Belagavi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan commended the Agniveers, describing them as not just soldiers but also leaders, innovators, and defenders of the nation’s sovereignty. His remarks came during an interaction with the Agniveers undergoing training at the Maratha Regimental Centre and the Airmen Training School (ATS) in Belagavi on May 20, 2024.
Addressing the Agniveers at the Maratha Regimental Centre, General Chauhan underscored the noble purpose of military service and its crucial role within the military framework. He lauded the Agniveers for their commitment to the Armed Forces, highlighting their exceptional sense of duty towards the nation.
General Chauhan acknowledged the personal challenges faced by the soldiers and their families, as well as the hardships they endure while operating in challenging environments. He assured the Agniveers that despite these challenges, their journey would be immensely rewarding, contributing to their personal growth and instilling a deep sense of pride in serving the nation.
Discussing the evolving nature of warfare, the CDS emphasized the complexity and unpredictability of future conflicts, which now include cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and asymmetric threats. He highlighted the importance of technology integration and continuous learning, urging the Agniveers to adopt innovative approaches to combat.
During his visit to the ATS in Belagavi, General Chauhan toured the training institute to gain insights into the training of the Agniveervayu of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He interacted with the third batch of Agniveervayu trainees, who are 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, ready to meet the challenges of future warfare.
The CDS stressed the importance of lifelong learning, especially in the dynamic and tech-intensive field of modern warfare. He advised the trainees to continually upgrade their skills and nurture the values of integrity, physical fitness, discipline, and esprit-de-corps in their pursuit of professional excellence.
Highlighting the significance of rigorous training, General Chauhan praised the efforts of the training faculty at both the ATS and the Maratha Regimental Centre. He urged them to continue striving for excellence to enhance the operational might of the nation.