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Revision as of 05:08, 16 June 2004 by 203.200.95.130 (talk) (Cleanup operation)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)The Indian Army was formed after the Indian Mutiny in 1857 by the British. Prior to this time the British East India Company had their own army units, paid for by their profits.
The army is headed by the general in charge. It is modelled on the British ranking system. The highest rank in the Indian Army is the Field Marshal, who is only appointed by the Prime Minister in case of a war.
The Indian army is a well trained outfit employing more than 2 million people. It is a completely voluntary service, the military draft never having been imposed in India. The Indian army has a rich combat experience under diverse terrains including deserts, Himalayan mountains, tropical jungles, plains, swamps and islands.
Most of the army equipment is imported, but efforts are on to manufacture indigenous equipment.
The Indian army also serves under the United Nations peace keeping operations.