Gaya : The Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya, witnessed the commissioning of 253 Officer Cadets into the Indian Army during the fourth Passing Out Parade of the Short Service Commission (Technical Entry) Men and Women courses on September 5.
The parade saw 218 Officer Cadets from SSC (Tech) Men-65 and 35 from SSC (Tech) Women-36 march through the Antim Pag, marking their transition from trainees to commissioned officers.
Lieutenant General Le Van Huong, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, was the Reviewing Officer. The parade featured crisp and synchronized drill movements, reflecting the discipline and training of the newly commissioned officers.
P Shashi Kumar Wins Sword of Honour
Academy Under Officer P Shashi Kumar was the Parade Commander and emerged as the Best All-Rounder, winning the coveted Sword of Honour. He also secured the Gold Medal for standing first in the Overall Order of Merit and has been commissioned into the Gorkha Rifles.
Battalion Under Officer Deepak Singh Rawat secured second place in the Overall Order of Merit and received the Silver Medal. He has been commissioned into the Rajput Regiment.
Academy Cadet Adjutant Navneet Singh stood third and received the Bronze Medal. He has been commissioned into the Para Special Forces.
The Kalidhar Company was adjudged the overall Champion Company and received the Chief of Army Staff Banner.
Focus on Technology and Modern Warfare
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, Lieutenant General Le Van Huong urged them to continuously upgrade their knowledge, embrace innovation and remain adaptable to the rapidly changing battlefield environment.
He emphasized purposeful leadership and mastery of emerging technologies while encouraging the young officers to uphold the core values of the Indian Army and combine military traditions with forward-looking leadership.
Pipping Ceremony Marks New Beginning
The Pipping Ceremony marked an emotional milestone for the officer cadets and their families. As the stars were pinned onto their shoulders, the cadets formally transitioned into commissioned officers.
Academy Adjutant Lieutenant Colonel Prakhar Dhagat administered the oath of service to the newly commissioned officers. With the oath, the officers began their new journey of honour, duty and service to the nation, taking their “Pehla Kadam” into the Indian Army.
