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Basic Structure of Indian Army, Training and Specialization

Basic Structure of Indian Army is discussed in detail in this article. Check Basic Structure of Indian Army Hierarchy, Specialized Units, Commands, Divisions & more.
authorImageNigam Sharma8 Aug, 2024
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Basic Structure of Indian Army

Basic Structure of Indian Army: The Indian Army, the land-based force and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces, has a well-structured organization that ensures its readiness and operational capability. This article delves into the basic structure of the Indian Army, highlighting its organizational hierarchy, command structure, and various units that form its backbone.

The Indian Army's organizational hierarchy is structured to facilitate efficient command and control, streamline operations, and maintain a state of readiness. The hierarchy is divided into several levels, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.

Basic Structure of Indian Army

The Indian Army's basic structure is meticulously organized to ensure effective command, control, and operational efficiency. At the apex is the Army Headquarters in New Delhi, headed by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). The Army is divided into seven geographical and operational commands, each overseen by a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Commands are further subdivided into corps, which are composed of multiple divisions. Each division contains several brigades, which in turn consist of battalions, companies, platoons, and sections. This hierarchical framework ensures cohesive functioning and readiness across all units, from the largest commands to the smallest sections, enabling the Army to effectively fulfill its defense and security roles.

1. Indian Army Headquarters

At the top of the hierarchy is the Army Headquarters (HQ), located in New Delhi. The Army HQ is responsible for the overall command, control, and administration of the Indian Army. It is headed by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), a four-star general. The COAS is assisted by the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) and several Principal Staff Officers (PSOs).

Key Departments under Army HQ:

  • Military Operations Directorate
  • Military Intelligence Directorate
  • General Staff Branch
  • Adjutant General's Branch
  • Quartermaster General's Branch

2. Commands of Indian Army

Below the Army HQ are the various Army Commands, which are geographical and operational units. Each command is headed by a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), typically a Lieutenant General.

The Indian Army is divided into seven commands:

  1. Northern Command (Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir)
  2. Western Command (Chandimandir, Haryana)
  3. Eastern Command (Kolkata, West Bengal)
  4. Southern Command (Pune, Maharashtra)
  5. Central Command (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
  6. South Western Command (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
  7. Army Training Command (ARTRAC) (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)

3. Indian Army Corps

Each command consists of several corps, which are field formations responsible for specific operational areas. A corps is commanded by a Lieutenant General.

Types of Corps:

  • Strike Corps : Offensive operations
  • Holding Corps : Defensive operations
  • Mixed Corps : Combination of both roles

4. Divisions of Indian Army

A corps is composed of multiple divisions, each commanded by a Major General. Divisions are the primary combat formations and are categorized into different types based on their operational role.

Types of Divisions:

  • Infantry Divisions
  • Armored Divisions
  • Mountain Divisions
  • Artillery Divisions

5. Indian Army Brigades

Divisions are subdivided into brigades, which are commanded by a Brigadier. A brigade typically consists of three to four battalions and supporting elements.

Types of Brigades:

  • Infantry Brigades
  • Armored Brigades
  • Artillery Brigades
  • Engineer Brigades

6. Battalions of Indian Army

A brigade is composed of battalions, the basic fighting units of the Army. A battalion is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel and comprises approximately 800 to 1,000 soldiers.

7. Companies of Indian Army

Battalions are divided into companies, each commanded by a Major or a Captain. A company consists of around 120 soldiers.

8. Platoons and Sections of Indian Army

Companies are further divided into platoons and sections. A platoon is led by a Lieutenant and consists of around 30 soldiers. A section, the smallest unit, is led by a non-commissioned officer and comprises 10 soldiers.

Specialized Units of Indian Army

In addition to the regular infantry and armored units, the Indian Army has several specialized units designed for specific roles.

1. Para (Special Forces)

The Parachute Regiment, including the Para (Special Forces), is trained for airborne operations and special missions behind enemy lines.

2. Army Aviation Corps

The Army Aviation Corps provides air support and is equipped with helicopters for reconnaissance, transport, and combat operations.

3. Artillery Regiment

The Artillery Regiment is responsible for providing firepower support using a range of guns, howitzers, and missile systems.

4. Engineers Regiment

The Engineers Regiment handles construction, demolition, and field engineering tasks.

5. Signals Regiment

The Signals Regiment ensures effective communication across all levels of command.

6. Army Medical Corps

The Army Medical Corps provides medical care to soldiers, including in combat zones.

7. Army Service Corps

The Army Service Corps handles logistics, supply chain management, and transportation of troops and equipment.

Training Establishments of Indian Army

To maintain a high level of readiness and professional competence, the Indian Army operates several training establishments.

1. Indian Military Academy (IMA)

Located in Dehradun, the IMA trains officers for commissioning into the Indian Army.

2. Officers Training Academy (OTA)

The OTA, with campuses in Chennai and Gaya, trains short-service commission officers.

3. Army War College

Located in Mhow, it provides advanced training for senior officers.

4. College of Military Engineering

Located in Pune, it trains engineer officers and personnel. The structure of the Indian Army is meticulously designed to ensure operational effectiveness, command efficiency, and rapid deployment capabilities. From the top-level Army Headquarters to the smallest section, each level plays a crucial role in the defense and security of India. The integration of specialized units and advanced training establishments further enhances the Army's capability to respond to a wide range of threats and challenges.

Hierarchical Structure of the Indian Army

The Indian Army's hierarchical structure ensures effective command and control, seamless operations, and rapid deployment. It begins at the top with the Army Headquarters in New Delhi and extends through various commands, corps, divisions, brigades, battalions, companies, platoons, and sections. This multi-tiered system ensures cohesive and efficient functioning across all units. The table below provides a concise overview of this hierarchical structure:
Level Commanded by Composition
Army Headquarters Chief of the Army Staff Various Directorates and Principal Staff Officers
Commands General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Multiple Corps
Corps Lieutenant General Multiple Divisions
Divisions Major General Multiple Brigades
Brigades Brigadier Multiple Battalions
Battalions Lieutenant Colonel Multiple Companies
Companies Major/Captain Multiple Platoons
Platoons Lieutenant Multiple Sections
Sections Non-Commissioned Officer 10 Soldiers
This detailed structure enables the Indian Army to maintain its operational readiness, ensuring the defense of the nation against any potential threats.

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Basic Structure of Indian Army FAQs

Q1. What is the highest level of command in the Indian Army?

Ans. The highest level of command in the Indian Army is the Army Headquarters, located in New Delhi. It is headed by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

Q2. How many commands are there in the Indian Army?

Ans. The Indian Army is divided into seven commands: Northern Command, Western Command, Eastern Command, Southern Command, Central Command, South Western Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC).

Q3. What is the role of a Corps in the Indian Army?

Ans. A Corps is a field formation responsible for specific operational areas within a command. It typically consists of multiple divisions and is commanded by a Lieutenant General.

Q4. What are the different types of divisions in the Indian Army?

Ans. The Indian Army has several types of divisions, including Infantry Divisions, Armored Divisions, Mountain Divisions, and Artillery Divisions, each specializing in different operational roles.

Q5. Who commands a brigade, and what does it consist of?

Ans. A brigade is commanded by a Brigadier and typically consists of three to four battalions along with supporting elements.
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