General Vijay Kumar Singh, on Wednesday took over as Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army. He succeeded General Deepak Kapoor who proceeded on superannuation on Wednesday. The change over of the baton was solemnized in a ceremony in the Army Chief’s office.
Gen Vijay Kumar Singh, is a third generation officer of Rajput Regiment. An alumnus of Birla Public School, Pilani and National Defence Academy, he was commissioned in 2nd Rajput (Kali Chindi) and subsequently commanded the same battalion with distinction.
The General has participated in the Bangladesh War of 1971 and Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka where he was awarded Yudh Seva Medal. He has vast operational experience in counter insurgency operations, Line of Control and high altitude area environment.
He has had an illustrious career with outstanding performance in all courses of instruction. A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington with a competitive vacancy, he has also excelled on a number of professional courses abroad. He is also a graduate of US Army Rangers Course of US Army War College.
The General has wide-ranging experience of various high profile command, staff and instructional appointments. He commanded his battalion in an active LC environment and Brigade in an operationally sensitive area. While in command of a Counter Insurgency Force in J&K, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service as General Officer Commanding.
The General Officer commanded the Prestigious Strike Corps in Western Sector before taking over the reigns of Eastern Army. He has been an instructor at Infantry School twice and Chief Instructor at JLW (Commando Wing). He has also served as an Instructor at HQ IMTRAT. The General Officer has been awarded with Param Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India in recognition of his exceptional and distinguished services on eve of Republic Day 2009.
