What is Territorial Army (TA)?

About Territorial Army (TA)

• The Indian Territorial Army (TA) 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; in fact, gainful employment or self-employment in a civil profession is a prerequisite for joining the TA.

Role

• The duties of the TA include “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.

History

• TA was raised by the Britishers in 1920 through Indian Territorial Act of 1920 and it was org 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.
• Motto: Savdhani Va Shoorta (Vigilance and Valour).

Conditions of Eligibility

• Nationality: Citizens of India. (Men & Women).
• Age: 18 to 42 years
• Educational Qualifications: Graduate from any recognized university
• Physical Standards: A candidate must be physically and medically fit in all respects.
• Employment: Gainfully Employed
• Serving member of the Regular Army/ Navy/ Air Force/ Police/ GREF/ Para Military and like forces are not eligible.

Q1: What is Mandarin?

Mandarin Chinese, often referred to simply as Mandarin, is the most widely spoken language in China and one of the most spoken languages globally. It is the official language of China and Taiwan and is also one of the four official languages of Singapore. Mandarin belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family.

Source: Territorial Army inducts first batch of Mandarin-trained officers along LAC