As part of our continuing series on careers in the Armed Forces, today we look at the Army. Over the coming weeks we will also take a detailed look at careers in the Navy and Air Force. 

A person who joins the army is responding to a call: a call to duty, a call to sacrifice, a call to serve and protect the nation and his own freedom. There are two ways through which a man or woman can respond to this call, by becoming a officer or joining the other ranks.

Officers
The army is currently undergoing a serious shortfall of "a few good men". The shortfall stands at 25 per cent or 11,200 officers from an authorised strength of 44,000. The ranks of army (for commissioned officers) are as follows:

• Field Marshal (a five-star ceremonial rank, held for life)
• General (the rank held by Chief of Army Staff)
• Lieutenant-General
• Major-General
• Brigadier
• Colonel
• Lieutenant-Colonel
• Major
• Captain
• Lieutenant

Only two people -- Sam Manekshaw and Cariappa -- have ever held the post of Field Marshal.

A candidate can become an officer in the Indian Army through one of two paths:

Permanent Commission
A Permanent Commission means that a candidate has a career in the army until he or she retires. A person intending to take a Permanent Commission must join through the National Defense Academy, the Indian Military Academy or the Officers Training Academy.

Promotions are based on a time scale for the first three ranks: one becomes a Lieutenant after 2 years of service, a Captain after 4 years of service and a Major after 13 years. After this, promotions are based on selection depending on the frequency with which positions become free.

The pay for a commissioned officer, based on rank is as follows:

• Lieutenant: Rs 8,250-Rs 10,050 Captain: Rs 9,600-Rs 11,400 + Rs 400 rank pay
• Major: Rs 11,600-Rs 14,850 + Rs 800 rank pay
• Lt Colonel: Rs 13,500-Rs 17,100 + Rs 1,600 rank pay
• Colonel: Rs 15,100-Rs 17,350 + Rs 2,000 rank pay
• Brigadier: Rs 16,700-Rs 18,050 + Rs 2,400 rank pay
• Major General: Rs 18,400-Rs 22,400
• Lt General: Rs 22,400-Rs 24,500
• Vice Chief of Army Staff: Rs 26,000
• Chief of Army Staff: Rs 30,000

A stipend of Rs 8000 per month is given to those who join the IMA or OTA. Allowances for dearness, kit maintenance, field, high altitude, counter insurgency, transportation, city compensatory are also given. A technical and aviation allowance is also granted when applicable. The pay scale of the army is set by the Pay Commission, which meets every 10 years.  

There are many benefits accrued from being an officer in the Indian Army. Accommodation and membership at clubs and institutes are subsidised. One can avail of free rations, medical treatment and the Army Group Insurance Fund. A conveyance allowance and house building allowance are granted. The army gives 60 days of leave annually and 20 days casually. There are also several travel benefits from a free railway warrant for oneself and one's family to many concessions.

The army also funds the education of its' officers

• BA/BSC/BCA degrees are given to NDA Cadets.
• Career courses are taught when applicable.
• Study leave with full pay is granted to entitled officers.
• Specialist courses are conducted for Technical Officers
• Management courses are conducted for senior officers 

The army has facilities for very imaginable indoor and outdoor sport from football to hot-air ballooning. There are also many benefits for the children of servicemen, from special educational institutes to innumerable quotas.

Short Service Commission
As an alternative to a Permanent Commission, the army allows candidates to take a Short Service Commission. Under this, the candidate serves for a period of 5 years at the end of which he can:

~ Leave the army
~ Extend his SSC for a period of 5 years, during which he may quit at any time
~ Opt for a Permanent Commission

A person can enter the SSC after a course at the Officers Training Academy.

The pay, promotions, allowances, facilities and benefits enjoyed by the officers under the SSC is exactly the same as those enjoyed by officers with a permanent commission.

 The greatest benefit of a short service commission is that it allows you to serve your country and imbibe the skills and discipline that are available only in the army. It also provides a good option for those who aren't sure whether or not they wish to spend the remainder of their lives in the army.

Other Ranks
While commissioned officers are one of the most important parts of the army, the vast bulk consist of sepoys: ordinary soldiers.

All recruitment to the Other Ranks are conducted through rallies (and only rallies). The details of these rallies are available at the nearest Branch Recruiting Office or Zonal Recruiting Office. Schedules are published in all local papers. The candidate must report to the rally site with his Educational Certificate(s), Birth Certificate (original) domicile certificate, character certificate and six passport size photographs.

Requirements A soldier's required educational qualifications depends on the category. A Soldier General Duty, Technical, Clerk, Storekeeper and Nursing Assistant all require a matriculation or SSLC. A Soldier Tradesman does not require a matriculation. A Havildar, Religious Teacher, Caterer or Cartographer has to be a graduate.

The physical requirements vary by location and position. The required height varies from 157cm to 170cm. The chest is 77 through out. A number of physical tests are conducted, including the one mile run, balances, pull-ups and the 9-feet ditch. There is also a written test (pass marks: 32/100) measuring the IQ, numerical ability, GK and knowledge of current affairs. An additional test is conducted for certain posts.

Pay
A sepoy is paid Rs 3,050-Rs 4,650 depending on his category and is also given the dearness allowance, city compensatory allowance and other allowances which are given to central govt. employees.

Promotions
A sepoy can become a commissioned officer under certain conditions.

Benefits
A sepoy can also avail of free rations, clothing, accommodation and allied services and field, counter insurgency and high altitude allowances as per rank and place. Medical treatment for the soldier and his family is also given. Soldiers enjoy Group Housing Scheme benefits, Army Group Insurance, and many concessions for himself, family and dependents. Sick and medical leave is granted.

Part II: Military academies and the curriculum

Next week: Careers in the Navy