Myths and Realities

Many impressions you have of the Indian Army may not be grounded in actual fact. You may be surprised to learn what the Army is really like. Take a look at a few myths out there and then learn the facts behind some of these misconceptions.

Myth:
The Army Service is a roadblock to a higher education.

Reality:
Qualified Officers and Jawans are provided free Graduate and Post Graduate education with tuition benefits.
Over thousands of degrees were earned by Army personnel in 2007 alone.
The Army and Defence Services operates over 100 schools and Institutions, teaching more than thousands of courses yearly.
Large percent of Officers and Jawans are graduates.
The Army offers retiring personnel free training and education for absorption in civilian jobs.
The Army provides free training for personnel interested in starting or enhancing a small business.
Many military Institutions bring in professors from local colleges to teach courses.
Army personnel can take college courses through distance learning of reputed Universities.

Myth:
People in the Army are not compensated as well as private sector workers.

Reality:
Every service personnel receives 60 days of paid vacation annually.
Many allowances paid out by the Army are tax- exempt.
Army Personnel receive free rations, free travel and canteen facilities.
After 20 years of service, retired personnel can potentially receive military pension pay for life.
Military pay is comparable and in some cases better than its civilian counterparts.

Myth:
Women have a hard time achieving success in the Military.

Reality:
Approximately 80% of all jobs in the Military are open to women.
The percentage of women serving on active duty in the Military has more than doubled since 2000.

Myth:
Military training and jobs have little relation to the civilian world.

Reality:
80% of Military jobs have direct civilian counterparts.
80% of all jobs in the Military are non-combat occupations.
Ex-Servicemen of Armed Forces are less likely to be unemployed than average civilians of the same skill set.
The Army offers thousands of specialized jobs in varied fields.

Myth:
Military training is tough and difficult.

Reality:
About 95% of officers/ cadets/ recruits successfully complete Training.

Please check out more facts from Government of India Official Websites shown on the right hand side of the blog.