Two participants of Exercise Cambrian Patrol

The daredevil Ghataks from the infantry battalions of Eastern Command were put through acid tests of reconnaissance and surveillance during Exercise Cambrian Patrol in the Dooars that concluded on June 1.

The 10-day exercise-cum-competition was designed to test the mental and physical robustness of the Ghatak commandos and develop their operational capability as a mission-oriented tactical team.

An infantry battalion of Garhwal Rifles won the competition. The event was organised by Kripan Division for the entire Eastern Command.

The competition was conducted as a precursor to selecting the best patrol of the Indian Army to participate in a similar exercise to be held in Wales, UK in October.

The Cambrian Patrol is considered the most difficult patrolling exercise among the Nato countries.

In October 2006, the event ran for 10 days and 101 teams from various Nato and non-Nato countries had participated. Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army won the coveted Silver Medal.

The Cambrian Patrol involves an endurance march of about 70 km over 72 hours with 20-kg battle load carried by each member. A team consists of one officer, one junior commissioned officer and eight other ranks. The patrol is put through a variety of battle drills and procedures, such as infiltration into enemy land, river and obstacle crossings, setting up of patrol base/harbour, linking up with own agents, close reconnaissance of enemy posts and return into own land.

Other facets included a 10-km endurance run with full battle load, 50-mt swimming, driving, a drill on nuclear, chemical and biological warfare and a quiz.

Ex-servicemen

The sixth triennial conference organised by the Cooch Behar National Ex-servicemen Co-ordination Committee was held on May 26 and 27 in Cooch Behar. The conference was inaugurated by Maj. Gen. P.S. Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Kripan Division.

A helpline cell in Chillarai barracks was set up for ex-servicemen to achieve better co-ordination between former soldiers and army personnel. Many ex-servicemen came to Cooch Behar from various districts to take part in the state-level conference.

The state chairman of the committee, Alok Rai, said a National Ex-servicemen’s Coordination Committee had been established to help ex-servicemen in various fields.

A free medical camp was also organised.

General Bhalla presented a gift packet and Rs 1,000 to Moili Chhetri, Veer Nari. A cheque of Rs 35,000 was also presented on behalf of Lt Gen. C.K.S. Sabu, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps to the National Ex-servicemen Co-ordination Committee.

Raising Day

A battalion of Garh Rifles, as a part of Shakti Vijay Brigade celebrated its 37th Raising Day on June 1 with great pomp and gaiety.

Rededicating itself to work tirelessly, selflessly and to the best of abilities and to bring honour to the regiment and the formation, the battalion continued its stellar performance by winning four Kripan Division professional and sports competitions. The men of this unit also bagged the Best Marching Contingent trophy at a Republic Day parade in Calcutta.

Summer camp

Children set up a tent during the camp

A Children Summer Adventure Camp for 2007 was organised for the wards of all ranks of Eastern Command. The camp was conducted at the picturesque location of Pedong from May 15 to 20 for the senior group, and May 22 to 30 for the junior group. Around 65 children participated in both the camps. Adventure activities like trekking, tent and bivouac pitching, obstacle oriented team games, and firing were organised.

Evenings were spent in fun-filled activities like charades, antakshari, quiz and talent search competitions. The children exhibited their talents ranging from dancing and singing to imitating the instructors and other fellow campers. For both the participants and the instructors, it was an extremely satisfying experience. Majority of the children learnt to live without parental support for the first time.

Army corps

Army Education Corps, meant for educational growth and training of soldiers in the army, celebrated its 60th Raising Day at Sukna military station on June 1. A Map Craft training facility was inaugurated by Lt Gen. C.K.S. Sabu, VSM, GOC of Trishakti Corps.

Map Craft helps soldiers learn to read and perceive defence-related maps, understand the ground better and navigate efficiently both during day and night in unfamiliar terrain where they need to carry out military operations. All officers appreciated the quality and availability of the training facility.

Gen. Sabu urged all those present to achieve higher standards of excellence in keeping with the motto Vidhyev Balam of the Corps.