The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, presided over the ARTRAC Investiture Ceremony 2026 held at Danfe Auditorium in Shimla on Wednesday. The ceremony honored training institutions and military personnel for their outstanding performance during the training year 2025–26.
During the event, the prestigious GOC-in-C ARTRAC Unit Citation was awarded to several premier military training establishments, including the Army Air Defence College, Armoured Corps Centre and School, Mechanised Infantry Centre and School, and the Rashtriya Indian Military College. Two affiliated units were also recognized for their exceptional contributions.
Awards were additionally presented for excellence in financial management, digitization initiatives, and technological innovation within military training systems. A total of 16 individuals received commendation cards in recognition of their exemplary service and dedication.
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Sharma highlighted ARTRAC’s ongoing transformational initiatives aimed at strengthening modern military training. He emphasized the growing importance of emerging technologies in modern warfare, particularly the increasing role of drones in operational preparedness.
He noted that more than 50,000 military personnel have already been trained in drone operations, reflecting the Indian Army’s focus on future-ready capabilities. The Army Commander also spoke about efforts to establish specialized centres of expertise, implement online training and examination systems, and promote gender equality and enhanced military cooperation.
Congratulating the award recipients, Lt Gen Sharma praised their commitment, professionalism, and dedication to excellence. He encouraged all personnel to continue learning, adapt to evolving challenges, and embrace new technologies to strengthen operational readiness.
He reaffirmed that ARTRAC remains committed to building a modern, technologically advanced Indian Army aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring preparedness for future security challenges.
