Artillery

Brig S P Nanda | Brigadier | Indian Army

Artillery

Brig S P Nanda
Brigadier | Indian Army

[ 36 years Experience ]

What is Artillery?

There are many nuances of a Career in Artillery. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Artillery, while one should first understand What is a Career in Artillery. While anyone can have an opinion on what Artillery entails; only a real professional can really explain it.

Brigadier Brig S P Nanda invested 36 years in Artillery. According to Brigadier Brig S P Nanda, Artillery is:

Artillery is a class of large military weapons built to fire munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry's small arms.

How Brigadier Brig S P Nanda got into Artillery?

I did graduation in Arts from Pathankot. Since I was Senior under Officer in the NCC, I got entrance to the Army and joined Indian Military Academy in 1959. I served in Indian Army for 32 years and retired as Brigadier in 1993. I then served in BSF for 4 years before retiring in 1997. I now run PAMMI NANDA FOUNDATION, the focus of which is on free computer education for economically weaker section.

Brigadier Brig S P Nanda's Talk on Artillery

The Journey of a Gunner: Brigadier SP Nanda's Insights into Artillery In the military landscape of India, the artillery stands as a formidable force, revered for its strategic significance. Brigadier SP Nanda, a veteran of the Indian Army, shares his journey from his early education to becoming a distinguished artillery officer, transforming the way one perceives military service. Hailing from Peshawar and raised through the tumult of partition, Brigadier Nanda's life story intertwines with the evolution of artillery, reflecting both personal and collective triumphs. This article delves into the world of artillery, exploring its educational pathways, requisite skills, its positives, challenges, and what a typical day in the life of a gunner entails. What Is Artillery? Artillery is a branch of the military responsible for delivering indirect fire support to ground troops, particularly infantry and armored corps, as they advance towards enemy positions. The role of artillery is crucial, as it softens up enemy defenses through bombing and barrage before the ground troops engage in close combat. It encompasses various types, including field artillery and air defence artillery, and is recognized as the second-largest force in the military after infantry. With the ability to control devastating firepower effectively, artillery units are commonly referred to as "gunners," emphasizing their profound skill in handling artillery weapons (UNEP Report 2023). Education Entry to Artillery To join the artillery, candidates must follow specific educational paths. Typically, a high school education (10+2) is the starting point, followed by entry into one of two premier training institutions. The National Defence Academy (NDA) offers a four-year rigorous training program, while the Indian Military Academy (IMA) provides a more condensed two-year training following graduation. For those who wish to join with a short service commission, the Officers Training Academy in Chennai offers a streamlined alternative. Brigadier Nanda's own journey began with such educational foundations that paved the way for his illustrious career in artillery. History Artillery has set a historical precedent in military strategy, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations, including the Roman legions in 399 BC and early innovations by the Chinese. These developments laid the groundwork for modern artillery systems, which have continuously evolved with technology. Today's artillery units are highly specialized, utilizing advanced systems like missiles and other sophisticated weaponry developed domestically by institutions such as DRDO. Brigadier Nanda emphasizes that understanding the history of artillery enhances one’s appreciation of its tactical significance in warfare. Arsenal The artillery corps boasts a diverse arsenal, comprising field guns, howitzers, and missiles with ranges exceeding 40 kilometers. The incorporation of rocketry in modern defenses showcases India's military capabilities. The Prithvi and BrahMos missiles highlight this evolution, underscoring India's self-sufficiency in weapon production. Brigadier Nanda speaks with pride about the contemporary artillery tools, noting their precision and efficacy in modern combat scenarios. Role of Artillery Artillery plays a multifaceted role encompassing offensive, defensive, and counter-bombardment operations during military engagements. It is instrumental in softening enemy positions and ensuring troop safety by neutralizing threats in advance of an attack. Additionally, artillery is vital for troop morale and operational strategy, as articulated by Brigadier Nanda, who underscores the necessity of preparedness and quick decision-making in response to evolving battlefield conditions. Skills Discipline Discipline is the cornerstone of a successful military career, particularly in artillery roles. A strong sense of discipline fosters reliability and ensures that gunners can execute their duties under pressure. Brigadier Nanda reflects on how discipline has been a guiding principle throughout his career, highlighting that it not only shapes individual conduct but also strengthens unit cohesion. Leadership Quality Effective leadership is essential in the artillery to inspire respect and motivate soldiers under challenging circumstances. Gunners must exhibit decisiveness and authority, as they guide their teams in critical moments. Brigadier Nanda emphasizes that leaders must not only command respect but also exhibit empathy and comprehension of the challenges their men face, fostering a sense of solidarity. Decision Making Rapid decision-making is paramount in artillery operations, where lives depend on timely and effective fire support. The ability to assess situations quickly and implement the correct course of action is a skill honed through experience and training. Brigadier Nanda recalls pivotal moments in his career that demanded swift decisions, illustrating how these experiences sharpened his leadership abilities. Team Spirit A strong sense of team spirit is vital for the effectiveness of artillery units. The collaborative effort required to operate equipment and respond seamlessly under pressure highlights the synergy among soldiers. Brigadier Nanda affirms that working as a cohesive unit enhances operational success, as teamwork allows for the efficient execution of complex maneuvers. Physical Fitness Physical fitness cannot be overstated in military service, particularly in roles like artillery. Rigorous physical training is a daily necessity, impacting performance in the field and in training. Brigadier Nanda affirms the requirement for continuous physical preparation, ensuring that artillery personnel maintain the strength and agility needed for their duties. Positives Respect Joining the artillery instills a profound sense of respect, not only from peers but also from society at large. Serving in one of the critical arms of the military allows individuals to command admiration for their commitment and expertise. Brigadier Nanda notes that this respect is earned through dedication and service, creating pride in one’s accomplishments. Wide Scope The artillery corps offers considerable opportunities for specialization and advancement. Gunners can pursue various roles, from technical expert positions to higher command responsibilities. Brigadier Nanda highlights that the wide scope for development keeps the artillery corps dynamic and engaging, offering continual growth to those who are willing. Opportunity in Aviation Corps Artillery officers often receive preferential treatment when applying for positions in the Army Aviation Corps, a notable evolution in military operations. This preference underscores the strategic importance of artillery experience in aviation roles, as pilots must coordinate fire support effectively. Brigadier Nanda appreciates this opportunity for growth and transition within military service. Foreign Mission Serving in foreign missions enriches the experience of artillery personnel, exposing them to international military practices and offering significant career benefits. Such assignments enhance an officer's profile and provide unique perspectives on global military outreach. Brigadier Nanda remarks on the prestige associated with these postings, which come with substantial financial incentives and personal growth opportunities. Glamour Postings Artillery personnel often find themselves in prestigious roles, such as aides-de-camp to senior officials. These glamour postings not only provide unique experiences but also carry significant responsibilities, aligning with an officer's career trajectory. Brigadier Nanda acknowledges the honor of representing the military in such capacities, reinforcing the commitment to service. Challenges High Responsibility With great power comes immense responsibility. Artillery officers are acutely aware that their strategic decisions directly affect the lives of soldiers on the front lines. Brigadier Nanda's experience illustrates how this high level of accountability can weigh heavily, requiring steadfast courage and clarity of thought in the face of adversity. Tough Conditions Operating under challenging conditions is inherent in the life of an artillery officer. Situations often require individuals to face extreme weather, terrain, and enemy fire. This resilience is a defining characteristic of successful gunners. Brigadier Nanda reflects on his deployments, where the harsh realities of service tested his limits but ultimately forged his character. Handling Weapons The responsibility of managing advanced weaponry comes with risks and challenges. Artillery officers must be adept in handling technical systems, maintaining safety protocols, and ensuring effective operations. Brigadier Nanda emphasizes the importance of rigorous training to navigate these complexities effectively, showcasing the high stakes involved in their roles. A Day Of Artillery A typical day for a gunner begins with early morning physical training, emphasizing the army’s focus on fitness. Following a break for breakfast, extensive training commences, wherein gunners familiarize themselves with weapons and conduct drills to keep their skills sharp. Throughout the day, lessons on technical maintenance and strategic planning are integrated, ensuring constant learning and preparedness. Team-building exercises, including sports, reinforce unit cohesion before the day culminates in personal time for studying and recreation. Brigadier Nanda’s narrative captures the disciplined yet fulfilling routine that characterizes life in artillery. The journey of Brigadier SP Nanda underscores the significant impact that artillery and its personnel have in the military. The resilience, dedication, and expertise of gunners not only protect the nation but also inspire respect and admiration in society. The formidable role of artillery remains vital to modern warfare, reflecting the evolving needs and complexities inherent in national defense.

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How to get into

Artillery?

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Links for this Talk

Brigadier Brig S P Nanda's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/brigspnanda

LifePage Career Talk on Artillery

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/artillery

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20180222-0001

(Artillery, Brig S P Nanda, Indian Army, Defence, NDA, Soldier, BSF, Army Officer, Artillery Guns, Royal Indian Artillery, Military Weapons)

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