8.     Training Philosophy.  Training is realistic & in sync with latest operational environment. Impact of technology on tactics is given due weightage.  Emphasis on practical training in New Generation Equipment (NGE), graduated approach to training of junior, middle level & senior leaders and harmonisation of training content with other training establishments is also ensured. Directions promulgated by ARTRAC for all courses, in particularly YOs course are being followed and training curriculum is dynamic. Maximum use of digital connectivity/DLP/Thin clients to enhance training effectiveness is being ensured.

 

9.     Sync with Ground Reality.   Warfare in the existing op paradigm has rendered territorial boundaries of nations insignificant wherein now the nature of operations is being characterised by indeterminate battle space (viz; Cyber, information & outer space) and threats are emerging both, in physical as well as psychological domains. The nature of ops has transcended from being conventional to sub-conventional to hybrid. Hence, it is important for Senior Officers to comprehend deg & varied dimensions of threats emanating from such Warfare as this shall enable them to employ all kinetic and non-kinetic means to counter these threats. Keeping in view this background the Aim, Vision & End State enunciated by SAW is as follows: -  

 

(a)     Aim. To provide conducive platform to the Student Offrs(Senior Officers) with a view to raise their professional and competence level in Mechanised Warfare. 

 

(b)     Vision. To provide an enabling environment & holistic exposure to Senior Officers with a view to instill confidence in Senior Officers wrt Mechanised Warfare under all arms environment in all terrains as well as in varied operational situations to function as effective and efficient Troop/Platoons, Combat Team/Combat Group Cdrs.

 

(c)     End State. To provide most time productive platform to align individual’s conceptual understanding in sync with ops & drills prosecuted in the field formations in the kinetic and partly non kinetic domain, so as to enhance the op understanding across conventional, sub-conventional & hybrid warfare.

 

10.     Concept of Training.    SAW is the only institute in the Mechanised Forces where tactical training for junior leaders is conducted institutionally. Though every junior leader has undergone ‘On Job Training’ multiple times, however that is always through the lens/ prism of the op drills of that formation and thus has an inherent variation from the basic drill. The emphasis thus here is to expose the students to a realistic framework of the drills repeatedly taught in theory and exec with eqpt.  The students here are free of all his other administrative obligations of the unit and is in a fertile frame of mind to imbibe the practical aspects in the most realistic manner. The concept of training has evolved gradually over a period of time in consonance with the directives of HQ ARTRAC, and guidance of DG Armoured Corps & Commandant, HQ ACC&S. The present day battle field scenario, optimisation of Indian Army, a probable two front war & nuclear backdrop has dynamically changed the paradigm of training concept. The concept thus dwells upon same and is covered in following paras :-

 

(a)     Conceptual Comprehension & Tac Exec. Focus is on ensuring that CT Commanders / Young Officers & Tank Troop leaders/ Mechanised Infantry  platoon commanders at tactical level, and Combat Group Commanders at tactical as well as operational level are aware about ways & means to ensure mounting as well as exec tempo is maintained consistently, once operations are prosecuted.  The graduated manner of training starting from theory classes to Sand Model Discussion, simulated training on IT system culminating in an Outdoor Exercise (OE), makes a student go over the concept, drills associated with the concept and exec of the concept through tac drills. The comprehension of concept is important which will lead to correct execution of tactical drill. The student also has to realize that a concept is of no use unless it is executed properly. The essence of the concept will flourish with correct execution of battle drills associated with it. 

 

(b)     Technology Drives Tactics.   Senior Officers are given exposure to understand the effect of proliferation of technology on tactics in the modern battle field (both physical as well as Psychological). All SMDs, Exercises & war games are planned & exec after incorporating aspects of various Formations, Viz; third dimension (Acs, AHs, UAVs, Drones & QCs), LRVs, NGE (Sensors & Sights), EW & C2 aspects. Endeavour is to cover latest aspects pertaining to all arms viz; Aviation, Arty, AAD, Engrs & Signals as well as incorporate latest operational logistic concepts (EME, ASC, AOC & AMC).

 

 (c)     Unconventional Application of Conventional Force. In the recent times our Northern borders have gained primacy in r/o threat perception as well as public perception, viz; Doklam crisis / Galwan clash & Uri/ Pulwama TIIs. This entails that on one hand mech forces are ready to undertake operations in High Altitude Areas of Eastern Ladakh and /or North Sikkim and on another hand they are ready for conveying our intent due to reduced threshold levels through disproportionate responses to any Hybrid War in J&K, viz; Surgical Strikes in 2016 and Balakote Air Strikes in 2018. Hence, Senior Officers are given exposure to the fact that Mechanised forces offer an alternative paradigm to field commanders in exploit our conventional prowess in an unconventional manner to achieve the desired end state.

 

(d)     Efficiency & Excellence in Execution.   If the man behind the machine achieves level of excellence & mind behind the op concept is fertile and efficient only then the a/m aspects can be proficiently executed. Hence, the training imparted at Tank Troop / Mechanised Infantry Platoon level ensures that Senior Officers achieves level of excellence in exec the basic drills. This in turn has a force multiplier effect on the unfolding of operational plan in an efficient & flawless manner. Though the nature of warfare is complex however, Senior Officers at Combat Group & Combat Team level are always taught that they should carryout efficient planning keeping in mind factors of time, space & force.

 

(e)     Graduated Learning Process.     A progressive methodology has been implemented to impart training in all courses.  The aim of the graduated structure is to assess the entry level of the students, get them all to a common minimum platform through Central & Tutorial discussions, before graduating to progressively higher levels of practical oriented training to improve assimilation.  Validation of training is carried out through conduct of Outdoor Exercises, computer aided War Games and Assimilation Exercise (AEs).