Latest news with #TerritorialArmyAct
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Territorial Army: Force created after 1857 that helps in war and peace
File photo of Territorial Army soldiers in Bengaluru. The defence ministry has granted the Army Chief expanded authority to mobilise the Territorial Army amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. Under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Act, 1948, the Army Chief can call upon all officers and enrolled personnel of the Territorial Army to provide essential security or supplement regular Army operations. But what is the Territorial Army? How it started After the 1857 revolt, the British reorganised local militia into volunteer forces, which saw action in overseas conflicts like the Second Boer War and World War I. Operation Sindoor India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan India-Pakistan tensions: Delhi airport issues travel advisory Operation Sindoor: Multiple explosions heard at several Pakistan air bases In 1920, the Indian Territorial Force was established, which is the direct precursor to today's Territorial Army. After Independence, the need for a homegrown citizens' army was recognised and the Territorial Army Act was passed in Aug 1948. Indian Territorial Army was inaugurated on Oct 9, 1949, envisioned as a volunteer reserve force of 'citizen soldiers' who would serve part-time in defence of the nation. The primary motive was to create a second line of defence that could be mobilised in emergencies. By allowing civilians to serve in uniform on a part-time basis, India's leaders sought to harness the patriotism and skills of ordinary citizens for national defence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Remarkable Oscar Outfits Ever Interesticle Undo Membership & training TA is a volunteer force comprising professionals, businessmen, and others who undergo military training in their spare time. Applicants must be Indian citizens, 18-42 years old and be medically fit. TA personnel train for about two months every year. Roles and purpose An Army Order in 1984 succinctly described the TA's role as: To 'relieve the regular Army from static duties and assist civil administration in dealing with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services, and to provide units for the regular Army as and when required'. In practice, this means the TA is tasked to: ➤ Augment the Army's manpower in war ➤ Bolster counterinsurgency operations and maintain law and order in troubled areas ➤ Ensure critical services (like railways, telecommunications, etc) continue running during war or emergencies ➤ Assist civil authorities during natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, cyclones) or other emergencies Past participation Often nicknamed the 'Terriers', TA units have helped out on several occasions: 1947-48 & 1962 | Soon after inception, TA units were involved in supplementary roles during the first Indo-Pak conflict in Kashmir (1947–48) and the border skirmishes preceding the 1962 Sino-Indian War. During the 1962 hostilities, TA 50k Current strength of Territorial Army, comprising 65 units across India was fully mobilised. They provided logistical support in the Himalayas and manned defensive positions in rear areas. 1965 & 1971 | In both the IndoPakistani wars the TA was again called upon en masse. TA battalions performed vital combat support and logistics roles alongside the Army. 1980s | The TA was deployed in Operation Rakshak, supporting counter-insurgency operations first in Punjab (against Sikh militancy) and later in Jammu & Kashmir (against Pakistan-backed militants). TA soldiers carried out patrols, manned checkpoints, and protected infrastructure in these states. In the late 1980s, Operation Pawan saw the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka (1987–1990) battling Tamil insurgents. TA units were sent to Sri Lanka as part of this mission, primarily in logistical and support roles to the peacekeeping troops. 1999 | They secured rear zones, ammunition depots, and lines of supply during the Kargil conflict.
News18
09-05-2025
- General
- News18
What Is Territorial Army That Has Been Called On Amid Pak Tensions, Is It Different From Regular Army?
Last Updated: Territorial Army was set up in October 1949, and is known as a secondary force to the regular Army. It comprises volunteers who receive military training for national emergencies The Chief of Army Staff has been empowered to call upon the members of Territorial Army (TA) as tensions with Pakistan soar. The decision, taken under the powers conferred by Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rule, 1948, seeks to supplement and support the Indian Army's regular forces across multiple commands. The Ministry of Defence announced that the embodiment will draw from the existing 32 Territorial Army Infantry Battalions, with the selected units to be deployed across various key military zones including the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, and South Western Commands, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). The Territorial Army was formed on October 9, 1949, and has completed 75 years of service. The Territorial Army is known for its role as a secondary force to the regular Army, comprising volunteers who receive military training for national emergencies and internal security duties. This force is meant for people already employed in civil professions — doctors, engineers, business owners, and more — who are ready to put on the uniform when called upon. They undergo military training periodically and are ready to support national defence during wars, natural disasters, or other emergencies. The Territorial Army operates part-time, and volunteers are required to undergo two months of training each year. As per the official website, the TA currently has around 50,000 personnel across 65 units, including both departmental units (like those from Railways, ONGC, and Indian Oil) and Non-Departmental units (Infantry Battalions, Ecological Task Forces, and Engineering units). What Is The Role Of TA? The duties of the TA include 'relieving the Regular Army from static duties", while also assisting civil authorities in times of natural calamities and tragedies. They also help civil administration with providing essential services in areas where state machinery is stretched or there are security threats. Volunteers of the TA usually serve in uniform for a few days every year, so that they can bear arms for national defence in times of dire need or national emergencies. Depending on the situation, officers may also be called for extended military service as need be. When called up for training or active duty, they receive the same pay, allowances, and privileges as regular Army officers. The History Of TA The Territorial Army began taking shape in 1857 during India's First War of Independence. But it was formally set up in 1920. After India became independent, the Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948. The force was officially launched a year later, in 1949, by C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general. The TA has been involved in key military operations, including the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, and anti-insurgency duties in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast. TA units have also played a crucial role in helping during natural disasters such as earthquakes and cyclones. Famous People Who Are In Territorial Army Some famous persons who are a part of the Territorial Army are: MS Dhoni: Former Indian Cricket Captain, Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary), Inducted: 2011, Regiment: 106 TA Battalion (Para), part of the Parachute Regiment Sachin Pilot: Congress leader, Rank: Lieutenant (Commissioned Officer), Inducted: 2008 Anurag Thakur: BJP MP, Rank: Captain, Inducted: 2016 First Published: May 09, 2025, 17:56 IST
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is Territorial Army? Centre empowers Army chief to mobilise reserve force amid India-Pakistan tensions
As tensions flare up between India and Pakistan, the central government has given the green light to the Chief of the Army Staff to call on the Territorial Army (TA) — a reserve force that supports the regular Indian Army during emergencies. Amid rising security concerns, the government has decided to strengthen military presence across the country by deploying 14 of the 32 existing Territorial Army battalions in key military zones, according to a Ministry of Defence notification issued on May 6. Follow India Pakistan live updates These include the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, and South Western Commands, as well as the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). The Territorial Army is a volunteer force that acts as a second line of defence after the regular Indian Army. Unlike full-time soldiers, TA members are civilians who take time out of their regular jobs to train and serve the country in times of need. This force is meant for people already employed in civil professions — doctors, engineers, business owners, and more — who are ready to put on the uniform when called upon. They undergo military training periodically and are ready to support national defence during wars, natural disasters, or other emergencies. The Territorial Army operates part-time, and volunteers are required to undergo two months of training each year. Also read: India envoy's reply to Pakistan's claim of downing Indian jets: 'If it satisfies…' Depending on the situation, officers may also be called for extended military service as need be. When called up for training or active duty, they receive the same pay, allowances, and privileges as regular Army officers. Promotions up to lieutenant colonel are given based on service duration and set criteria, while promotions to colonel and brigadier are based on selection. Also read: 'Didn't intercept Indian drones because...': Pakistan defence minister's bizarre explanation As per the official website, the Territorial Army currently has around 50,000 personnel across 65 units, including both departmental units (like those from Railways, ONGC, and Indian Oil) and Non-Departmental units (Infantry Battalions, Ecological Task Forces, and Engineering units). While the force took a formal shape in 1920, when the Indian Territorial Force was set up, it has a long history, starting in 1857 during India's First War of Independence. After India became independent, the Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948. The force was officially launched a year later, in 1949, by C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general. Since its formation, the TA has been involved in key military operations, including the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, and anti-insurgency duties in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast. TA units have also played a crucial role in helping during natural disasters such as earthquakes and cyclones. October 9 is observed every year as Territorial Army Day.
