The Armed Forces render invaluable services to the country, both in times of war as well as peace, protecting the security of a nation under threat; contributing to the building of vital infrastructural facilities like roads and bridges; providing succor and hope to the victims of natural calamities; restoring order and ensuring the safety of the people in times of internal strife. The nature of work in the Armed Forces is diverse, and brings together a wide range of disciplines, including electronics, law, economics, education, physics, and mathematics, in each of its branches.

Major Tasks Performed

The army is divided into several corps according to the duties assigned to each. The combat arms include:

THE INFANTRY

Consisting of soldiers trained, armed and equipped to fight on foot. The infantry is equipped to capture territory and hold it. The mechanized infantry units are equipped with armored personnel carriers that can keep pace with tanks during war.

THE ARTILLERY

Which plays a vital role in bringing down heavy fire on enemy positions with guns with a range of
upto 30 kms.

THE ARMOURED CORPS

Consists of tank units that spearhead battle formations, move rapidly and can fire main guns to
destroy enemy tanks and fortifications. In addition to the combat arms, there are also special branches in the non-combatant areas. These include: 

THE ARTILLERY SERVICE CORPS

That handles the supply of all materials required by the army, such as bulk transport convoys and ammunition stocks and replenishments during war, as also rations, fuel oils, chemicals, etc.


THE ORDNANCE CORPS

Which handles the provisioning of equipment, spares, vehicles, ammunition, clothing, etc.

THE ARMY EDUCATION CORPS

Which conducts education courses for all troops and teaching staff, including foreign language
experts, for military training institutions.

THE ENGINEERS

Who carry out all technical activities including setting up bridges, building roads, providing
water and, in a defensive role, laying minefields or clearing mines.

SIGNALS

Which provides communications during war and peace and keeps pace with moving columns in times of war, for providing communication links.

ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

Who are responsible for the maintenance and serviceability of all vehicles and equipment including guns, radars, helicopters etc. 

INTELLIGENCE CORPS

Which provides battlefield intelligence from both domestic and external sources. 

ARMY MEDICAL CORPS

That provides medical facilities to all army personnel during war and peace through various hospitals and field ambulances.

REMOUNT VETERINARY CORPS

Which is responsible for the breeding of horses, mules, dogs, etc. for the army, and also for the veterinary needs of animals in the forward areas.

JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL'S BRANCH

Which consists of officers with a legal background who are responsible for handling all matters related to law, court-martials and so on.

The Navy

The Navy conducts operations through its four branches These are:

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Manages the Navy's warships and uses the warships as instruments of tactical warfare. There are sub-specializations within the Executive branch which include anti-submarine warfare, Navigation,
communication, gunnery, logistics, hydrography, naval armament inspection, law etc.

MARINE ENGINEERING BRANCH

Is responsible for keeping engineering equipment and propulsion systems for warships and submarines serviceable. Naval architects in this branch deal with warship and submarine design and construction as well as repairs and upkeep of the hull.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING BRANCH

Deals with the maintenance and upkeep of all electrical and electronic systems including weapon systems, missiles, radar, and radio-communication systems.

EDUCATION BRANCH

Helps officers and men of the Navy update their technical knowledge, and raise their academic
level to enable them to imbibe technical training. Officers in this branch can also specialize in meteorology and oceanography. Officers in the first three branches can serve in the Naval Aviation or Submarine cadres of the service.

The Air Force

One of the major tasks of the air force is that of flying, whether it be combat aircraft, transport or helicopter. Other tasks include technical work such as aeronautical engineering, electronics, computers, and administrative, financial and planning duties. There are three main branches in the air force.

THE FLYING BRANCH

Includes fighter pilots, who fly combat aircraft, some traveling at speeds greater than the speed of
sound; transport pilots, who fly transport planes carrying men and materials; and pilots of helicopters who provide air support to a moving army, or para-drop troops and supplies. There is also the navigator who guides the aircraft and pilot to the target, by using the latest avionic equipment.

THE TECHNICAL BRANCH

Handles the engineering and weapon systems of the air force. The aeronautical engineer (Mechanical) ensures the proper maintenance of all aircraft. The Aeronautical engineer (Electronics) handles the electronic and communication equipment in aircraft.

The Ground Duties Branch includes officers from the administrative, logistics, accounts, education and meteorology branches, who ensure the smooth functioning of the complete force. 

The Administrative Officer is responsible for the personnel management and administration of the air force throughout the country. 

The Air Traffic Control Officer provides control and advisory services to enable the pilot to conduct flights in total safety. 

The Fighter Controller monitors the skies for any potential air threat and selects the appropriate air defense system, using modern electronic equipment to intercept these threats. 

The Logistics Officer is responsible for provisioning of aircraft and their spares, fuel, armament, explosives, clothing items and other things essential for the day-to-day running of an organization. 

The Accounts Officer is required to monitor the expenditure, cost, and fund requirements and to plan and forecast the budgetary requirements of the air force. 

The Education Branch officers are responsible for the training imparted to officers and airmen and for designing training programmes that enable the air force to meet the challenges of the future. 

The Meteorology Branch officers are engaged in conducting scientific research on the prevailing weather conditions and atmospheric sciences.

RELATED CAREERS

Paramilitary service, detective services, defense research.