Gen Deepak Kapoor, Chief of The Army Staff has taken over the mantle of Honorary Colonel of The Brigade of The Guards.
Lt Gen OP Nandrajog, Colonel, Brigade of the GUARDS, formally handed over the BATON of THE HONORARY COLONEL to the Chief of the Army Staff.
Brigade of The Guards is the senior most Infantry Regiment in the Indian Army with a history of over 250 years. The Gallant GUARDSMEN have been in the forefront of all Army activities and have actively participated in all operations fought by the Indian Army, including counter insurgency operations and have received commendations even from foreign dignitaries for their role in United Nation Peace Keeping Missions. The Regiment has on its roll three Victoria Crosses, five Military Crosses and two Order of British Empire prior to Independence. After Independence the Regiment has been awarded two Param Vir Chakras, two Ashok Chakras, six Mahavir Chakras, forty one Vir Chakras, twenty six Shaurya Chakras, four Kirti Chakras and one hundred and four Sena Medals. The Regiment holds nine Battle Honours and ten Theatre Honours for operations fought subsequent to Independence.
Late Field Marshal KM Carriappa OBE, the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army, founded brigade of THE GUARDS. Ever since, traditionally the Chief of the Army Staff is the Honorary Colonel of the Brigade of Guards.
Gen Deepak Kapoor stated that he was proud to be bestowed the honour of this prestigious appointment and assured the august gathering that it would be his earnest endeavour to assist the Regiment in enhancing its glorious deeds.
The investiture ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Indian Army as also by many serving and retired officers of The Brigade of The Guards.
