Army Training Command Hosts Prestigious Investiture Ceremony in Shimla
The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla organized a significant investiture ceremony today, recognizing establishments and individuals for their outstanding contributions during the 2025-26 training year. The event was presided over by Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of ARTRAC, who highlighted the command's transformative initiatives and future goals.
Recognition of Excellence in Military Training
During the ceremony, the prestigious GOC-in-C Army Training Command Unit Citation was awarded to four Category 'A' Training Establishments: the Army Air Defence College, Armoured Corps Centre and School, Mechanised Infantry Centre and School, and Rashtriya Indian Military College. Additionally, two affiliated units—269 Engineer Regiment and 665 Army Aviation Squadron (R&O)—received this honor for their exemplary performance.
Financial Excellence Awards were conferred upon the Combat Army Aviation Training School, Junior Leader Academy, and College of Military Engineering, acknowledging their fiscal management and efficiency. The Digitisation and Automation Excellence Award was presented to the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Mechanised Infantry Centre and School, recognizing their efforts in modernizing military operations through technology.
Eleven Technical Excellence Awards were given to selected innovators for their contributions in the Pan Indian Army Level Competition, showcasing advancements in military technology. Furthermore, GOC-in-C Spot Commendation Cards were awarded to 16 individuals for distinguished service, underscoring the importance of personal dedication and commitment.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Vision
In his address, Lt Gen Sharma emphasized that the awardees are central to ARTRAC's achievements, not peripheral. He outlined 57 initiatives across five pillars of the decade of transformation, drawing lessons from recent conflicts such as Operation Sindoor. He highlighted drones as a battlefield necessity, noting that ARTRAC's drone training infrastructure has already trained over 50,000 personnel in operations.
Lt Gen Sharma also revealed that 15 establishments are evolving as centers of expertise to absorb 33 niche technologies by 2030, aligning with broader military modernization efforts. He discussed the institutionalization of the 'Vidur Vakta' (red teaming) initiative across the Army by 2027, aimed at enhancing strategic planning and preparedness.
Other key initiatives mentioned include the COAS Quadrennial Training Directive 2025-2029, which sets training priorities, and the transition of promotion and competitive examinations to online mode to improve efficiency and accessibility. The Commander underscored ARTRAC's commitment to gender neutrality and military diplomacy, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Commitment to Innovation and National Development
While congratulating the awardees, Lt Gen Sharma appreciated their intellectual contributions, dedication, and commitment. He urged all ARTRAC members to continuously learn, adapt, and embrace emerging technologies, in line with the command's motto: 'Yudh Kala Vah Sainya Vigyan Mein Utkrisht' (Excellence in the Art and Science of War).
He reaffirmed ARTRAC's commitment to Viksit Bharat-2047 through jointness, atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and innovation (JAI), highlighting the role of military training in national development. The ceremony served as a testament to ARTRAC's ongoing efforts to enhance military capabilities and prepare for future challenges.
