TERRITORIAL ARMY DAY: OCTOBER 9

TERRITORIAL ARMY DAY: OCTOBER 9

Context:

On October 9, the Indian Army celebrated the 72nd Territorial Army Day.

About the Territorial Army (TA):

• On October 9 in 1949, India’s 1st Governor-General Shri C Rajagopalachari formally inaugurated the Indian Territorial Army.
• It is an organization where volunteers apply for a short period of training every year.
• The army remains ready to tackle any emergent situation or to serve in the defence of India.
• It is also known as the ‘Terriers’, is considered the second line of national defence after the regular Army.
• It comes under the Defence Ministry.

Eligibility:

• Any male Indian citizen between the ages of 18 and 42 can apply and enter into the Territorial Army service.
• They have to clear the written test, interview, medical examination and the necessary training.

Roles and responsibilities of TA:

• The Territorial Army is part of a Regular Army and its role is to relieve the Regular Army from static duties and assist the civil administration to deal with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services in situations where the life of the communities is affected or the security of the country is threatened and to provide units for Regulars Army as and when required.