Why in the news?

  • The Indian army is planning to induct women soldiers into the Territorial Army Battalions.

Territorial Army

  • What is it?:
    • The Territorial Army is India’s second line of defence after the Regular Army.
    • It is a voluntary, part-time citizen force that supports the Indian Army during National emergencies, Natural disasters and in Internal security duties.
  • Motto: “Savdhani Va Shoorta” (Vigilance and Valour).
  • Established: 1949
  • Nature of Territorial Army:
    • Designed for employed civilians who wish to contribute to national defence without joining the regular forces full-time.
    • Members undergo training every year but continue their primary civilian occupations.
    • Helps reduce the burden on the Regular Army during non-critical situations.
  • Functions:
    • Relieve the Regular Army from static duties.
    • Assist civil administration during:
      • Natural calamities (floods, earthquakes)
      • Industrial accidents
      • Maintenance of essential services.
    • Support the Army during wartime for logistics, communication, infrastructure protection, transport, medical support etc.
  • Eligibility:
    • Nationality: Indian
    • Age: 18–42 years
    • Employment: Must be gainfully employed (self-employed or salaried)
    • Education: Graduate
    • Training:
      • 30 days initial training
      • Annual training camp of 2 months
      • Post-commission training at IMA Dehradun (for officers)
  • Notable Contributions:
    • 1962, 1965, 1971 wars: TA units were mobilised for logistics and communication support.
    • Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka): Limited support.\
    • Operation Vijay (Kargil, 1999): Supported mobilisation and logistic functions.
    • Internal security duties in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast (as required).
    • Ecological Task Forces (ETFs): Undertaken major afforestation drives in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.
  • Advantages:
    • Enhances civil–military cooperation.
    • Provides a trained pool of manpower for national emergencies.
    • Cost-effective augmentation of the regular forces.
    • Helps protect vital public infrastructure through departmental units.
  • Challenges:
    • Balancing civilian and military duties for personnel.
    • Limited availability during major emergencies due to occupational commitments.
    • Need for more awareness and training infrastructure.