VISAKHAPATNAM: Effective intelligence, reasoning ability, decision-making skills, ability to influence the group, courage, and stamina are certain qualities required for those who aspire to serve the defence services.
Highlighting the traits required for students to develop at an early stage, former interviewing officer of the Services Selection Board (SSB), Bengaluru, Captain (Retd.) J.P. Pattanaik, gave a presentation at the Finishing School workshop on ‘Training for SSB for commissioned officers in defence services’ held at Andhra University College of Engineering (Autonomous) on Saturday.
Though there is a substantial increase in the number of aspirants aiming to build a career in the Navy, Army, and Air Force, Capt. Pattanaik feels that students need to upgrade their skills in order to explore opportunities available in defence services.
“In the Army, a technical officer, on getting commissioned as Lieutenant, can raise to the level of Lieutenant General. Similarly, in the Air Force, a flying officer can become an Air Vice Marshal and, in the Navy, a Sub-Lieutenant can raise to the level of Vice-Admiral, depending on the eligibility and qualification,” he explained, before offering tips on the intricacies involved in the selection process.
According to him, candidates who aspire to serve the field should possess natural leadership skills rather than trained qualities.
Terming the growth opportunities in defence services as vast, former president of SSB, Mysuru Group, Captain (Retd.) Allam Prabhakar pointed out that students should look beyond their domain knowledge while keeping a tab on the current affairs.
“This is possible when institutions focus on imparting education in a holistic manner. In addition, exposure to NCC activities should be made a part of the curriculum. Awareness on various subjects and effective communication skills would also go a long way in getting through the selection process,” he said.
For D. Jatin Vinayak, B.Tech final year student, who aspires to join the Armed Forces, the session provided him an opportunity to prepare for the selection process. “Nothing gives me happiness than serving the country. I aspire to become an Army officer as it gives me a chance to explore new terrains and defend the nation,” he stated.
According to academic adviser of AU Defence Joint Education programme Ujjwal Kumar Ghatak, 17 final year students of the university will take part in the SSB screening test scheduled on February 22.
AUCE principal P.S. Avadhani and AU Vice-Chancellor G. Nageswara Rao encouraged meritorious students to opt for defence services as it not only fulfils their desire to serve the nation but also helps them earn enormous respect.
