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Old 04-19-2006, 23:33 PM   #14 (permalink)
Ray
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In the Indian Army, the formation i.e. Brigade/ Division/ Corps/ Command remains at one location.

The units i.e. Battalions and Regiments latch on on a tenure of 2 years basis. It used to be three years earlier.

This is to ensure that there is a turnaround from a "peace" location to a "field" location.

In the field location, there are normally no schools or family accommodation as the area is right on the front or in the combat zone i.e. Counter insurgency etc.

Therefore, the turnover allows the soldiers and officers to live with their families for at least two years together.

Those who are posted to the field, be it with the unit or on staff, are given "Separated Family" Quarters.

Many an officer prefers to be posted repeatedly in the field, especially after the rank of Colonel (command of an unit) or officers of service support units (where the unit is static with the formation, but the officers keep changing on a tenure basis), because it ensures that the children get a continued education at the same school.

Those who are posted to units that move on tenure basis from one formation to another, like the Infantry, have a real tough time getting the children to have a decent education!

My children changed 11 times in a 12 years continuum for schooling before going to College!

Though that means they made many new friends, yet the lack of continuity did affect psychologically as also on the stress levels.

Fortunately, they have done well and are doing rather well.

I am fortunate that they have the Indian tradition of looking after their parents and they help me to get along with life!

That's because while I am not Taliban code enforcer, I ran a tight ship even though I was in the Army!
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