The Indian Army is the world's second largest army in terms of military personnel, and the largest in terms of active manpower. It is completely voluntary service, the military draft having never been imposed in India. The army has rich combat experience in diverse terrains, due to India's diverse geography, and also has a distinguished history of serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
The forces is headed by the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, currently Deepak Kapoor. The highest rank in the Indian Army is Field Marshal, but it is a largely ceremonial rank and appointments are made by the President of India, on the advice of the Union Cabinet of Ministers, only in exceptional circumstances. (See Field Marshal (India). Late General S.H.F.J. Manakshaw and the late General K.M. Cariappa are the only two officers who have attained this rank. |
