Territorial Army

In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Indian military is mobilising additional forces, including the Territorial Army (TA).

• 14 out of 32 infantry battalions of the TA are being activated for deployment across India until February 2028.
• The activation was done under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rule, 1948, empowering the Army Chief to call up all officers and enrolled personnel.

About the Territorial Army (TA)

• Size of a TA battalion: ~750 personnel.
• Structure:
  • Embodied personnel: Actively serving part-time volunteers.
  • Disembodied personnel: Not currently on duty; often employed in civilian professions.
• Following current orders, the TA Directorate will embody more disembodied personnel using budgeted funds.

Historical Background

• 1917: Indian Defence Force Act passed; universities required to provide military contingents.
  • Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: Joined Calcutta University Corps in 1918.
  • Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru: Part of Allahabad University Corps.
  • Mahatma Gandhi: Served in the South Africa Volunteer Force in 1898 and 1905.
• 1948: Territorial Army Act enacted post-Independence.
• 1949 (October 9): TA formally inaugurated by C. Rajagopalachari, India’s first Governor-General.
  • TA Day is celebrated annually on October 9.
  • First Territorial Army Week: November 8–15, 1952.

Operational Contributions

• Actively involved in:
  • 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars
  • OP PAWAN (Sri Lanka)
  • OP RAKSHAK (Punjab & J&K)
  • OP RHINO and OP BAJRANG (North East India)
• Role in natural calamities, civil aid, and essential services when national security or public order is threatened.

Present Role

• Part of the Regular Indian Army.
• Functions include:
  • Relieving Regular Army of static duties
  • Assisting civil administration during emergencies
  • Supplementing combat units during conflict