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Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh assumed command of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on Friday, marking a significant transition in the leadership of this crucial arm of the Indian Army. Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh succeeds Lieutenant General Surinder Singh Mahal, who retired the previous day after a distinguished career in the Indian Army.
Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, having served for over three decades in various command and staff appointments. He is an alumnus of the Sainik School Kapurthala, the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. Commissioned into the 19 Madras Regiment on December 20, 1986, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities throughout his career.
Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh's credentials encompass both operational and strategic command experience. He has commanded his battalion in an intense counter-insurgency environment in Jammu and Kashmir, an infantry brigade at the Line of Control, an infantry division as part of the Strike Corps, and a corps deployed along the Line of Control in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition to his command experience, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh has held various staff appointments in Corps and Commands along the Western Front and the Counter-Insurgency Operations environment. He has also served as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy and the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan.
Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh's educational background further reinforces his credentials. He has attended prestigious courses such as the Defence Services Staff College and the Higher Command Course, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development. Notably, he has also attended the National Defence College in Thailand, showcasing his global perspective on military affairs.
Currently serving as the Colonel of the Madras Regiment since January 1, 2021, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh's immediate prior appointment was as the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy, Planning and Force Development). This position highlights his strategic acumen and understanding of the broader defense landscape.
Upon assuming command, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh underscored the paramount importance of training and shaping the Indian Army to produce responsive and adaptable soldiers aligned with evolving doctrines and concepts. He also emphasized the need to embrace niche warfighting technologies to ensure operational readiness for future challenges.
Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh's exemplary leadership and devotion to duty have been recognized through the Yudh Seva Medal in 2015 and the Vishist Seva Medal in 2019. These accolades serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Indian Army and the nation.
With Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh at the helm, the Army Training Command is poised to navigate the complexities of the future and ensure that the Indian Army remains a formidable force, capable of safeguarding the nation's security and interests.
