Territorial Army

Territorial Army Latest News

The Army is planning to induct women soldiers in its Territorial Army (TA) battalions.

About Territorial Army

• The Indian Territorial Army (TA) is a part-time voluntary military force that supports and augments the regular Indian Army.
• It is a second line of defence after the regular Indian Army; it is not a profession, occupation or a source of employment. 
• It is only meant for those people who are already in mainstay civilian professions; gainful employment or self-employment in a civil profession is a prerequisite for joining the TA.
• Motto: Savdhani Va Shoorta (Vigilance and Valour).

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History of Territorial Army

• It was raised by the Britishers in 1920 through Indian Territorial Act of 1920 
• it was organized into two wings namely – ‘The Auxiliary Force’ for Europeans & Anglo-Indians and ‘The Indian Territorial Force’ for Indian Volunteers.
• After Independence Territorial Army Act was passed in 1948 and the Territorial Army was formally inaugurated by the first Indian Governor General Shri C Rajagopalachari on 09 Oct 1949.

Eligibility to Join Territorial Army

• Nationality: Citizens of India. (Men & Women).
• Age: 18 to 42 years
• Educational Qualifications: Graduate from any recognized university
• Employment: Gainfully Employed
• Serving member of the Regular Army/ Navy/ Air Force/ Police/ GREF/ Para Military and like forces are not eligible

Role of Territorial Army

• It includes “relieving the Regular Army from static duties”, while also providing assistance to civil authorities in times of natural calamities and tragedies.
• They also help civil administration with providing essential services in areas where state machinery is stretched or there are security threats.
• Volunteers of the TA usually serve in uniform for a few days every year, so that they can bear arms for national defence in times of dire need or national emergencies.

Source: IE