The main objective of the security forces of India is to protect the country from external activities.

Apart from this, our army performs the following tasks during peace time –

1. Training for war

2. Helping the government to establish peace

3. Citizenship Training

4. Assistance during emergency

5. Nation building work

The administration and operation of the forces is controlled by the Ministry of Defence and the headquarters of the three forces. The Ministry of Defense has four departments – (1) Department of Defense (2) Defense Production (3) Defense Science and Research (4) Defense Supplies.

Organization – Indian Army, Indian Airforce, Indian Navy. All the three armies obey their respective army chiefs.

Branches of Army Headquarter

(1) General Staff Branch – The work of this branch is related to strategic operations, military education and training, Mutual co-operation among various parts of the army is essential. To do this work, there are various directorates under it.

(2) Adjutant General Branch – Recruitment of soldiers under the work of this branch, retirement, promotion, salary, allowance, pension, soldier welfare etc.

(3) Master General Ordinance Branch – ordinance store; Like- Army’s clothing, weaponry, ammunition, motor vehicle, tank etc. display and maintenance are the main tasks of the branch.

(4) Quarter Master General Branch – This branch is responsible for the transport of soldiers’ equipment, food, fuel etc.

(5) Military Secretary Branch- This branch maintains the accounts of all the officers of the Army and is responsible for the appointment, transfer, promotion, retirement etc.

(6) Engineer in Chief Branch – This branch is responsible for all the engineering related works of the army.

(7) Medical in Chief Branch – This branch takes care of the health relations and hospitals in the army.

Indian Navy

The headquarters of the Navy is located in New Delhi. Chief of the Naval Staff is assisted by four staff officers. Navy is divided into three commands- (1) Western Command (Mumbai), (2) Eastern Command (Visakhapatnam), (3) Southern Command (Cochin). These Naval Commands are headed by a Vice Admiral. The Navy currently has two fleets known as the Western and Eastern Fleets.

Indian Airforce

The headquarters of the Air Force is located in New Delhi. Chief of the Air Staff is assisted by five staff officers. The air force is divided into seven commands- (1) Western Air Command, (2) South Western Air Command, (3) Central Air Command, (4) Eastern Air Command, (5) Training air command, (6) Maintenance Command. (7) 7th Air Command established in Trivandrum.

The Indian Air Force currently has 45 fleets.

Gallantry awards (War)

1. Param veer Chakra– It is India’s highest award for gallantry. It is given for indomitable courage, bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of land, water and enemies.

2. Maha veer Chakra- This is a second-class stage award. One who shows valor of a high order in the face of enemies on land and water and is given for the act of self-sacrifice.

3. Veer Chakra– This is a third-class gallantry award. Which is given for the act of courage, valor and sacrifice in the face of land, water and enemy.