TFP Bureau, New Delhi; May 20, 2024: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan highlighted the multifaceted role of Agniveers, calling them not just soldiers but also leaders, innovators, and defenders of the nation’s sovereignty. His remarks came during an interaction with Agniveer trainees at the Maratha Regimental Centre and Airmen Training School (ATS) in Belagavi on May 20, 2024.
Underscoring the noble purpose of military service, Gen Chauhan praised the Agniveers for their commitment to the Armed Forces, describing it as a testament to their exceptional sense of duty towards the nation. He acknowledged the personal and familial challenges faced by the soldiers, assuring them that despite these hardships, their journey would be immensely rewarding, fostering personal growth and a deep sense of pride in serving the country.
Addressing the evolving nature of warfare, Gen Chauhan emphasized the increasing complexity and unpredictability of future conflicts, highlighting the roles of cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and asymmetric threats. He stressed the importance of technology integration and continuous learning, urging Agniveers to adopt innovative approaches to combat.
During his visit to ATS, Belagavi, Gen Chauhan toured the training institute to gain insights into the Agniveervayu training of the Indian Air Force. He interacted with the third batch of Agniveervayu trainees undergoing training under the revised induction pattern introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2022. He encouraged them to focus on becoming technologically proficient soldiers, ready to tackle future warfare challenges.
The CDS emphasized that learning is a lifelong process, particularly in the dynamic and tech-intensive field of modern warfare. He advised the trainees to uphold values of integrity, physical fitness, discipline, and esprit-de-corps in their pursuit of professional excellence.
Highlighting the significance of rigorous training, Gen Chauhan lauded the efforts of the training faculty at ATS and the Maratha Regimental Centre. He urged them to continue striving for excellence, contributing to the operational strength of the nation.