Social Actions Tuner

Volunteers needed to help Planned Parenthood with grassroots advocacy events held to encourage pro-choice people to vote, campaign for Planned Parenthood endorsed candidates and promote PPAZ's political advocacy in the community. Several opportunities to get involved will be available each week from now until the election in November. <br /> <br />See below schedule events through August: <br />Monday August 25th 6:00pm – 7:30pm <br />Campaign Volunteer & Intern Training <br /> <br />Tuesday August 26th 5:30 – 8:30pm <br />One Million Strong/Get Out The Vote Phone Bank – candidate to be announced <br /> <br />Wednesday August 27th 5:30 – 8:30pm <br />One Million Strong/Get Out The Vote Phone Bank – candidate to be announced <br /> <br />Thursday August 28th 5:30 – 7:30pm <br />Crowd Canvass @ Phoenix Mercury game <br /> <br />Friday August 29th 7pm – 9pm <br />Mill Avenue Crowd Canvass <br />Mill Ave, Tempe <br /> <br />Saturday August 30th 9:00am – 12:00pm <br />One Million Strong Neighborhood Canvass – candidate to be announced <br />Location TBA (Phoenix area) <br /> <br />Monday September 1st 10:00am – 6:00pm (varied shifts available) <br />Get Out The Vote Phone Banks – encourage pro-choice voters <br /> <br />Event Types: <br />Phone Banks <br />Planned Parenthood conducts phone banks for a variety of reasons – sometimes to encourage our supporters to volunteer, other times to do “get out the vote” work for a particular Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona (PPAA) endorsed candidate. Don’t worry if you’ve never phone banked before – it’s easy and is an important part of grassroots organizing! All training, materials and scripts will be provided. We will be only calling people identified as Planned Parenthood supporters. We'll have snacks, beverages and pro-choice thank you goodies. <br /> <br />Crowd Canvassing <br />Canvassing is an organizing term which means asking many people to sign a petition. Canvassing has a two-fold benefit – it gives you the opportunity to gather many signatures, while you also educate the public about a particular political issue. No worries if you've never crowd canvassed before - it's fun and easy and we’ll teach you what you need to know. We go as a group with petitions, clip boards and pens in hand and walk through the crowd to gather One Million Strong signatures. It’s more fun with company, so bring some supportive friends with you. <br /> <br />One Million Strong - The One Million Strong Campaign is a grassroots effort led by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. We're mobilizing one million pro-choice voters just like you to come out to the polls this Election Day. We will become a powerful voice in American politics, working together to elect a pro-choice president, elect pro-choice, pro-women's health candidates at every level, defeat dangerous ballot initiatives and ensure women's health issues are a priority in the campaign and the next administration. For more information visit: www.azadvocates.org <br /> <br />

Hello and allow me to tell you a little bit more about the Codman Square Health Center and our Digital Health Education Initiative! We are a community health center located in Dorchester, MA serving a mostly low-income population. Our programs/services seek to build a "culture of health" In our community, and include primary care, urgent care, dental care, eye care, a women's fitness center, earned income tax credit tax prep, computer classes, public health services, adult education, youth programs, and the list goes on!

We recently installed a digital signage system in our waiting rooms with the ability to organize and play a variety of media to educate and inform patients while they are waiting. Content can include health information, information about programs, upcoming events-- the opportunities are many. Unfortunately time, money and skill are not.

We are looking to have someone with filming skills shoot an educational video for us. There would be ample opportunity to make creative suggestions as to the type and format of content if there was that interest. If necessary, we could provide video equipment (albeit not super-high-level equipment). Time is very flexible, although we anticipate that this could take a few weeks (depending on your interest level, your skill level, etc.) If you happen to know Haitian Creole and/or Spanish that would be an added bonus. (Don't worry if you, don't, just thought we'd throw it in there on the offchance!)

Project Background: ?In response to the devastating violence and displacement of families and communities in Colombia, caused by the ongoing civil war in that county and resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis, Concern America was invited to provide health promoter training and to accompany local health care workers in order to develop a sustainable, grass roots health/public health program operated at the local level. Many of the communities in question do not wish to be part of the ongoing armed conflict in Colombia. ??Despite the ongoing civil war in Colombia, and in response to the severe lack of basic health/public health infrastructure in the region, Concern America began work in March 2004.

In an effort to help meet the immediate, emergency health needs of the region, as well as set up a long term health/public health infrastructure that will eventually be administered and run by the people themselves, the project has been designed with five major focuses: ??(1) Health Training: basic and advanced health promoter training, including both curative care and also the most essential public health and sanitation measures; ?(2) Women and Children: addressing the needs of children and women, including pregnancy and delivery, basic reproductive health care, domestic violence, and other human rights; ?(3) Access to Medicines: establishment of essential medicines and medical supply warehouse for health promoter support; (4) Training/Formation of Team of Appropriate Technology (AT) Promoters: basic and advanced training of local appropriate technology leader and training of some health promoters to also become appropriate technology promoters in various communities; (5) Community Organization: training local communities in organizational, administrative, and accounting skills and in the "formation" of viable community health and other service committees or organizations. ??

The first group of health promoters and midwives in this region was recruited and began training in 2004. The Concern America field personnel currently working on the project are: a Physician’s Assistant with many years of experience working in health and development in war-torn regions of Latin America is the Project Coordinator; a Medical Doctor, and a Logistics Coordinator. In addition, a skilled and experienced (many years in Latin America) appropriate technology trainer/adviser participates in the training and other aspects of the project from his base in Ecuador a few times a year along with a team member (also based in Ecuador) who is dedicated to the design and production of AT materials both "in hand" and online. The person placed in this position will work closely with this Concern America field personnel team to provide AT training and carry out community visits and community organization activities. ??

Qualifications: ?
* Broad-based appropriate-technology engineering, water, sanitation background; diverse field experiences preferred;?
* Understanding of public health and/or community health; ?
* Experience in teaching and training with an interest in community work; ?
* Willingness to adapt to changing needs of the program and to learn new concepts along with the health promoters in order to fulfill needs expressed by them; ?
* Ability to learn and improvise in the absence of usual support systems;
* Ability to work with and accept the decisions of community leaders and the local health workers; ?
* Ability to work as part of a team;
* Good organizational skills; ?
* Fluency in Spanish and an appreciation of cultural diversity;
* Training and/or experience in adult popular education highly desirable;
* Familiarity with Colombian history and current events; ?
* Minimum of one-two year commitment; ?
* Valid driver's license; ?
* Humility, flexibility, maturity, a sense of humor, responsibility and ability to motivate highly desirable, and ability and willingness to live in hard conditions. ??

Field personnel receive monthly stipends, housing, and transportation to and from Colombia. ??

Responsibilities: ?
From a base in Rio Sucio, training courses will be held which will include the following activities:
* Training and formation of local AT team member;
* Planning and teaching AT courses to candidates from the local communities;
* Supervise AT promoters in various projects (water, sanitation, FE stove projects, etc;
* Support and collaborate with C/A team members
* Support and collaborate with local health committees; ?
* Administration and coordination with AT/health promoters; ?
* Manage AT supplies, including purchasing and distribution for the project; ?
* Coordinate with other local groups working with AT;
* Support community public health activities; ?
* Communicate regularly with the Concern America home office;
* Submit written quarterly reports to Concern America's home office.

Traditions and Customs of In the Indian Army <br /> By <br /> <br /> <br /> Major Amarjit Randwal, JAK RIF (Now Brigadier Retd) <br /> <br />“We and our children must build on our own heritage. <br />If we barrow on others, We impoverish our own” <br /> <br /> -Mahatma Gandhi <br /> <br /> INTRODCTION <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TRADITIONS means something that is handed down, accepted, cared for and passed on. It consists of all customs and ideas handed down from generation to generations. It is reincarnation of some of the past into that of today. By traditions our kingship is established with our worthy forebears and we claim their glorious achievements as our own; we also accept the responsibility for passing on these not only untarnished but also more glorious than before. Military traditions play an important role in building and maintaining of the fighting spirit of an army. They inspire soldier to feats of valour and instill in him a sense of justifiable pride and self confidence. They encourage his to emulate the great deeds of his ancestors and live up to his proud heritage. <br /> <br />The observance of customs in the Army , whether it be a bugle call or the wearing of a piece of coloured cloth behind a badge in an integral part of military life. These customs have originated from military experience through the ages and play an important part in fostering esprit-de-corps. As Indian Army is modeled on the British, it cherishes some of the traditions adopted long ago. Some of these are outdated and done away with. However, many of these are still important to the man in uniform, therefore it is essential to know the significance of these, weather it be saluting or trooping of colors. <br /> <br />SALUTING <br /> <br />The act of saluting denotes an exchange pf courtesy, either between officer or an officer and a soldier. The origin of this custom can be trace to ancient times when the man who saluted has to put up his open hand to show that he has no hidden weapon. In the feudal ages knights at arms, while passing each other saluted by lifting the visitors of their helmets to show their friendliness. There are many variation in saluting. Troops marching in a body salute by turning their heads and looking in the face of officer whom they salute. This custom is reminiscent of ancient times when captives and slaves, who were forced march in procession or walk in the streets to commemorate the victory of the captors, had to keep their eyes down. It was the proud privilege of the soldiers of the winning side to look his commander in the face <br /> <br />A soldier salutes with the rifle by brining it to rest in apposition where it cannot be used. Tanks and armoured cars dip their guns ground ward to assure the person to whom greeting is addressed that the gun is not trained on him. Aircraft fly past the saluting base dive towards the earthy and come within the range of ground defenses as an assurance. Against as hostile act. Thus all the diffence forms of saluting symbolize friendliness. <br /> <br />UNIFORMS <br /> <br />The way in which a soldier is dressed is determined by the interaction of four factors – economy, impressiveness, recognizability and utility. These four factors strike constantly for supremacy, Active service tends to simplify uniforms, while a prolonged peace makes for elaborate changes in weapon system and tactics also influence the kind of uniform that is desirable. To quote Michal ‘Fashion in uniform do not change with the rapidity of those in women’s clothes but fashion is still an influence’ – uniforms must be attractive, as no soldier will fight the better for feeling that he looks old fashioned. Forthcoming change to combat dress is in conformity with above factors. <br /> <br />It will be interesting to trace the origin of ‘Sam Browne Belt’ which is part of all our ceremonial dresses. In 1849 Lt Browne was a young Officer of 2nd Regiment of the Punjab Cavalry. Nine years later he lost his left arm in battle but won Victoria Cross. Despite his disability, he continued in the Army until be became General in 1888. In order to secure his pistol for safety reasons, he designed a leather belt with shoulder brace for easy handling with right arm only. The Sam Browne belt is still in vogue not only with Indian Army but also in British and most of the Commonwealth countries. <br /> <br />THE QUARATER GUARD <br /> <br />The origin of the quarter guard can be traced to medieval times when these used to be a guard at the castle gates who always turned out on the approach of a stranger to ensure that he was a friend before permitting him to enter. This was a necessary precaution lest, the castle be attacked by surprise. <br /> <br />REGIMENTAL SONGS AND MUSIC <br /> <br />Music beas long been cementing force I the Army and it is a bond of friendship and association among various units. Regimental songs stir soldiers to the very depth of his should and no soldier can resist the appeal of a rousing march. Most of Regimental songs were of English origin and tune, but since independence a number of these songs has been composed and successfully introduced in Indian tunes such as ‘Joshila Kadam’ and ‘Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat’ is pride of Indian Military music <br /> <br />REGIMENTAL COLOURS <br /> <br />Though Colours have not been carried in action since 26 Jun 1881, when a British Infantry Battalion carried them during the Boar War in South Africa. During the British period, the kings colours used to be bestowed in recognition of group heroism and bravery. After India became independent , it was inevitable that the symbolism of the old regime should give place to the new. Consequently in November 1950, the 35 kings colours were laid up at the National Defense Academy at a solemn and dignified ceremony. Since then the President of India has presented coloours and battle honours to a number of regiments in recognition for their outstanding contribution in various battles. Regimental Colours play an important role in fostering esprit de Corps and moral, for they symbolize the spirit of the Regiment. The past glory of the regiment is reflected in the valour performed by the men and officers of the regiment. No wonder they are held in high esteem and are venerated for they are an epitome of the history of the regiment. <br /> <br />REGIMENTAL CENTENARIES AND RAISING DAY <br /> <br />Centenaries of battalions and regiments recall most striking achievements of a regiment and each soldier of the regiment associates himself with these achievements. In the words of RTJ Hills “Everyday, almost in some barracks or camp, some little known battle is being celebrated, some honour, faded almost to invisibility save in a regiments living soul, is being refurbished, that the Army may remember and march on’. January 15 is celebrated at Army Day every year,. On that day in 1949, General KM Cariappa became Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, the first to occupy the post. <br /> <br />GALLANTRYAWARDS <br /> <br />Gallantry awards play very important role in strengthening the regiments traditions. In the Indian Army the Indian Order of Merit was the highest honour a soldier could earn until the Victoria Cross was opened to him in 1911. After independence number of gallantry awards were instituted. Lance Naik Karam Singh was first to get Param Vir Chakra, the highest award for gallantry in Independent India. First receipient of Maha Vir Chakra was Brigadier Rajinder Singh of J&K state Forces, who was bestowed this honour posthumously for high degree of leadership, courage, devotion to duty and gallantry; there after, many a heroic deed has been performed in order to earn the coveted honours. <br /> <br />WAR MEMORIALS <br /> <br />War memorials are important as much as they keep alive the spirit of heroism displayed by the men and officers of the Army. Most of the regiments and some battalion n have built war memorial to honour the officers and men of the regiment who laid down their life in the service of the nation. One of such memorial is at Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, just few kilometers from Tibet border. This is in honour of soldiers sho laid down their lives in the battle of Walong in Oct 1962. Any soldier who happen to read the words inscribed will never abandon this position. <br /> <br />ANALYSIS <br /> <br />Customs and Traditions of the Indian Army were not built up only during the British regime but also in the course of centuries of warfare which preceded it. During the ancient and medieval periods, Indian rulers trained and fashioned their soldiers, led armies in battles, erected fortification and practiced the art of warfare. Weapons as good as those produced in other countries were manufactured. During British period the indigenous traditions and customs suited to the conditions of service in the colonial Army were retained but they were influenced and over shadowed by European rulers, As the time went on, traditions and customs were added to suit the alien Masters. The main emphasis was on Officer-men relationship as the bulk of the officers were British and so foreign to Indian soldiers. Customs and traditions during the period were oriented to ensure loyalty to the British officers and main criteria being the pride and glory of the battalion, the regiment, and the army. During this period old Indian traditions were forgotten and British writers only highlighted the period of their rule. <br /> <br />Europe has been the centre of military power over past two or more centuries and its influence has spread over the world. To discard this influence altogether is equivalent to discarding modern technology from the life of the nation; same applies to \certain customs and traditions like saluting, gallantry awards, war memorials and regimental ceremonies. However, their relevance should be examined in present day context and modified to suit present day environment. Customs should be a means to function efficiently and to develop the mental, moral and spiritual outlook of a man so that be can contribute to the strengthening of the organization. Some of the suggested modifications are as follows:- <br /> <br />(a) Adopt regimental songs and march past in Indian tunes and music which are understood by all. <br />(b) Have only those battle honour which justify our pride and honour as Indian nation. <br />(c) Officers messes which symbolizes to the officers home in the Army should represent in institution where officer can eat and relax. Mess functions must be simple yet dignified so that officer have pride in them as professional homes. <br />(d) Martial race theory is not valid any more but emphasis should be given to ‘secular theory of martial races; which was succinctly summarized by ex defense minister YB Chauvin, “we are all Kshatriya now and when it comes to the defe4nce of Indian Nation, all are equally martial, what caste or class level they wear”. <br />(e) Name of older infantry regiments based on caste and region should be retained as they have over riding advantage or command and control, moral esprit de Corps and simplifi8cation of logistical aspects as regard food habits. However, further recruitment of these regiments may be made broad based. <br />(f) Indian Army follows the British tradition of separate sphere of military and civilian activity, and that the military is and should always be outside politics. This is welcome both for Army as well as politicians, but India’s strategic environment and sensitive borders, make it impossible for military to avoid political questions in the time of peace let alone during war. Therefore it is necessary that Army officer should be education to understand politics to enable them to effectively explain ‘the cause of war’ to motivate the men in particular and answer the public in general. <br /> <br /> <br />CONCLUSTION <br /> <br /> <br />Traditions and customs are soul of the Army.Organisation, displine and training lend strength and cohesion but they do not touch the heart of an Army.; that only traditions, the moral force, can do. Moral factors are important in war, which is essentially an affair of soul, the predominant parterner in business being mind or spirit. There is no doubt that traditions go a long way in conditioning a man for battle and greatly contribute to his reflex action in the face of danger. Indian Army has rich heritage of the high traditions of gallantry, leadership, discipline and esprit do corps. These traditions and customs should be made more glorious and completely compatible with our national pride as they are golden links in a glorious chain of history, the strong cement of army life <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF RIFLE REGIMENTS. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Brig Amarjit Singh Randwal (Retd), JAK RIF <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Customs and Traditions <br /> <br /> TRADITION means something that is handed down, accepted , cared for and passed on .It consists of all CUSTOMS and ideas handed down from generation to generation. It is reincarnation of some of the past into that of today. By traditions, out kinship is established with our worthy forebears and we claim their glorious achievements as our own; we also accept the responsibility for passing these on not only tarnished but also more glorious than before. Military traditions play an important role in building and maintaining the fighting spirit of an army. They inspire soldier to feats of valour and instill in him to emulate the great deeds of his ancestors and live up to his proud heritage. <br /> <br />Origin of Rifle Regiments <br /> <br /> The origin of the Rifle Regiments dates back to the battle between the British and the colonialists in North America on 07 Jul 1755. In those days, re-coated infantry marched shoulder to shoulder and the battles were won by the rock-like steadiness of the troops. They were armed with smooth bore muskets, known as brown Bess and fired volley with great precision of timing, if not with very great accuracy of aim. The British defeat in this battle was due to the employment of tactics which were unsuitable in the thickly wooded country. The colonialists, lightly armed with rifles and making good use of ground and cover behind trees, inflicted heavy casualties. The British tried to adopt the tactics of the enemy, but suffered defeat which was due to unsuitable dress, formations and armaments and a type of discipline which crushed all initiative. A new corps was formed in 1789, called the Royal American which afterwards became the King’s Royal Rifles. They were armed with rifles, trained as Scouts and Riflemen and were suitably dressed which rendered them less visible then the conspicuous red coat. <br /> <br /> It was Sir John Moore who was the originator of the ‘Rifles’ traditions and customs, as we know them. He raised and trained riflemen in skilful used of weapons cover and a higher standard of intelligence and individual courage as they had to action their own. He developed training on a new code of discipline, infinitely more humane than that in force in the armies of the period and on the realization that the infantry soldier must be versatile, resourceful and accustomed to use his intelligence and initiative. He laid particular stress on marksmanship, reconnaissance and the duties of protection detachments. Their uniform when first raised, was the normal dress of the settlers made of buck-skin. And homespun cloth, dyed grass or neutral brown from local vegetable dyes and locally made black horn buttons. <br /> <br /> When early in the 19th century, was against Napeoleon was imminent. England was hopelessly out-numbered in trained soldiers, particularly in the mobile arm – the cavalry. To offset this disadvantage , the light division was trained to take over the traditional cavalry roles of tactical reconnaissance and flank protection; leaving strategical reconnaissance to mounted cavalry. <br /> <br />Customs in Rifle Regiments of the Army <br /> <br /> Dress, arms and accountrements in the Rifle Regiments were bas on the principle of camouflage; to see without being seen. They carried a lighter musket than the infantry of the line to increase mobility. This was shortened in length and to off set the lack of reach at close quarters, the bayonet was correspondingly longer. It was fitted with a hand grip for noiseless surprise killing and so was termed a sword, the name still used in Rifle Regiments. The officer’s sword, for the same reason, was lighter then that of other arms. <br /> <br /> Colours were never carried in the Regiments when they were converted to their new role in which they didn’t have to stand in closed-rank in battle and had to rally around them. When colors were discarded by Rifle Regiments, the rifleman was taught that the rifle took the place of colours to be guarded with his life. This is why recruits in the Rifle Regiments, while taking the oath on attestation, lay their hand on and salute piled rifles. Similarly, the dark green uniform bore on facing which was necessary in the infantry so as to distinguish friend from foe at close range. The Rifle Regiments in the primary role avoided close quarter fighting except when they could surprise the enemy outposts and wipe them out. The Rifle Regiments not only wore horn buttons, but all were of one size, whether sewn down the front of the tunic or on pockets, because when a button at an important place was lowest, another from a less important position could replace it. <br /> <br /> Up to 1914, the officers of most, if not all, Rifle Regiments were two shoulder-straps on their Sam Browne belts, to correspond from a distance with the leather equipment of the rifleman. With the advent of web equipment for was and training and the use of the Sam Browne and other leather equipment has always been black since 1914. <br /> <br />In arms drill, the slope was never used in a Rifle Regiment. This movement started in the days of the long pikes of the men-at-arms which had to be carried like pitchfork with the sharp end out of danger to their comrades. It survived the introduction of the musket; but for the Rifle Regiments the musket on the shoulder was too conspicuous to be carried that way. However, it was carried in the shoulder position and at the ‘trail’ on the move, in which position it was less conspicuous and could be brought into action quickly. It had to be ready for instant use and quick snap shooting. On sentry duty, particularly at night, the musket was in the fore-arms with the finger through the trigger-guard, the position known as ‘cradle arm’ from which it could quickly be brought into action. As to drill in general, noise in arms drill had no place in Rifle Regiments. They did al their arms drill movements as noiselessly as possible and valued these weapons too highly to knock them about for show. <br /> <br />It is the right of the Rifle Regiments to hold the ‘Left of the Line’ and during ceremonial parades they are on the left flank, irrespective of whether Line Regiments, junior to them, are participating. In case there are two Rifle Regiments on parade, the senior Regiment takes its position on the extreme Left. This custom was due to the origin of Rifle Regiments taking position on the flank of the line and occupying the post of danger while the centre was being held by the massed infantry of the line <br /> <br />A Rifle Regiment is seldom, if ever, called to attention. It moves off direct into action from ‘at ease’ without first being brought to the alert by the order ‘attention’. The reason is obvious; firstly to rest the men as much as possible by avoiding unnecessary periods in a rigid position and secondly, to ingrain into them, at all times, alertness and flexibility of mind anybody essential for the role of reconnaissance and protection. <br /> <br />Since speed was vital in their role of reconnaissance and movement, men were trained to mark at 140 paces to the minute and to double on occasions for long distances. This marching pace is still retained for ceremonialpurposeses. Up to 1914, the march past was in column of four at the double but was replaced by close column of companies as favoured by the infantry of the line. <br /> <br />Conclusion <br /> <br />Amalgamation of the J&K State Forces with the Indian Army took place in 1957 and Jammu Kashmir Regiment was formed. The Regiment was ultimately designated as Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1963. Thus it is important for all of use in the Regiment to know the customs and traditions of the Rifle Regiments. To be effective, all riflemen must know the reasons for these customs and whey they differ from other Regiments as traditions and customs are the soul of Infantry. Organization, discipline and training lend strength and cohesion but they do not touch the heart of an infantry man, which the moral force can do <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ROLE OF THE ARMY WIVES <br /> <br /> Mrs Vimal Randwal <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />( Mrs Vimal Randwal had her early education at St Bedes, Simla. She is a graduate in History of fine Arts from Chandigarh University. The article was published In DURJAY, a journal of J&K Rifles in 1982, much before AWWA under took formal education of Army Wives. ) <br /> <br /> Matrimonial market is not in favour of Army any more but a few girls in university campus do long for their dream-man in uniform and look for thrilling life as member of privileged Army Society. I for one was never keen either, but when the choice had to be made, there was no hesitation, so I found myself as army Bride in the picturesque hill station of Dalhousie where the battalion of my husband was stationed for peace tenure. Thus my life in the Army started in a two roomed bachelor-cum-married suite and I wondered if John Masters was referring the same in his famous book ‘Bugles and a Tiger’ which I had very enthusiastically read in our courtship days. <br /> <br /> I must admit that in spite of being a boarder during my school and college, I was not ignorant about cooking as food in Sarojani Hall & Hostel No 3 of Chandigarh University was not always so palatable and we did some room cooking by cheating the warden at the risk of being rusticated, but here I found my self in a precarious situation as there was nothing in the room except a heater which ‘Amar’ used for heating bathing water and, with periodic electricity shutdowns I was doubtful if this could be of much help. Anyway with my imagination and his resourcefulness, we quickly rigged up a kitchen in our bathroom and the first battle was won when I produced ‘Khichri’ at lunch. Next day Amar came home thrilled, and to my amusement, gave me a recipe book which he proudly referred as General Staff Publication on catering or in short “cookery pamphlet” and mentioned that his will help me to cook all sorts of dishes. <br /> <br />o Next came my first visit to the ‘Officer’s Mess’ which was arranged at lunch on a lovely Sunday morning. As Amar was busy in his office he rang me up to inform that I will be escorted to the Officer’s Mess and he will join me there and added that I should look my best. Taking a cute from the last bit, I wore my prettiest ‘Rappon’ and walked up to the Officer’s Mess where in spite of every thing going well there was whisper among the ladies about my dress and back home I had not only a long lecture on dress regulations from Amar but also first argument; in the end I asked his to get me his General Staff publication on role and conduct of the Army wives. He for the first time said sorry and now it is almost a decade and I have followed him from Infantry School to Staff College but we have not found one. so I feel there is a need for ladies to take the lead and publish one, but before we do that let me discuss a few aspects. <br /> <br /> India has the fourth largest standing Army in the world. So Indian Army wives can safely assume some position which gives an idea of the role they can play not only in enhancing happiness and efficiency of the Army but also the Country. It is the prerogative and duty of a wife to run the house efficiently ,maintain a happy and conducive atmosphere in the family and assist the husband to carry out his duty efficiently, or at least ensure that he goes to his place of duty in time, happily and in correct from of mind. To do this difficult job she should be guided, trained and assisted, and to do this the husband is the right person. Of course notwithstanding the GS Publications that I am looking for the Army wives. <br /> <br /> Ladies in the Army are expected to be superhuman. In addition to whatever is expected out of their sisters in the civil they are required to abide by the Army Act; stay in separated family stations, bring up and educate children single handed, manage the finances in a tightly restricted budget, pack , load and move wagons, deal with Military Engineering Services in separated family accommodation. The Army wife has a Major role to play as the husband earns money for the fulfillment of the needs of his family and thus it follows that the wife and children are major components of his life and bear great influence on him, his behavior and actions. <br /> <br /> A Peace Station is Army Officers’ dream and wives do equally share it but when you are there the problems start and I quote from an article titled’ The Women’s Army by Indra Awasthy, “The atmosphere in a station is determined entirely by the capability and personality of the senior officers and more so, their wives. Like there are varying ‘Command styles,’ there are different personality expositions by senior ladies. It is my guess that a majority of senior ladies are highly egoistic and authoritative, beating their husbands at the game. I have no doubt that this statement will raise many eyebrows in disapproval. The reasons for this ‘commanding syndrome’ is easy to understand. For nearly two decades we bow to and scrape, in the background like stage scenery, strain every nerve to be noticed by the powers in being and keep repeating like robots ‘yes sir’ ‘yes sir’, three bags full sir’. Then the mother-in-law type of psychosis sets in the minute an ounce of power comes in our hand, we want to manipulate the powers for the sheer love of it. All the drive is diverted towards sanctimonious management of others in the case of Army wives there is no lawful area laid down for the operation and exercise of this release of zest and enthusiasm. “However, this problem is not new, it is interesting that situation was the same half a century back and this is what Lt Col John Masters of 4th Gorkhas felt during early thirties. “We were fortunate that the wives of Bakloh got on well with on another as they did. The senior lady complex the bugbear of British India, hit us comparatively lightly, through I was once embarrassedly present when a woman burst out to another, ‘I have been in the regiment ten years longer than you and just because your husband is two years senior to mine you need not think you can boss me about if and so on. The operative phrase in this out pouring is “I have been in the regiment. She had not been in the regiment at all, really, as the 4th Gorkhas did not enlist woman, but the phrase is indicative of the root of the trouble-enforced association with a husband’s work and position. Social life used to be governed by the warrant of precedence. A group of man sitting down together might not know or care whether a Major with two years seniority, as such, did or did not take precedence over an assistant director of public libraries with four years seniority as such, but it was axiomatic that when there were ladies present some of them both knew and cared. Precedence had passed its prive when I sent out in 1934, but it was not dead. It was always necessary to know how to be a senior lady at the given function, for she had important rights and duties. If there was no hostess, t he senior lady collected eyes when it was time to leave gentlemen to their brandy and cigars. The senior lady must sit on the right of the host. The senior lady must have first go at the ‘ghuysalkhana’. However, she surrendered all privileges to a bride. A bride was a bride for six months from the date and time of his marriage, could a twice-marries woman be a Bride? <br /> The situation remains so even today as there is a communication gap between older and younger wives. The senior ladies are too preoccupied in the interplay of their husbands career puzzles and their own ego satisfaction to spare some time for young ones. The junior girls do not really accept the inherent superiority of rank and are cynical about the sincerity of the senior ones. Here mention need to be made of two important facets of Army wives life that is ladies clubs and welfare centres. Ladies clubs can be an effective institution for social training to enable young girls to fit into Army family but in the present form ladies club concern themselves primarily with the entertainment of their members, some of whom attend by order than choice. The most popular activity is ‘cooking demonstration’, if not card and mahjong sessions. Next come welfare centres and their functioning depends on the energy, ingenuity and interest taken by the unit commander’s wife. At places the centres become a show piece and eye wash to be shown to VIPs Ladies of the unit de not come to the welfare centre willingly and common excuses are ; small children and no servants, expecting a baby and not keeping good health etc. Welfare centres are important as these give opportunity to officers wives to meet , mix up and discuss problems with Jawan wives and, if properly organized it can strengthen the bonds of officer-man relationship. Thus creating esperit-de-corps in true sense. <br /> Notwithstanding the above, Army wives have a most exciting and challenging life which other ladies may envy if they know all secrets about us. I have heard so many officers saying that if they had a choice they could like to be Army Officers wives and I hope they mean it. It is up to us to make full use of all we have and not to think of what we cannot. We have the best social life, if I say so, but to make the best of it do not think what others have, don’t compare, no ego frills, if the other girl is going in a jeep and you in the Officers Bus; so what? You must enjoy every moment. Stop nagging your husband; he has enough on his head and when he comes home, what he needs is a real home where he can be away from his daily routine, don’t start discussing officer/officers with him. Next is to show involvement in your husband’s profession i.e. assist him in passing his promotion/competitive examinations in that you need not study tactics for his but don’t drag him to a movie or cards session when he should be at his study table. <br /> Your next most difficult task is to manage the budget with in the figures given in the right bottom column of his pay slip and in this you have no choice. So you better make sure that you not only make best of it but also save something, as money plays an important role in your happy family life. Lastly, let me tell you not to expect anything from his batman, if he happens to have one to help him. I think it is best to treat him like a family member who is there to assist your husband, never discuss him. <br /> The role of an Army wife is no different than that of a house wife and the ultimate aim is to ensure a happy family life and assist the husband to arry out his work effectively and bring up children efficiently. However, there is a need to have some guidelines to enable Army Wives to become efficient members of the Army family. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Traditions and Customs of In the Indian Army <br /> By <br /> <br /> <br /> Major Amarjit Randwal, JAK RIF (Now Brigadier Retd) <br /> <br />“We and our children must build on our own heritage. <br />If we barrow on others, We impoverish our own” <br /> <br /> -Mahatma Gandhi <br /> <br /> INTRODCTION <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TRADITIONS means something that is handed down, accepted, cared for and passed on. It consists of all customs and ideas handed down from generation to generations. It is reincarnation of some of the past into that of today. By traditions our kingship is established with our worthy forebears and we claim their glorious achievements as our own; we also accept the responsibility for passing on these not only untarnished but also more glorious than before. Military traditions play an important role in building and maintaining of the fighting spirit of an army. They inspire soldier to feats of valour and instill in him a sense of justifiable pride and self confidence. They encourage his to emulate the great deeds of his ancestors and live up to his proud heritage. <br /> <br />The observance of customs in the Army , whether it be a bugle call or the wearing of a piece of coloured cloth behind a badge in an integral part of military life. These customs have originated from military experience through the ages and play an important part in fostering esprit-de-corps. As Indian Army is modeled on the British, it cherishes some of the traditions adopted long ago. Some of these are outdated and done away with. However, many of these are still important to the man in uniform, therefore it is essential to know the significance of these, weather it be saluting or trooping of colors. <br /> <br />SALUTING <br /> <br />The act of saluting denotes an exchange pf courtesy, either between officer or an officer and a soldier. The origin of this custom can be trace to ancient times when the man who saluted has to put up his open hand to show that he has no hidden weapon. In the feudal ages knights at arms, while passing each other saluted by lifting the visitors of their helmets to show their friendliness. There are many variation in saluting. Troops marching in a body salute by turning their heads and looking in the face of officer whom they salute. This custom is reminiscent of ancient times when captives and slaves, who were forced march in procession or walk in the streets to commemorate the victory of the captors, had to keep their eyes down. It was the proud privilege of the soldiers of the winning side to look his commander in the face <br /> <br />A soldier salutes with the rifle by brining it to rest in apposition where it cannot be used. Tanks and armoured cars dip their guns ground ward to assure the person to whom greeting is addressed that the gun is not trained on him. Aircraft fly past the saluting base dive towards the earthy and come within the range of ground defenses as an assurance. Against as hostile act. Thus all the diffence forms of saluting symbolize friendliness. <br /> <br />UNIFORMS <br /> <br />The way in which a soldier is dressed is determined by the interaction of four factors – economy, impressiveness, recognizability and utility. These four factors strike constantly for supremacy, Active service tends to simplify uniforms, while a prolonged peace makes for elaborate changes in weapon system and tactics also influence the kind of uniform that is desirable. To quote Michal ‘Fashion in uniform do not change with the rapidity of those in women’s clothes but fashion is still an influence’ – uniforms must be attractive, as no soldier will fight the better for feeling that he looks old fashioned. Forthcoming change to combat dress is in conformity with above factors. <br /> <br />It will be interesting to trace the origin of ‘Sam Browne Belt’ which is part of all our ceremonial dresses. In 1849 Lt Browne was a young Officer of 2nd Regiment of the Punjab Cavalry. Nine years later he lost his left arm in battle but won Victoria Cross. Despite his disability, he continued in the Army until be became General in 1888. In order to secure his pistol for safety reasons, he designed a leather belt with shoulder brace for easy handling with right arm only. The Sam Browne belt is still in vogue not only with Indian Army but also in British and most of the Commonwealth countries. <br /> <br />THE QUARATER GUARD <br /> <br />The origin of the quarter guard can be traced to medieval times when these used to be a guard at the castle gates who always turned out on the approach of a stranger to ensure that he was a friend before permitting him to enter. This was a necessary precaution lest, the castle be attacked by surprise. <br /> <br />REGIMENTAL SONGS AND MUSIC <br /> <br />Music beas long been cementing force I the Army and it is a bond of friendship and association among various units. Regimental songs stir soldiers to the very depth of his should and no soldier can resist the appeal of a rousing march. Most of Regimental songs were of English origin and tune, but since independence a number of these songs has been composed and successfully introduced in Indian tunes such as ‘Joshila Kadam’ and ‘Deshon Ka Sartaj Bharat’ is pride of Indian Military music <br /> <br />REGIMENTAL COLOURS <br /> <br />Though Colours have not been carried in action since 26 Jun 1881, when a British Infantry Battalion carried them during the Boar War in South Africa. During the British period, the kings colours used to be bestowed in recognition of group heroism and bravery. After India became independent , it was inevitable that the symbolism of the old regime should give place to the new. Consequently in November 1950, the 35 kings colours were laid up at the National Defense Academy at a solemn and dignified ceremony. Since then the President of India has presented coloours and battle honours to a number of regiments in recognition for their outstanding contribution in various battles. Regimental Colours play an important role in fostering esprit de Corps and moral, for they symbolize the spirit of the Regiment. The past glory of the regiment is reflected in the valour performed by the men and officers of the regiment. No wonder they are held in high esteem and are venerated for they are an epitome of the history of the regiment. <br /> <br />REGIMENTAL CENTENARIES AND RAISING DAY <br /> <br />Centenaries of battalions and regiments recall most striking achievements of a regiment and each soldier of the regiment associates himself with these achievements. In the words of RTJ Hills “Everyday, almost in some barracks or camp, some little known battle is being celebrated, some honour, faded almost to invisibility save in a regiments living soul, is being refurbished, that the Army may remember and march on’. January 15 is celebrated at Army Day every year,. On that day in 1949, General KM Cariappa became Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, the first to occupy the post. <br /> <br />GALLANTRYAWARDS <br /> <br />Gallantry awards play very important role in strengthening the regiments traditions. In the Indian Army the Indian Order of Merit was the highest honour a soldier could earn until the Victoria Cross was opened to him in 1911. After independence number of gallantry awards were instituted. Lance Naik Karam Singh was first to get Param Vir Chakra, the highest award for gallantry in Independent India. First receipient of Maha Vir Chakra was Brigadier Rajinder Singh of J&K state Forces, who was bestowed this honour posthumously for high degree of leadership, courage, devotion to duty and gallantry; there after, many a heroic deed has been performed in order to earn the coveted honours. <br /> <br />WAR MEMORIALS <br /> <br />War memorials are important as much as they keep alive the spirit of heroism displayed by the men and officers of the Army. Most of the regiments and some battalion n have built war memorial to honour the officers and men of the regiment who laid down their life in the service of the nation. One of such memorial is at Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, just few kilometers from Tibet border. This is in honour of soldiers sho laid down their lives in the battle of Walong in Oct 1962. Any soldier who happen to read the words inscribed will never abandon this position. <br /> <br />ANALYSIS <br /> <br />Customs and Traditions of the Indian Army were not built up only during the British regime but also in the course of centuries of warfare which preceded it. During the ancient and medieval periods, Indian rulers trained and fashioned their soldiers, led armies in battles, erected fortification and practiced the art of warfare. Weapons as good as those produced in other countries were manufactured. During British period the indigenous traditions and customs suited to the conditions of service in the colonial Army were retained but they were influenced and over shadowed by European rulers, As the time went on, traditions and customs were added to suit the alien Masters. The main emphasis was on Officer-men relationship as the bulk of the officers were British and so foreign to Indian soldiers. Customs and traditions during the period were oriented to ensure loyalty to the British officers and main criteria being the pride and glory of the battalion, the regiment, and the army. During this period old Indian traditions were forgotten and British writers only highlighted the period of their rule. <br /> <br />Europe has been the centre of military power over past two or more centuries and its influence has spread over the world. To discard this influence altogether is equivalent to discarding modern technology from the life of the nation; same applies to \certain customs and traditions like saluting, gallantry awards, war memorials and regimental ceremonies. However, their relevance should be examined in present day context and modified to suit present day environment. Customs should be a means to function efficiently and to develop the mental, moral and spiritual outlook of a man so that be can contribute to the strengthening of the organization. Some of the suggested modifications are as follows:- <br /> <br />(a) Adopt regimental songs and march past in Indian tunes and music which are understood by all. <br />(b) Have only those battle honour which justify our pride and honour as Indian nation. <br />(c) Officers messes which symbolizes to the officers home in the Army should represent in institution where officer can eat and relax. Mess functions must be simple yet dignified so that officer have pride in them as professional homes. <br />(d) Martial race theory is not valid any more but emphasis should be given to ‘secular theory of martial races; which was succinctly summarized by ex defense minister YB Chauvin, “we are all Kshatriya now and when it comes to the defe4nce of Indian Nation, all are equally martial, what caste or class level they wear”. <br />(e) Name of older infantry regiments based on caste and region should be retained as they have over riding advantage or command and control, moral esprit de Corps and simplifi8cation of logistical aspects as regard food habits. However, further recruitment of these regiments may be made broad based. <br />(f) Indian Army follows the British tradition of separate sphere of military and civilian activity, and that the military is and should always be outside politics. This is welcome both for Army as well as politicians, but India’s strategic environment and sensitive borders, make it impossible for military to avoid political questions in the time of peace let alone during war. Therefore it is necessary that Army officer should be education to understand politics to enable them to effectively explain ‘the cause of war’ to motivate the men in particular and answer the public in general. <br /> <br /> <br />CONCLUSTION <br /> <br /> <br />Traditions and customs are soul of the Army.Organisation, displine and training lend strength and cohesion but they do not touch the heart of an Army.; that only traditions, the moral force, can do. Moral factors are important in war, which is essentially an affair of soul, the predominant parterner in business being mind or spirit. There is no doubt that traditions go a long way in conditioning a man for battle and greatly contribute to his reflex action in the face of danger. Indian Army has rich heritage of the high traditions of gallantry, leadership, discipline and esprit do corps. These traditions and customs should be made more glorious and completely compatible with our national pride as they are golden links in a glorious chain of history, the strong cement of army life <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF RIFLE REGIMENTS. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Brig Amarjit Singh Randwal (Retd), JAK RIF <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Customs and Traditions <br /> <br /> TRADITION means something that is handed down, accepted , cared for and passed on .It consists of all CUSTOMS and ideas handed down from generation to generation. It is reincarnation of some of the past into that of today. By traditions, out kinship is established with our worthy forebears and we claim their glorious achievements as our own; we also accept the responsibility for passing these on not only tarnished but also more glorious than before. Military traditions play an important role in building and maintaining the fighting spirit of an army. They inspire soldier to feats of valour and instill in him to emulate the great deeds of his ancestors and live up to his proud heritage. <br /> <br />Origin of Rifle Regiments <br /> <br /> The origin of the Rifle Regiments dates back to the battle between the British and the colonialists in North America on 07 Jul 1755. In those days, re-coated infantry marched shoulder to shoulder and the battles were won by the rock-like steadiness of the troops. They were armed with smooth bore muskets, known as brown Bess and fired volley with great precision of timing, if not with very great accuracy of aim. The British defeat in this battle was due to the employment of tactics which were unsuitable in the thickly wooded country. The colonialists, lightly armed with rifles and making good use of ground and cover behind trees, inflicted heavy casualties. The British tried to adopt the tactics of the enemy, but suffered defeat which was due to unsuitable dress, formations and armaments and a type of discipline which crushed all initiative. A new corps was formed in 1789, called the Royal American which afterwards became the King’s Royal Rifles. They were armed with rifles, trained as Scouts and Riflemen and were suitably dressed which rendered them less visible then the conspicuous red coat. <br /> <br /> It was Sir John Moore who was the originator of the ‘Rifles’ traditions and customs, as we know them. He raised and trained riflemen in skilful used of weapons cover and a higher standard of intelligence and individual courage as they had to action their own. He developed training on a new code of discipline, infinitely more humane than that in force in the armies of the period and on the realization that the infantry soldier must be versatile, resourceful and accustomed to use his intelligence and initiative. He laid particular stress on marksmanship, reconnaissance and the duties of protection detachments. Their uniform when first raised, was the normal dress of the settlers made of buck-skin. And homespun cloth, dyed grass or neutral brown from local vegetable dyes and locally made black horn buttons. <br /> <br /> When early in the 19th century, was against Napeoleon was imminent. England was hopelessly out-numbered in trained soldiers, particularly in the mobile arm – the cavalry. To offset this disadvantage , the light division was trained to take over the traditional cavalry roles of tactical reconnaissance and flank protection; leaving strategical reconnaissance to mounted cavalry. <br /> <br />Customs in Rifle Regiments of the Army <br /> <br /> Dress, arms and accountrements in the Rifle Regiments were bas on the principle of camouflage; to see without being seen. They carried a lighter musket than the infantry of the line to increase mobility. This was shortened in length and to off set the lack of reach at close quarters, the bayonet was correspondingly longer. It was fitted with a hand grip for noiseless surprise killing and so was termed a sword, the name still used in Rifle Regiments. The officer’s sword, for the same reason, was lighter then that of other arms. <br /> <br /> Colours were never carried in the Regiments when they were converted to their new role in which they didn’t have to stand in closed-rank in battle and had to rally around them. When colors were discarded by Rifle Regiments, the rifleman was taught that the rifle took the place of colours to be guarded with his life. This is why recruits in the Rifle Regiments, while taking the oath on attestation, lay their hand on and salute piled rifles. Similarly, the dark green uniform bore on facing which was necessary in the infantry so as to distinguish friend from foe at close range. The Rifle Regiments in the primary role avoided close quarter fighting except when they could surprise the enemy outposts and wipe them out. The Rifle Regiments not only wore horn buttons, but all were of one size, whether sewn down the front of the tunic or on pockets, because when a button at an important place was lowest, another from a less important position could replace it. <br /> <br /> Up to 1914, the officers of most, if not all, Rifle Regiments were two shoulder-straps on their Sam Browne belts, to correspond from a distance with the leather equipment of the rifleman. With the advent of web equipment for was and training and the use of the Sam Browne and other leather equipment has always been black since 1914. <br /> <br />In arms drill, the slope was never used in a Rifle Regiment. This movement started in the days of the long pikes of the men-at-arms which had to be carried like pitchfork with the sharp end out of danger to their comrades. It survived the introduction of the musket; but for the Rifle Regiments the musket on the shoulder was too conspicuous to be carried that way. However, it was carried in the shoulder position and at the ‘trail’ on the move, in which position it was less conspicuous and could be brought into action quickly. It had to be ready for instant use and quick snap shooting. On sentry duty, particularly at night, the musket was in the fore-arms with the finger through the trigger-guard, the position known as ‘cradle arm’ from which it could quickly be brought into action. As to drill in general, noise in arms drill had no place in Rifle Regiments. They did al their arms drill movements as noiselessly as possible and valued these weapons too highly to knock them about for show. <br /> <br />It is the right of the Rifle Regiments to hold the ‘Left of the Line’ and during ceremonial parades they are on the left flank, irrespective of whether Line Regiments, junior to them, are participating. In case there are two Rifle Regiments on parade, the senior Regiment takes its position on the extreme Left. This custom was due to the origin of Rifle Regiments taking position on the flank of the line and occupying the post of danger while the centre was being held by the massed infantry of the line <br /> <br />A Rifle Regiment is seldom, if ever, called to attention. It moves off direct into action from ‘at ease’ without first being brought to the alert by the order ‘attention’. The reason is obvious; firstly to rest the men as much as possible by avoiding unnecessary periods in a rigid position and secondly, to ingrain into them, at all times, alertness and flexibility of mind anybody essential for the role of reconnaissance and protection. <br /> <br />Since speed was vital in their role of reconnaissance and movement, men were trained to mark at 140 paces to the minute and to double on occasions for long distances. This marching pace is still retained for ceremonialpurposeses. Up to 1914, the march past was in column of four at the double but was replaced by close column of companies as favoured by the infantry of the line. <br /> <br />Conclusion <br /> <br />Amalgamation of the J&K State Forces with the Indian Army took place in 1957 and Jammu Kashmir Regiment was formed. The Regiment was ultimately designated as Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1963. Thus it is important for all of use in the Regiment to know the customs and traditions of the Rifle Regiments. To be effective, all riflemen must know the reasons for these customs and whey they differ from other Regiments as traditions and customs are the soul of Infantry. Organization, discipline and training lend strength and cohesion but they do not touch the heart of an infantry man, which the moral force can do <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> ROLE OF THE ARMY WIVES <br /> <br /> Mrs Vimal Randwal <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />( Mrs Vimal Randwal had her early education at St Bedes, Simla. She is a graduate in History of fine Arts from Chandigarh University. The article was published In DURJAY, a journal of J&K Rifles in 1982, much before AWWA under took formal education of Army Wives. ) <br /> <br /> Matrimonial market is not in favour of Army any more but a few girls in university campus do long for their dream-man in uniform and look for thrilling life as member of privileged Army Society. I for one was never keen either, but when the choice had to be made, there was no hesitation, so I found myself as army Bride in the picturesque hill station of Dalhousie where the battalion of my husband was stationed for peace tenure. Thus my life in the Army started in a two roomed bachelor-cum-married suite and I wondered if John Masters was referring the same in his famous book ‘Bugles and a Tiger’ which I had very enthusiastically read in our courtship days. <br /> <br /> I must admit that in spite of being a boarder during my school and college, I was not ignorant about cooking as food in Sarojani Hall & Hostel No 3 of Chandigarh University was not always so palatable and we did some room cooking by cheating the warden at the risk of being rusticated, but here I found my self in a precarious situation as there was nothing in the room except a heater which ‘Amar’ used for heating bathing water and, with periodic electricity shutdowns I was doubtful if this could be of much help. Anyway with my imagination and his resourcefulness, we quickly rigged up a kitchen in our bathroom and the first battle was won when I produced ‘Khichri’ at lunch. Next day Amar came home thrilled, and to my amusement, gave me a recipe book which he proudly referred as General Staff Publication on catering or in short “cookery pamphlet” and mentioned that his will help me to cook all sorts of dishes. <br /> <br />o Next came my first visit to the ‘Officer’s Mess’ which was arranged at lunch on a lovely Sunday morning. As Amar was busy in his office he rang me up to inform that I will be escorted to the Officer’s Mess and he will join me there and added that I should look my best. Taking a cute from the last bit, I wore my prettiest ‘Rappon’ and walked up to the Officer’s Mess where in spite of every thing going well there was whisper among the ladies about my dress and back home I had not only a long lecture on dress regulations from Amar but also first argument; in the end I asked his to get me his General Staff publication on role and conduct of the Army wives. He for the first time said sorry and now it is almost a decade and I have followed him from Infantry School to Staff College but we have not found one. so I feel there is a need for ladies to take the lead and publish one, but before we do that let me discuss a few aspects. <br /> <br /> India has the fourth largest standing Army in the world. So Indian Army wives can safely assume some position which gives an idea of the role they can play not only in enhancing happiness and efficiency of the Army but also the Country. It is the prerogative and duty of a wife to run the house efficiently ,maintain a happy and conducive atmosphere in the family and assist the husband to carry out his duty efficiently, or at least ensure that he goes to his place of duty in time, happily and in correct from of mind. To do this difficult job she should be guided, trained and assisted, and to do this the husband is the right person. Of course notwithstanding the GS Publications that I am looking for the Army wives. <br /> <br /> Ladies in the Army are expected to be superhuman. In addition to whatever is expected out of their sisters in the civil they are required to abide by the Army Act; stay in separated family stations, bring up and educate children single handed, manage the finances in a tightly restricted budget, pack , load and move wagons, deal with Military Engineering Services in separated family accommodation. The Army wife has a Major role to play as the husband earns money for the fulfillment of the needs of his family and thus it follows that the wife and children are major components of his life and bear great influence on him, his behavior and actions. <br /> <br /> A Peace Station is Army Officers’ dream and wives do equally share it but when you are there the problems start and I quote from an article titled’ The Women’s Army by Indra Awasthy, “The atmosphere in a station is determined entirely by the capability and personality of the senior officers and more so, their wives. Like there are varying ‘Command styles,’ there are different personality expositions by senior ladies. It is my guess that a majority of senior ladies are highly egoistic and authoritative, beating their husbands at the game. I have no doubt that this statement will raise many eyebrows in disapproval. The reasons for this ‘commanding syndrome’ is easy to understand. For nearly two decades we bow to and scrape, in the background like stage scenery, strain every nerve to be noticed by the powers in being and keep repeating like robots ‘yes sir’ ‘yes sir’, three bags full sir’. Then the mother-in-law type of psychosis sets in the minute an ounce of power comes in our hand, we want to manipulate the powers for the sheer love of it. All the drive is diverted towards sanctimonious management of others in the case of Army wives there is no lawful area laid down for the operation and exercise of this release of zest and enthusiasm. “However, this problem is not new, it is interesting that situation was the same half a century back and this is what Lt Col John Masters of 4th Gorkhas felt during early thirties. “We were fortunate that the wives of Bakloh got on well with on another as they did. The senior lady complex the bugbear of British India, hit us comparatively lightly, through I was once embarrassedly present when a woman burst out to another, ‘I have been in the regiment ten years longer than you and just because your husband is two years senior to mine you need not think you can boss me about if and so on. The operative phrase in this out pouring is “I have been in the regiment. She had not been in the regiment at all, really, as the 4th Gorkhas did not enlist woman, but the phrase is indicative of the root of the trouble-enforced association with a husband’s work and position. Social life used to be governed by the warrant of precedence. A group of man sitting down together might not know or care whether a Major with two year