Lt Gen VK Singh Named New Army Chief

The Eastern Army Commander and senior-most infantry officer Lt General V K Singh has been named as the next Army chief and is schedule to assume charge of his duties when incumbent General Deepak Kapoor retires on March 31, reported PTI.

Defence Ministry issued the order after Cabinet Committee on Appointments approved of Singh’s name for the top job, said report quoting ministry sources.

Singh is the third generation officer who hails from the Rajput regiment.

Singh is a graduate of the Defense Services Staff College, Wellington, as well as the Rangers Course at Fort Benning, USA and the US Army War College, Carlisle, said report.

He was commissioned into the 2 Rajput in June 1970 and commanded the same unit when it was positioned along the LoC, report said.

Singh, who has experience in counter insurgency, LoC and high altitude operations, was awarded the Yudh Sena Medal for his distinguished service during ‘Operation Pawan’ against LTTE in Sri Lanka.

Also, while commanding a counter insurgency force, he was award awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for distinguished service.

Singh, seen in action in Bangladesh war, served in the Military Operations Directorate at the Army Headquarters and Brigadier General Staff of a Corps during ‘Operation Parakram’.

He has also served as an instructor at the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) headquarters in Bhutan.