The OTA or Officers’ Training Academy has been set up to train the officers of the Indian Army and taking down the burden of cadets from the existing IMA. It’s colours are steel grey and blood red which indiacates the strength of steel and sacrificing blood for the nation. Here is all you want to know about this academy:
OTA Chennai, also known as the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, is a premier training institution of the Indian Army. It is located in the picturesque surroundings of the St. Thomas Mount, in the southern part of the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. OTA Chennai was established in 1963 and has since been training young men and women to become officers in the Indian Army.
The main objective of OTA Chennai is to train young men and women who have been selected through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE), SSC Tech, NCC and JAG Entry to become officers in the Indian Army. The training program is designed to impart military training, physical fitness, leadership skills, and values to the cadets. The training is rigorous and demanding, and is aimed at preparing the cadets to face the challenges of leading soldiers in the Indian Army.
The training at OTA Chennai is divided into two phases. The first phase is the Pre-Commission Training, which lasts for one year. During this phase, the cadets are trained in military subjects, physical fitness, and leadership skills. They also undergo extensive training in drill, weapon handling, and field craft. The second phase is the Post-Commission Training, which lasts for six months. During this phase, the cadets are posted to various regiments and units of the Indian Army for on-the-job training.
The training at OTA Chennai is conducted by a team of experienced and highly qualified instructors, who are drawn from various branches of the Indian Army. The training is conducted in a highly disciplined and structured manner, and the cadets are expected to maintain high standards of discipline, conduct, and physical fitness throughout their training.
Apart from the regular training, OTA Chennai also conducts a number of extra-curricular activities for the cadets. These include sports, adventure activities, cultural events, and community service projects. These activities are aimed at developing the all-round personality of the cadets and instilling in them a sense of social responsibility.
The infrastructure at OTA Chennai is world-class, with state-of-the-art facilities for training, sports, and accommodation. The academy has a large parade ground, firing ranges, obstacle courses, and a gymnasium. The cadets are housed in modern and comfortable barracks, which are equipped with all the necessary amenities.
In addition to the regular training program, OTA Chennai also conducts a number of specialized courses for officers of the Indian Army. These courses include the Junior Command Course, the Young Officers Course, and the Staff Course. These courses are aimed at developing the professional skills and knowledge of the officers, and preparing them for higher levels of command and responsibility.
All You Want To Know About OTA Chennai
- Initially established as the Officers Training School (OTS) in Chennai and Pune, it trained the officers to be commissioned in the army.
- The Pune school, however, had a short run and was closed while the Chennai school still continued to operate to train officers for the Short Service Regular Commission.
- The Short Service Regular Commission has evolved into the Short Service Commission, and the OTS has continued to train officers for these commissions.
- The school was granted permanent status in 1985. On 1 January 1988, the school was renamed as the Officers Training Academy (OTA).
- Although it was officially established in 1963 to train officers for Emergency Commission in the Army, it now trains those between 22 and 25 years for the Short Service Commission.
- It is the only Academy, among the country’s four Army training establishments, which commissions women to be officers.
- The first batch of 25 women to be commissioned as officers into the Army, were trained at the OTA with training commencing on 21 September 1992.
- Unlike IMA, alongwith the Gentlemen Cadets (GCs), the OTA also trains Lady Cadets (LCs) for commission into the army.
- The outset that lady cadets undergoing training at OTA, Chennai are cut no slack whatsoever. They undergo the same level of training with as much intensity if not more as their male counterparts. Also, they train hard and are in every way equals to GC’s when they pass out.
- OTA Chennai is affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru University and it’s motto is “Serve with Honour”.
- OTA Gaya was established on 14 November 2011 with the motto “Shaurya, Gyan, Sankalp”.
- OTA Chennai is spread in a sprawling 750 acres (3.0 km2) land whereas OTA Gaya is spread over 800 acres (3.2 km2) of land.
- The Academy has produced many war heroes as well as distinguished Officers. The academy also has one PVC awardee to it’s name. It was Major Ramaswamy Parameshwaran of 8 Mahar Regiment in “Operation Pawan” who bought the academy the prestigious wartime gallantry.
The OTA has and will continue to produce one of the finest soldiers for the Indian Army and will uphold it’s true traditions by sacrificing their blood for the motherland.
