About Defence

There are many branches to the armed forces via Army, Navy and Air force. There are also few lesser known ones like the border security force, central industrial security force, reserve polices and various other specialised entities within the union home and defence ministries.

Extreme physical and mental toughness, ability to deal with crisis of any kind and facing fears to protect their battalion, colleagues and country rank high in the order of Armed Forces training. Army, navy and air force have both technical and non-technical branches.

If you join the Air Force, your specialised skills will be flying a multimillion dollar fighter jet or a helicopter, depending on your talent. Similarly, if you are in the Army, your specialised skills will be unarmed combat and using a SLR rifle or a Kashelnikov.

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Defence Career in India

The Indian Army, Navy and the Air Force have selections at different levels as mentioned above. The National Defence Academy located at the outskirts of Pune; Maharashtra is the training and commissioning body. It conducts an entrance test, takes in the brightest students, and grooms them in all aspects of military warfare. Apart from this, depending on your aptitude, you can choose to complete your Bachelors in Science or Engineering.

You can write the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) entrance examination conducted every year, gain admission and complete MBBS. After which, you be inducted into the medical corps (units) of the service they choose. Else, you can enlist in the armed forces as a medical officer. This entry is conducted by a different examination called Combined Defence Services Examination and is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission every year. It is at the graduate level and is also open to women. AFMC also admits women but only a limited number of seats are reserved.

National Defence Academy (India)

The National Defence Academy conducts an examination every year for students of class 12. To be eligible to write the examination, Mathematics and Physics are compulsory subjects. NDA exams are conducted in the month of May every year. Around 1 lakh students take this examination out of which only 350 get selected.

Apart from the three branches mentioned above there are also certain paramilitary forces which conduct their own admission tests with the help of Union Public Service Commission.

They are:

  • Border Security Force
  • Reserve Army
  • Assam Rifles (Reserve)
  • Indian Coast Guard
  • Central Industrial Security Force

United States of America

USA is a nation which gives equal opportunity to naturalised citizens, so if you have an American passport you can enlist for the army.

The entry to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines is open to people of any race and ethnicity subject to them being citizens. You can either join after class 10 at a private level or you can wait to join after college at an officer level. Either way you can be part of the world’s most advanced military that virtually has de facto control of the world in strategic military terms! America has enough arsenal and firepower to destroy the world thrice and over again. America is also a signatory to Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and has created a benchmark in maintaining world peace.  

Singapore

This tiny island nation which is a technological powerhouse has a compulsory military enlistment for all male citizens of its country. And just like America, they also enlist anyone who is a citizen, whether born or naturalized. Also, Singapore is known for its Navy and has an enviable fleet of warships and destroyers.  They also have a specialised elite section of the army called the Rangers and this is something like US Marine Corps, high in reputation and only the best in the academies get trained here. They are like the elite commandoes who specialise in anti-terror activities.

Future prospects

A graduate of NDA is commissioned as an officer in any of the branches of the Armed Forces. If it’s a technical course, you will have to work on machines and computer equipment that is used in tanks, aircrafts, ships and submarines. But if your choices are non-technical, you get to start off as a first lieutenant in the Army and Navy, and as a Flying Lieutenant in the Air force. Depending on your levels of commitment and sheer skills, you can grow up the hierarchy and also become the chief of staff.

Career Prospects

A graduate of NDA is commissioned as an officer in any of the branches of the Armed Forces. If it’s a technical course, you will have to work on machines and computer equipment that is used in tanks, aircrafts, ships and submarines. But if your choices are non technical, you get to start off as a first lieutenant in the Army and Navy, and as a Flying Lieutenant in the Air force. Depending on your levels of commitment and sheer skills, you can grow up the hierarchy and also become the chief of staff. It all boils down to how mentally and physically tough you are. The prospects are immense and tough is the life. Discipline is the bedrock and courage is the foundation for you to grow in this career.
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Jobs & Salary

There are some best companies to work in the world. However, unlike corporate or government jobs you do not have a choice of not listening to your boss. Orders are mandatory and have to be followed under every scenario, else you will be punished. So, think over - if you feel you can be an obedient and dutiful officer, go ahead else we recommend you choose an alternative career.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • People will respect you for the sheer amount of hard work and courageous work you do.
  • It opens the door to a world of opportunities in both corporate and government organizations.
  • Perks like subsidised food, liquor and all household items.

Cons

  • It is a life filled with sheer obedience and order taking. It can be physically and mentally taxing.
  • If you take up permanent service and if you change your mind later, it will get difficult to leave the forces as exit policies are very strict.
  • You may have to sacrifice on your family life in case you are posted on the border or sensitive areas.

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