Army Structure & Ranks — Set 15

Correct Answer: B. Gallantry or distinguished service

The Sena Medal is awarded to Army personnel for individual acts of special gallantry or distinguished service. It exists in two different award conditions: for gallantry (bar) and for distinguished service. It was instituted in 1960. It is one of the most commonly awarded medals in the Indian Army. Recipients can also be awarded a second Sena Medal.

Correct Answer: A. K.M. Cariappa

General K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief on January 15, 1949, effectively unifying command of the Indian Army under an Indian officer for the first time. Before this, the Army was commanded by British officers. His appointment signified the complete Indianisation of the military command structure after independence.

Correct Answer: B. Colonel

The rank order in the Indian Army from lower to higher is: Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, General, and Field Marshal. Brigadier is above Colonel and below Major General. A Brigadier typically commands a Brigade (3-4 battalions). It is the lowest general officer rank in many armies, though in India it is treated as a senior colonel-equivalent.

Correct Answer: A. Sena Medal

The Military Medal was a British gallantry award for Other Ranks (soldiers and NCOs). After independence, India instituted its own system of gallantry awards. The Sena Medal is the rough Indian equivalent in recognition of gallantry or meritorious service. However, the Sena Medal can also be awarded to officers, making it somewhat different in application from the Military Medal.

Correct Answer: C. 1984

Operation Blue Star was conducted from June 1-8, 1984, under orders from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The operation involved the Indian Army entering the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar to flush out Sikh militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The operation caused heavy casualties on both sides and considerable damage to the holy shrine. It had profound political consequences.

Correct Answer: C. Pune

The Southern Command of the Indian Army is headquartered at Pune, Maharashtra. It is one of the six operational commands. It covers the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Pune has a long history as a major military station and is also home to many important training institutions.

Correct Answer: A. Tiger Hill

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery during the assault on Tiger Hill during the Kargil War in 1999. Despite being severely wounded multiple times while scaling an almost vertical cliff, he continued fighting and enabled his platoon to secure the objective. He became one of only a handful of living PVC recipients.

Correct Answer: A. October 28

The Regiment of Artillery celebrates Artillery Day on October 28 every year. This commemorates the first use of artillery in a battle by Indian forces during the 1947 Kashmir War. The Regiment of Artillery is the largest arm of the Indian Army. Its motto is 'Sar Sarvatra' (Everywhere Supreme) (also translated as 'Supreme in Battle').

Correct Answer: C. Area Flat Top (Point 4875)

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar of 13 JAK Rifles was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery in capturing Area Flat Top (a feature near Point 4875) during the Kargil War. Despite being wounded, he single-handedly attacked a gun position, killing three Pakistani soldiers and capturing the gun. His actions enabled his company to capture the objective.

Correct Answer: B. 2

India has produced only two Field Marshals: K.M. Cariappa (promoted in 1986) and Sam Manekshaw (promoted in 1973). Field Marshal is the highest five-star rank in the Indian Army. It is an honorary rank and is not used in ordinary service. Both Cariappa and Manekshaw were exceptional officers who left indelible marks on the Indian Army.