19 May 2015

Rifleman: A Complete Soldier

18 May , 2015

Learning to Fire - shoot to kill

Training for war is perhaps the most important aspect of peacetime soldiering. In fact, the process of honing of skills, to get the better of the enemy, continues even during field tenures and operations. Well trained troops develop better bonds of professional trust amongst themselves, have greater confidence in their weapons, respond better to execute the commands, and do not panic in adversity. Indeed, in the trials of combat, good training, or the absence of it, may well mean the difference between life and death or between victory and defeat.

Those joining the Regiment quickly change their ways of the village to the ones in the barracks. As they settle down to the orderly routine of the Regimental Centre, the recruits are initiated to the noble profession of arms. A well-structured training programme spread over thirty four weeks turns these recruits into young soldiers – boys into men. They are toughened up by the rigours of physical training and the demanding obstacle course, drilled to perfection and are disciplined to instinctive obedience. These budding soldiers are practiced to no end in skill at arms to make them adapt in firing, as also in using their bayonets to deadly effect. Lessons in field craft give them an eye for the ground and ability to stalk the enemy. The training culminates with a ten-day outdoor camp when all their training is put to test in small tactical exercises.

During the training, recruits are tested thrice to assess their assimilation and proficiency. At the end of it all, first three in the order of merit are awarded following medals: 
Colonel of the Regiment’s Gold Medal. 
General Officer Commanding Delhi Area’s Silver Medal. 
Commandant’s Bronze Medal. 

Three more facets of this initial grounding are noteworthy. First, the Centre has created excellent training facilities and aids to impart realistic training. Second, with an eye on the future, all recruits of the Rajputana Rifles undergo a computer familiarization capsule. Third, and most important, during the training, Regimental Centre makes conscious efforts to foster lasting bonds of camaraderie, and to instill regimental pride amongst these new entrants.

On joining their units these young soldiers take their places in the sub units. In due course, and on the basis of their demonstrated aptitude, some of them get picked out to be trained as missile pilots, mortar numbers, signal operators or to be vehicle drivers. Those selected for possible special missions, get to learn unarmed combat, basic engineering techniques et al. Officers and men also attend a series of training courses in various schools of instructions. Besides, all battalions carry out orientation training in the context of their specific operational demands. All this, and much more, is attempted to make sure that on all counts, and at all times, battalions remain fully battle worthy.


Order for Action

Organized games are an important part of soldiers’ routine. It ensures their physical fitness, enhances their stamina, and generates competitive spirit amongst them. Besides, these sporting activities give unit officers a good opportunity to rub shoulders with their men while engaged in healthy recreation. Inter Company competitions in the battalions are undoubtedly most keenly contested. Some of the games – volleyball, basketball, track events of the athletics, Recruits giving their undivided attention – a weapon training class in progress and wrestling – are particularly liked by the RAJ RIF troops. The Regiment has systematically encouraged men’s inclinations and their aptitudes to excel in some of the games to notch up many achievements.

Rajpurana Rifles has the singular distinction of having fielded more olympians than any other regiment or corps of the Indian Army – five of them participating in six olympics. Many others of the Regiment had the privilege to don Indian colours in SAARC Meet, Commonwealth Games, Asiad, world Meet and so on. Between them, they have claimed many medals to include an Olympic medal – Captain Jaswant Singh was center forward of the Indian hockey team that won the silver medal in Rome Olympics.

Incidentally, sportsmen from the Regiment have participated, and have won a medal or two, in every single Asiad since the first one in 1951. Needless to say that the Regiment has also made its mark on the home front. During the National Games 1991 for example, all the gold medalists of the Army were from the Rajputana Rifles. Shooting team too has been making its presence felt in the recent past. In sum therefore, the achievements of the sportsmen have done the Regiment proud. Many of them have deservedly been honoured by such prestigious national awards as ‘Padma Shri’ and ‘Arjuna Award’. Some were also decorated by the Army with Vishishta Seva Medal.


Josh, Tezi aur Sidhai

Adventure sports too have significance for those in the profession of arms. It invites them to face the elements of the nature, dares them to take a few risks, and tests their endurance against odds. The very idea of adventure appeals to the spirited men of the Regiment who have many such endeavours to their credit. A team of 7 RAJ RIF scaled Mount Kamet (over 23,000 feet above the mean sea level) in 1979. A Cycle Expedition of 9 RAJ RIF covered 1500 kilometers through Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh to get a feel of the recruiting areas. Camel Safari organized by 3 RAJ RIF was a great success as it met a number of ex-servicemen and war widows along the route. Charminar Challenge Cup car-rally saw RAJ RIF participate on. Some of the officers and men of 16 RAJ RIF mastered the art of hang-gliding and then put up a spectacular public show to draw admiration and applause.

As is apparent from the preceding text, the gutsy all ranks of the Rajputana Rifles train tirelessly, play hard, and are more than ready to test the limits of their grit and determination in challenging ventures. All this keeps them physically fit and mentally robust to brave the hardships and privations of soldiering. Besides, the rough and tumble of it all gives rise to Espirit de Corps so essential to the profession of arms. Customs and traditions of the Regiment then do the rest to create a fine fighting force.

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