515 Army Base Workshop: Aiding Indian Army

A prominent board at the entrance of the 515 Army Base Workshop, a key unit under the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of Indian Army situated in Bengaluru, reads: "Enhance Army's potential by exploiting the power of technology and innovation."

As the Indian Army celebrates the 67th Army Day today, OneIndia takes a look at the 515 Army Base Workshop.

Supporting the growing needs of the Army

Formed in 1943, the 515 Army Base Workshop forms part of Army's eight network of workshops spread across India. It employs around 1000 civilians with 200 Army officers overseeing various missions. With the mandated role of supporting India's Army with spares, equipment and simulator support.

According to officials at the Karnataka & Kerala Sub-Area Command headquartered in Bengaluru, the Base Workshop helps the Army in preparing its men perfecting various combat skills, especially firing.

Over 1300 simulators rolled out so far

"The small arm simulators help the soldier to sharpen his skills. The main focus of the Base is to manufacture components and spares utilizing process of reverse engineering from authorized sources," says an officer.

The Trauma Care Training Simulator (TRACATS) is a latest addition which helps the solider to understand the steps he need to take while involved in action. Handling cardiac-related issues, gun wounds and fractures are all taught by the TRACTS.

"We have built around 1350 simulators in the last seven years. In addition, components of various equipment like guns, tanks, vehicles and small arms (which are not readily available), are being supplied from here," says the official.

The 515 Army Base Workshop also extends its CSR arm by giving National Apprenticeship Certificate to those who have completed their ITI course. Modernisation plans are also knocking at the doors of this Base, which is situated in Ulsoor.

K&K Sub-Area offers more help to soldiers

The K&K Sub Area Command under the leadership of Major General A K Singh have launched a series of initiatives for the benefit of Ex-Serivicemen, their families and widows. An official who spoke to OneIndia said that many processes have been put in place to ease the paper work for Ex-Servicemen in availing various benefits from the government and the Indian Army.

With the opening up of more policlinics and most of them moving into Army-owned buildings, the benefits of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) have reached more families now. "We are also in talks with the Karnataka government for enhancing various monitory benefits for soldiers who have won Gallantry Awards," says an official.

Challenges will be met with dedication

On the occasion of Army Day, General Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General Ashok Singh, said that all challenges being faced by the Indian Army will be met with utmost dedication and extreme professionalism. "No sacrifice will be spared in ensuring peace and security for India and its citizens," Lt Gen Singh said.

Saying that the path ahead is strewn with challenges, he said that every soldier of the Indian Army will step forward willingly and cheerfully. "We shall up to every challenge and when called upon, be prepared to make any sacrifice in ensuring peace for India," he said.

(The writer is a seasoned aerospace and defence journalist in India. He is the Consultant Editor (Defence) with OneIndia. He tweets @writetake.)