Adventure and Sports

Challenging the limits

The Indian Army has a long standing tradition of fostering the spirit of adventure amongst all ranks and has been a role model for undertaking high risk adventure activities. Be it lofty heights of Himalayas or the mysterious depth of oceans, vast expanse of the sky and deserts or the closed confines of caves, Indian Armymen have been the pioneers in adventure activities in all these spheres. Adventure constitutes an essential component of military training. It helps in developing a sense of purpose, determination, courage and perseverance against all odds. Adventure activities develop espirit-de-corps and leadership qualities in all ranks of the Army, which are essential for day-to-day functioning during peace and war.

The Army Adventure Wing, Directorate General of Military Training, at Army Headquarters plans, coordinates and executes all major high-risk adventure projects on land, air and water within the Army. It also coordinates and conducts all international, national and inter-services adventure activities. Middle or Low adventure content activities like parasailing, bicycle tours, low altitude treks are also encouraged, which are undertaken by various units/formations and coordinated by respective command HQs within their jurisdictions.

The Army adventure Wing (AAW) was initially established as Army Adventure Cell (AAC) in 1993 for coordinating Indian Army Everest Expedition 1985. With the increased interest in adventure activities over a period of time, great Himalayan Expeditions- Project HIMEX was conceived and implemented during 1994-1996, in which several major adventure activities were undertaken. Subsequently, in 1998, AAC was ungraded and re-christened as Army Adventure Wing (AAW). In unique fusion of these traditions, AAW under the Directorate General of Military Training presently functions as the apex body for conduct of all adventure activities in the Army.

AAW conducts training for all volunteer adventure activity enthusiasts in existing 14 adventure training nodes across the country. With the decentralization of adventure activities to the Commands, additional adventure nodes having facilities for White Water Rafting, Wind Surfing, Scuba Diving, Para Sailing, Para Gliding, Microlight aircraft flying, Hang Gliding, Paramotor flying, Hot Air Ballooning are being created at suitable locations in all Commands. The process is expected to be completed by 2006.

Soaring to the Blaze of Glory

Courage, velour, dare-devilry, overcoming challenges and death defying heroics are folk-lore down the ages, signifying the epic sacrifices made by our valiant soldiers. AAW has plans to conduct a number of path-breaking land based, aero and aqua adventure activities including attempts to scale few more 8000m peaks, as yet unclimbed by Indians, as well as climbing other challenging peaks in the country, around the world sailing expedition, inter-command adventure activity competitions etc to further enhance the spirit of adventure of Army. Guidance regarding undertaking any adventure expedition/activity or subscribing to adventure courses can be sought from GS (Training) branch of Respective HQ Commands or AAW.