IN THE LIGHT OF OP SINDOOR!

Looking back at my Army career. By Col R.D. Singh (Retd)

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I served in the army for 38 years, from 1974 to 2012, and enjoyed every bit of soldiering. All through my service, I was on active duty, be it command or staff. Today, when I see Op Sindoor, it doesn't surprise me to be a great success. This is because the training and discipline of the forces are so good. The Army ethos makes you excel in whatever you do. Synchronization between the tri-services is well-oiled, and we remain updated. Our arms and ammunition are world-class. More than that, our unit's izzat (honor)—no one dares touch it!

Seeing Jawans fighting the militants in the valley, air, and sea, and some even losing their lives, I desired to don the uniform again and be part of them at 71. I’m getting nostalgic!

Ups and downs, joys and sorrows, makes and breaks, were all part of such a long life in uniform, lived with passion.

My life in uniform was based on three main values, which I still cherish. Let me share these as they make me proud.

First, from the day I joined my war-decorated unit (Hodson’s Horse) in 1974, under the benevolent CO, Lt Col (later Lt Gen) Gurinder Singh, I decided to live in the present. I concentrated on the task at hand, and whatever job was given, big or small, I did it to the best of my ability. The day started with PT, and I ran with the troops and sweated. During the maintenance parade or troop training, we were fully meshed with our tank crews and moved through dust and smoke, but rarely cribbed about hardships.