Defence dreams

Many people out of us rendering their careers in defense services which mainly comprise of the INDIAN ARMY, INDIAN NAVY, and INDIAN AIR FORCE. These are the three core wings of our defense services and many people aspire from their childhood to join one of them. But somehow as we grow up we get to know the intricacies of joining these forces and moreover its rigorous and tenuous procedure. As far as my knowledge goes we have to be a higher secondary pass out or a graduate to participate in the defense examinations mainly NDA (National Defense Academy) and CDS (Combined Defense Services). The former after twelfth grade and the latter after graduation. Some people think that like other exams if the written part gets cleared you get a secured berth in the defense services, but it is a mere illusion and i term it just as the tip of the iceberg. The real process starts after clearing of the written exams.

The results declaration of the written exams are followed by an instruction and reporting letter from one of the many SSB (Services Selection Board). The SSB is a detailed five day testing procedure which involves more of personal and physical testing sessions comprised about five days and followed by a conference on fifth day. The selected successful candidates stay back for medical examinations which comprise of total body check which means without your clothes.

After the medical checks the selected candidate is sent back home and awaits his or hers joining instructions. There are three main academies for the indian army and two each for the indian air force and the indian navy. First the army - IMA (Indian military academy), OTA (Officers training academy), NDA (National defense academy), air force- AFA (Air force academy), NDA (National defense academy), navy- INA (Indian naval academy), NDA (National defense academy).

The NDA is a common academy for all as it hosts the higher secondary or twelfth grade passouts meant for learning basic disciplines and mannerisms of defense forces accompanied with basic training about the opted force ie. the army, navy or air force. The training is very tough and takes a lot of courage physically and mentally to cope up with that.

As is said that it was just the tip of the iceberg teh SSB involves several procedures to filter out the number of applicants at various levels and the procedure is time tested and reliable and only a few lucky ones get cleanly through their SSB and then after there is a hanging sword of medical exam where whatever you have cannot be faked or pretended and is exposed in front of the trained staff, if everything is according to the standard parameter he or she is selected otherwise awarded a temporary rejection or rejection, the temporary rejection is meant for those who can resurrect their disorder and report back within prescribed time.

Many of us find it a gruelsome procedure and start searching for other options just after appearing and getting rejected for the first time, many of us while we grow divert to some fast growth and high incentive based ambitions. As there are some famous lines which say "DREAMING IS FAR SIMPLER THAN CONVERTING THAT INTO REALITY".

It feels very easy to make it your ambition but in abject reality it is very difficult to render. I am not demoralizing anyone but think before you dream of defense services as it will check your mettle and test you outside your limits. My best wishes to all defense aspirants.