Yashasvi Solanki first woman Navy officer to become President's Aide-de-Camp
Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki of the Indian Navy has been appointed as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India. This is the first time a woman officer from the Indian Navy has been posted as an ADC to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.The role of an ADC involves facilitating coordination and communication between the President and various arms of the establishment, ensuring seamless staff work and official protocol.advertisementThe President is typically assigned five ADCs - three from the Army, one each from the Navy and the Air Force. In addition, the President may choose officers from any of the armed forces at their discretion to serve in this role.
Lieutenant Commander Yashasvi Solanki's appointment follows the increasing integration of women into key military roles, including as ADCs to Army Commanders, Service Chiefs and Governors in recent years. Her selection reflects the growing trust and recognition of women officers in the Indian armed forces' highest ceremonial and administrative responsibilities.Notably, in December 2024, it was announced that the personal staff officers for the service chiefs of all defence forces - the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force - would be appointed from their sister services starting January 1, 2025. The move marked a significant step towards achieving uniformity within the forces.advertisementThis was seen as a major step towards the 'theaterisation' of the defence forces - a process that began with the appointment of the first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, in 2020.Earlier, all service chiefs received their personal staff officers, known as Aide-de-Camp, not only from their own services but also from units with which they had a personal or professional connection. This marks the first time ADCs have been appointed for service chiefs from other services.
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- The Hindu
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