Me and you, we’re gonna make it together, others may fail we say never cause we got the will and the power to survive. And now, we are united in one voice, free on the path like a wild horse. Those who will stand in our way must step aside.
-Known for his brilliant military tactics, rapid reading of the situation, ability to inspire his troops, a skilled strategist and possessing exceptional military leadership makes Lt General Prit Pal Singh a different personality altogether!
-Great military generals possess a combination of strategic thinking, decisive leadership, and the ability to inspire and motivate their troops. They are skilled in logistics, adaptable to changing battlefield conditions, and maintain a strong ethical foundation. These leaders are also adept at communicating clear objectives and ensuring their troops are well-trained and prepared to execute their plans.
-Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh, AVSM, GOC Sudarshan Chakra Corps, visited the Amphibious Troops of Bison Division at Banaswadi Military Garrison and appreciated the unit’s and formation’s preparedness for both conventional and sub-conventional operations.
-The General Officer exhorted all ranks to maintain a high state of preparedness and operational readiness to effectively counter any unforeseen eventualities.
-In a proud moment for Motilal Nehru School of Sports in Rai, Sonipat, Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh – an alumnus of the school – has taken over the command of the Bhopal-headquartered 21 Corps of the Army. Another alumnus, Lt Gen Sukriti Dahiya, is serving as Commandant of the
-Prior to taking over the Corps, Lt Gen Singh was tenanting the appointment of Major General Staff at the Southern Command Headquarters.
-Lt Gen Singh hails from Nagoki village in Haryana’s Sirsa. After studying at the Sainik School in Kunjpura, Karnal from 1977-1979, he moved to the Motilal Nehru School of Sports in Sonipat from 1979-1985. He is also a graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi. He excels in hockey and represented his school, college and state at the national level.
-Colonel A Mor, Director of the school, said the school is funded by the Ministry of Sports and is a premier feeding institute for the defence services on the lines of Sainik Schools. “We have five serving Major Generals in the Army as of now and around 200 Brigadiers,” said Col Mor. He added that Navdeep Singh Virk, Haryana’s Principal Secretary (Sports) is also an alumnus of the school.
The school focuses on sports and prepares students for participating in national-level competitions. The director, himself an alumnus of the institution, said the boarding school admits students in Class 5.
-Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Army said Lt Gen Singh has also served at the Military Operations Directorate.
-He is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Commissioned into 62 Cavalry in December 1989, his father also served in the same regiment from 1962-1968 and is a veteran of the Indo-China (1962) and India-Pakistan (1965) wars.
-In particular today we will write about XXI Corps (India)! The history and the present!
-The XXI Corps, or the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, is a strike corps of the Indian Army and is headquartered at Bhopal.
-World War I: The XXI Indian Corps was first raised on 12 August 1917 during World War I, specifically for operations in the Middle East region against the German–Ottoman alliance. The corps was part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force under Allenby and took active part in the capture of Gaza and Jerusalem from October to December 1917, and against the Turkish Seventh and Eight Armies in 1918. The Corps was disbanded in 1918, at the end of the war.
-World War II: The corps was re-raised in Persia on 6 June 1942 as a formation of the Indian Army during World War II. The corps was commanded throughout its existence by Lieutenant General Mosley Mayne and was part of the Tenth Army.
-The corps, composed of the 8th Indian Infantry Division (Major-General Dudley Russell) and the British 56th Infantry Division (Major-General Eric Miles), was created as part of the Allied buildup of forces in Persia and Iraq to create Persia and Iraq Command in order to prevent a German invasion of the Causes.
-The invasion never occurred and the corps was disbanded on 24 August 1943.
-Present
-Exercise Sudarshan Shakti, 21 Corps, December 2011!
-After India’s intervention in Sri Lanka, the provisional headquarters (HQ) controlling India’s expeditionary force, HQ Indian Peace Keeping Force, became HQ XXI Corps in April 1990 at Chandimandir.
-Permanent retention of the Corps at Bhopal was authorised on 29 October 1990. It is the only strike corps in the Indian Army’s Pune based Southern Command, the other three being – I Corps, II Corps and XVII Corps. XXI corps functions as both a strike corps and would also be used if India were to make another large intervention overseas.
-Indian Army Strike Corps:
The Indian Army’s strike corps are the principal offensive formations, designed for rapid, mechanized thrusts into enemy territory. There are three main strike corps: 1 Corps, 2 Corps, and 21 Corps. These formations are built around armored and mechanized infantry divisions, supported by artillery, air defense, and engineers.
-Key features of Indian Army Strike Corps:
-Offensive Doctrine: Strike Corps are designed for swift, decisive offensives in a conflict.
-Armored and Mechanized: They possess a strong armored component, including main battle tanks and mechanized infantry, enabling rapid movement and firepower.
-Combined Arms: Strike Corps integrate various arms and services, including artillery, air defense, and engineers, for coordinated operations.
-High Mobility: Their structure allows for rapid deployment and maneuverability across diverse terrains.
-Counter-Offensive: They are also capable of conducting counter-offensive operations to respond to enemy incursions.
-Examples of Strike Corps:
-1 Corps: Based in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, and previously under South Western Command, it was moved to Northern Command to focus on the Sino-Indian border in Ladakh. It includes armored and infantry divisions, artillery, and air defense brigades.
-2 Corps: Located in Ambala, Haryana, it is part of the Western Command.
-21 Corps: Based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, it is also a strike corps with significant offensive capabilities.
-17 Corps (Brahmastra Corps): The first mountain strike corps, it is located in Panagarh, West Bengal, and is designed for quick reaction and counter-offensive operations against China along the LAC.
-Comparison with Holding Corps:
-Holding Corps: These formations are primarily designed for defensive operations and holding territory.
-Strike Corps: Strike Corps are built for offensive operations, with a focus on speed, maneuverability, and firepower.
-In essence, the Indian Army’s strike corps are its primary offensive tools, designed to deliver a decisive blow to an adversary in a conflict scenario.
-Amphibious warfare Unit: This we would call the, ‘Peninsular effect’ as India has seas and Oceans on the Southern and South frontiers!
The Indian Army possesses a unique amphibious warfare unit, the 54th Infantry Division, which is the only division in the Indian Army that specializes in amphibious operations. This division, which was established in 1966 and converted into a Reorganised Amphibious Formation (RAMFOR) in 2011, recently demonstrated its capabilities during a review by Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh.
The division played a key role in the 1971 Battle of Basantar and has been recognized for its contributions to safeguarding India’s coastal and maritime interests.
-This division, headquartered at Secunderabad, is the core of the Indian Army’s amphibious capabilities. It is part of XXI Corps.
-Amphibious Warfare Focus:
-The division’s conversion to RAMFOR in 2011 signifies the Indian Army’s increased emphasis on amphibious operations and its preparedness for modern warfare.
-Operational Capabilities: The recent evaluation by Lt. Gen. Prit Pal Singh highlighted the division’s operational readiness and technological advancements in amphibious warfare.
-Strategic Importance: The division’s role in the 1971 Battle of Basantar and its continued focus on coastal and maritime security demonstrate its strategic significance for India.
-Joint Doctrine: The Indian Armed Forces have also released a Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations, further emphasizing the importance of jointness and integration in amphibious operations.
-Exercises: The Indian Army participates in joint exercises like AMPHEX and Tiger Triumph, which involve the Army, Navy, and Air Force, to enhance interoperability and coordination in amphibious operations. These exercises often involve scenarios like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), as well as military operations.
-Technological Integration: The Indian Army is also focusing on incorporating modern technologies into its amphibious capabilities, as evidenced by its interaction with the Kerala Startup Mission.
-Future Outlook: The Indian Army continues to refine its amphibious capabilities, with a focus on developing a modern, well-equipped force that can be deployed at short notice.
The statement “Preparation for warfare is a must” emphasizes the importance of readiness in the face of potential conflict. This concept applies to both military preparedness and spiritual warfare, highlighting the need for proactive measures to ensure strength and resilience. In a military context, this means having a well-trained and equipped force
-Military Preparation: Deterrence: Building a strong military can deter potential aggressors by demonstrating the consequences of an attack.
-Tactical Competence: This includes mastering maneuvers, formations, and understanding how to analyze situations (METT-T: Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time available) to effectively plan and execute operations.
-Resource Management: Effective military preparation also involves efficient resource allocation for training, equipment, and personnel.
The statement ‘Writing is a difficult art and only soldiers with a pen can do it’ is in actuality a metaphorical expression, not a literal one. It suggests that the act of writing requires a certain level of discipline, focus, and perhaps even courage, qualities often associated with soldiers. It highlights the challenge and dedication involved in mastering the art of writing.We are still learning this art as we do not have many decades to live! So see you till we see you again and that is’ if tomorrow comes’! Strangers in the mirror can guess that!
