September 1985 to December 1986
I had the unique privilege of being selected in September 1985 as the commander of the Special Forces Parachute Brigade of the Indian Army, despite being a non-paratrooper at that time. Notwithstanding that, I earned my para-wings within days of assuming the command of the Brigade.
This move was an exceptional honour. The COAS, General AS Vaidya, MVC, especially selected me while I was still commanding 120 Infantry Brigade in Rajouri-Mendhar sector, on the line of control in Jammu and Kashmir. I had, in fact, done nearly two years in command and was due for a changeover to a staff or instructional assignment. Hence, the GOC of 25 Infantry Division sought clarification on this unprecedented posting. The Corps Commander of 16 Corps, Lt General K K Hazare, was informed of the special circumstances which were confidential, and which, I was told, would be explained to me in person by the Military Secretary at Army Headquarters.
I took over the 50 Independent Para Brigade on 21 September 1985 from Brigadier VK Berry, MVC. My immediate goal was to become a paratrooper as soon as possible. Since the existing rules did not permit induction as a paratrooper beyond the age of 35, whereas I was already in my mid-40s, a special waiver was obtained from the Central Air Command. I volunteered to do Para Basic Training after office hours, and completed my five mandatory jumps including the night jump by 30 September 1985 — within nine days of taking over command.
Apart from my eagerness to perform the jumps as early as possible, another compelling reason for going ahead with such speed (which I kept to myself) was the programmed visit of the RCDS — the Royal College of Defence Services, UK — scheduled on 1 October 1985. I considered it inappropriate that in my official interaction with the visiting delegation, I should be seen as a non-paratrooper in command of the Para Brigade of the Indian Army.
Indeed, my tenure with the Para Brigade was most challenging, and was different in many ways as compared to other Brigades. The Brigade was placed directly under the Army Headquarters MOD for operations. However, for local administration it was under 1 Corps at Mathura and for all other purposes under Headquarters Central Command, Lucknow. This command and control model, although convenient for the formations concerned was not easy to operate in — with three masters with different responsibilities!
Agra Station also had three other formations, the 509 Base Workshop, the 9 FOD, the Para Training Centre, besides the 50 Independent Para Brigade, apart from the Air Force Station commanded by a Brigadier or equivalent. The coordination of the Station functions and responsibilities was a major task, which warranted deft handling to ensure harmony and unity of purpose. It is to the credit of Brigadier SK Varma, Brigadier Limaye (Para Centre), Brigadier Ahluwalia (509 Base Workshop), and Air Commodore Bedoe that we achieved full cooperation and cordial relations while carrying out all Station functions. This was achieved with a spirit of understanding that evolved over a time.
Within the Brigade there were other challenges. To command respect, I had to become one amongst equals. Having seen many sectors and operational units, I must state that the commitment, ability to undertake independent missions, and the esprit-de-corps are decidedly of the highest in the Para Brigade Units. Para Brigade group, being the Army Headquarters Strategic Reserve, has components of all the arms and services. Besides the three Para Battalions, it consists of the Para Field Regiment, Para Field Company, and Para Brigade Signal Company. Its logistic elements consist of Para ASC Company, Ordinance Field Park (OFP) and Para Brigade Field Ambulance. All these Units are fully capable of para-borne tasks along with the full battle loads, besides the special corps tasks.
The 50 Independent Para Brigade undertakes a number of trials related to induction of parachutes, weapons induction, and high altitude drops as tasked by the Army HeadQuarters MO and WE Directorates. It also undertakes demonstration jumps at the IMA, NDA, OTA as motivational jumps, besides the operational tasks for various contingencies. The standards of fitness and readiness, thus, have to be of the highest levels. The Brigade is held in great esteem due to its professional capability and dedication. Its wonderful esprit de corps inspires one to give one’s best for all designated tasks. I volunteered to participate in various trials and induction of new parachutes and equipment, and organised special exercises to train the Brigade and the assigned likely missions with full tactical levels. I also got due appreciation for leading the Para jump at the IMA.
Para operations are all about teamwork — building up from a small team to larger ones of sub-Units, Units, and the Formation. The professionalism of the 50 Independent Para Brigade and commitment to perform with determination the assigned tasks and independent missions, is exemplary. During my tenure, we successfully converted the Brigade on the new Russian D5 parachutes for jumps from the IL 76 aircraft. We had to learn to use the new heavy drop platforms for guns and vehicles. It did not prove to be a smooth transition, as we had two fatalities due to the parachutes not deploying, and paratroopers being dropped as a free load. We later learnt that the 7.62 Barrel rifles with the long barrels, unlike the Russian AK7 rifles, used to get entangled with the ropes of the parachute. We were forced to jump only with stenguns till we had the appropriate rifles.
As per the directions of Army Headquarters, the Brigade was tasked to undertake the Brigade Para-jump at Tilpat ranges in Faridabad. This was witnessed by the Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the Services chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and diplomats. Simultaneous drop of the Brigade in IL 76 and AN 32 with a stream of aircraft was a unique and impressive sight. I had the honour of leading the jump piloted by Group Captain Ashok Goel (later AVM) and being introduced to the Prime Minister of India. The Brigade needed to do an operational exercise with Southern Command with full tactical loads and heavy drops of weapons, essential vehicles, and participate in the exercise by securing an airhead and beachhead in Goa by a night jump. We practised at the Gwalior airbase and prepared for the eventual jump at Dabolin and Panjim in Goa.
I was very fortunate to have an excellent team with Colonel JS Mahalwar as my Deputy, Gundu Rao as the BM, and Major ShivNeon Singh as the DD, with Major Jacob as the GSO2 Air. I also had Colonel Nirbhay Sharma as the CO 2 Para, Colonel KL Sharma as CO 3 Para and Colonel Nagaraj as CO 7 Para. Colonel Patankar and HS Rana Vada were at the helm of 17 Para Field Regiment. Major Nobel Thumba Raj was OC 411 Field Company, Major Perera at Para Workshop, Major Shankar Murthy at Brigade Signal Company, Major HJ Singh at Para ASC Company. Lieutenant Colonel Dayal was in command of Para Medical Units and Field Ambulance. All the Units were very competent and were specially selected from amongst various arms and services. It is a matter of great pride for all of us that this team went on to produce two Army Commanders/ VCOAS, two PSO’s, (one of them became chairman of UPSC and governor), and two Major Generals.
In December 1986, on my selection to undergo the course at the National Defence College at New Delhi, I relinquished command of the Brigade after a very satisfying and memorable tenure. As I look back, I can say with conviction that the traditions and camaraderie inculcated and honed in the 50 Independent Para Brigade are one of the finest in the Indian Army. I am sure they will maintain these in the years to come.
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