in a few potentially good pilots, we might open the doors to a large number of not-so-good pilots. What US is doing is a great example of how this can be achieved, but then, maybe GoI does not have enough resources to train people from all backgrounds and then take an aptitude test to see who is good or bad and instead stick to the 'safer' and more cost effective way to include only that group that has a higher probability of succeeding.

Maybe someone with more knowledge on this issue can provide us with more details.

Yeah but the cost-effective method is costing them officers now. The tests if I know it correctly are held much much before the actual fighter pilot training begins in the form of written exams, psychological tests, aptitude checking and of course, physical fitness. So basically the GOI has to apply the same thing to even science students. There's no guarantee that a 12th passed PHY/CHEM/MATH student will make a good pilot. What if he falls flat at 4 Gs? What if he is not able to make rapid decisions in the air?

There is just too much loss here of potential with IAF blocking out other streams. They could instead simply ask the entrants to take a basic maths exam that checks the capability of students to analyze and decide fast (2 things that are needed in air battles) and then move them to G tests and physical endurance rather than lengthy exams and cumbersome demands that makes recruits think that they are entering IITs rather than IAF.

 

[pmaitra]

Yeah but the cost-effective method is costing them officers now. The tests if I know it correctly are held much much before the actual fighter pilot training begins in the form of written exams, psychological tests, aptitude checking and of course, physical fitness. So basically the GOI has to apply the same thing to even science students. There's no guarantee that a 12th passed PHY/CHEM/MATH student will make a good pilot. What if he falls flat at 4 Gs? What if he is not able to make rapid decisions in the air?

There is just too much loss here of potential with IAF blocking out other streams. They could instead simply ask the entrants to take a basic maths exam that checks the capability of students to analyze and decide fast (2 things that are needed in air battles) and then move them to G tests and physical endurance rather than lengthy exams and cumbersome demands that makes recruits think that they are entering IITs rather than IAF.

Yes, in fact, Class 12 pass-outs have only covered 2 years in a specific stream, so the assumption that we cannot get good pilots from the arts streams does not sound very reasonable.

 

[joe81]

Some more information on the perks which are not quantified in terms of cash are as follows in case of a Lieutenant, which is the starting rank.

1. STARTING PAY RS 15600/- to 39100/-PM

2. GRADE PAY RS 5400/-

3. MILITARY SERVICE PAY RS 6000/-

4. KIT MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE Rs 400/-pm

5. TRANSPORT ALLOWANCE RS 1600/- PM to RS 3200 ppm/-

6. FIELD AREA ALLOWANCE RS 25% of Basic Pay RS6780/- pm

7. COUNTER INSURGENCY RS 6300/- PM

8. HIGH ALTITUDE/UNCONGENIAL CLIMATE RS 5600/- PM

9. SIACHEN RS 14000/- PM

10. FLYING PAY RS 9000/- PM

11. PARACHUTE PAY RS 1200/- PM

12. SPECIAL FORCES RS 9000/- PM

13. GALLANTRY AWARDS

14. TECHNICAL PAY

15. LIFE LONG PENSION

16. QUALIFICATION PAY/ GRANT FOR SERVICE COURSES RS 6000/- PM TO RS 20000/- PM

17. OUTFIT ALLOWANCE RENEWED EVERY THREE YEARS RS 14000/- INITIAL & RS 3000/-

18. ENTITLED RATIONS

19.ANNUAL LEAVE TWO MONTHS & CASUAL LEAVE 20 DAYS

20. 50% CONCESSION ON AIR TRAVEL

21. FREE TRAIN TRAVEL ONCE A YEAR AND SUBSIDY FOR OTHER JOURNEYS, LTC

22.FREE MEDICAL- SELF AND FAMILY IN WELL EQUIPPED MILITARY HOSPITALS

23. SUBSIDISED HOUSING IN CLEAN CANTONMENTS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY

24. CANTEEN FACILITIES FOR SUBSIDISED PURCHASE OF ITEMS INCLUDING CARS AND ACs

25. INSURANCE COVER FOR RS 15 LAKHS AT SUBSIDISED PREMIUM

26. GROUP HOUSING SCHEMES IN CITIES INCLUDING METROS

27. LOW INTEREST LOANS

28. SEPERATED FAMILY ACCOMMODATION IN CHOICE STATIONS.

29. ENCASHMENT OF LEAVE UPTO 300 DAYS AT LAST PAY DRAWN

30. STUDY LEAVE UPTO 2 YEARS WITH FULL PAY AND ALL BENEFITS

31. FOREIGN POSTINGS

The above are entitled as per service conditions and qualifications acquired. Cadets at the IMA, OTA, Cadet Training Wing at CME, MCME, and MCTE get a fixed stipend of RS 21000/- PM.

So at the start of the job(during training) the take home salary is RS 21000/- PM after all deductions and expenses which I think is better than any MNC fresher will get.

I think ppl are hesistant to join army not because of the pay but maybe due to the hardships involved. If so,a dangerous trend.

 

[agentperry]

i remember they were 22000 officers short few years back so situation is getting better but stil under the red region or far from the comfortable.... hope to see force ready fully in near future

 

[nrj]

NDA inducts 2,020 cadets, highest number ever

For the first time since the National Defence Academy (NDA) came into existence, over 2,000 cadets have been inducted for imparting training to officer cadets for the three services. So far, the academy had been admitting about 1,800 cadets every year for training.

The NDA has been set up to impart military leadership and associated training to young men who qualify for service in India's army, navy and air force.

The armed forces have been facing shortage in officer ranks for some time now. NDA being one of the most popular and well subscribed entry, a conscious decision was taken to absorb full strength of intake in every course to mitigate this deficiency.

With the reporting of 125th NDA course in the first term in January 2011, the academy faced the daunting task of accommodating and training a strength of 2,020 cadets, which is way beyond its peak capacity.

The NDA is gearing up to accommodate the increasing numbers, given that it is basically equipped to provide training to 1,800 cadets. "Various in-house measures have been undertaken to absorb the additional strength without compromising on the comfort of the cadets and the quality of training. All unmarked rooms in the squadrons, which were earlier used for administrative requirements, have been modified to accommodate the cadets," said NDA chief instructor Air Vice Marshal A S Bhonsle. Bhonsle said special furniture for these cabins has been procured through the Military Engineering Services. Pre-fabricated shelters to accommodate 120 cadets are also expected to be ready this year.


TOI

 

[joe81]

NDA inducts 2,020 cadets, highest number ever

With the reporting of 125th NDA course in the first term in January 2011, the academy faced the daunting task of accommodating and training a strength of 2,020 cadets, which is way beyond its peak capacity.

The NDA is gearing up to accommodate the increasing numbers, given that it is basically equipped to provide training to 1,800 cadets. "Various in-house measures have been undertaken to absorb the additional strength without compromising on the comfort of the cadets and the quality of training. All unmarked rooms in the squadrons, which were earlier used for administrative requirements, have been modified to accommodate the cadets," said NDA chief instructor Air Vice Marshal A S Bhonsle. Bhonsle said special furniture for these cabins has been procured through the Military Engineering Services. Pre-fabricated shelters to accommodate 120 cadets are also expected to be ready this year.
TOI

Here we go with another short term fix. Why cant we start a new facility (maybe in North East) just like in Pune instead of putting the Pune facility at stress.

 

[nrj]

IAF's fast-track recruitment drive at Gujarat varsity today

In a first of its kind initiative, Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to recruit more than a 1,000 class-one officers through fast track selection process from Gujarat. This recruitment drive is organised in association with the Gujarat University.

The fast track selection will be held in the Seminar Hall of zoology department on Friday. Previously, IAF had wanted only science graduates and post graduates. But, in a major policy shift, now they have invited students of all streams in the last year of their graduation and those pursuing post graduate degrees. Thus, even arts and commerce students are eligible to appear before the IAF panel for initial screening on Friday at 11:00 am.

"It's a golden opportunity for all graduates and post graduate students of Gujarat University. We expect all of you to come with your credentials on Friday," said a jovial Parimal Trivedi, vice-chancellor of Gujarat University.

Top Air Force officers from Deharadun have specially flown in for this recruitment drive. Wing commanders Naga Sunadaram and HS Chauhan will conduct introductory session with the aspirants at the zoology department.

Later, final selection will be done on January 30 at the Senate Hall. Short listed candidates will be selected on the spot. Students are required to carry their educational and NCC/NSS/scout certificates along with them.

DNA