Want to join the Territorial Army?

What are the requisite qualification and age limit etc for joining the Territorial Army (TA). How do I apply for it and when?

-----Lalit

The Territorial Army (TA) is a voluntary, part-time citizen's army set up to supplement and augment the resources of the regular one, particularly during war time. While its infantry battalions have participated in all wars alongside the regular army, they have also been deployed for counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East and have been utilised to maintain essential services such as the railways, oil supply and medical help (departmental units) in emergencies.

Those who join the TA undergo a short period of rigorous training, which makes them reasonably competent soldiers. This involves one month's basic training in the first year of commission. Subsequently, they join their units for two months every year for refresher training, to keep in touch with the art of soldiering.

Officers commissioned in the TA can be called out for military service for longer durations depending on the requirement, but are normally not full-time defence personnel and can also be employed elsewhere.

Any male graduate, aged 18 to 42, can join as an officer and apply to the group commander of the TA headquarters, in his state by September. For more details, check Employment News, or contact Additional Directorate General, TA, Army Headquarters, L Block, New Delhi 110001.

Author: Usha Albuquerque (HT Horizons)

Date: 18th April, 2011

For further details about related courses and colleges:

Related courses and colleges