The inter-services committee, under the leadership of one serving Major General from the Armoured Corps met at HQ IDS, New Delhi on January 24, in which representatives from various academies across the country participated. “In the meeting, a presentation on physical standards for each term, number of periods allotted for each subject and relegation on account of physical fitness was given by each of the representatives of the academies. These were followed by a discussion, with emphasis on the training at NDA,” said an Army official.

While NDA officials admitted that the principal director (training) at the NDA, a naval officer, had represented the academy at the meeting, the development is being looked upon as constructive and development by NDA higher-ups. In fact, the committee members will visit the NDA on Wednesday followed by a visit to the CTW, CME, on Friday. The Commandant, IMA, as well as Commandant, Army Training Command (ARTRAC) visited the NDA in the first week of February.

The need to review the physical training at military academies in the country was highlighted in a paper by a retired Major General and a retired Colonel who served as the physical training officer in various academies. The paper was reportedly appreciated by the Army Chief, who is being considered the man behind imparting momentum to the physical training review.

The last time such a review of the academy was done was in late 80s and was implemented in early 90s. ¿The committee will recommend uniform training pattern across the academies,¿ the officer said.