Specialization Course In Sweden & Second innings at Deolali...
Our team of 12 IGs & 8 AIGs for Specialization Course on 155mm FH77B assembled in Deolali in the first week of Jan 1987. There was a brief orientation program to facilitate the preparations prior to departure. We then proceeded to Delhi for collection of our passport, visa, air tickets and foreign currency. It was a unique experience for all of us prior to our first foreign travel. Our families could not accompany initially but were given necessary permission to follow subsequently.
On 15 Jan 1987, we took off as a delegation by Air India flight from Delhi to Frankfurt, full of Josh and enthusiasm for our maiden flight for a duration of 9 hours. Next morning, we boarded the connecting flight to Stockholm where we were received by representatives of M/S BOFORS. The outside temperature was minus 20° celsius --- just as expected.We then proceeded by road to Karlskoga which was a mesmerising journey of three hours with breathtaking views of snow-capped terrain till we reached Scandic Hotel in Karlskoga. On arrival, we had a grand welcome dinner in the Hotel itself, which was going to be our Home for the next four months.
Next morning, we were issued special snow clothing & equipment which was to be used during the training. We were also given a set of books and manuals pertaining to the highly sophisticated weapon system. The Course began on 22 Jan 1987 in the training facility of M/S BOFORS. The facility had excellent indoor infrastructure , huge gun sheds and outdoor training areas in close vicinity. The Course commenced with an overview & demonstration of the entire weapon system. Capabilities of the main components ---- the Gun itself, the Gun tower ( Scania ), the Computer system ( BCM & ODM ) and the Ammunition system were explained in outline. The schedule of training was laid down from 9 AM to 5 PM ( Mon to Fri only). Interestingly, these timings coincided with the daylight availability during Jan/Feb.
The training began at a hectic pace under the guidance of Swedish instructors who were the experts on the automated weapon system. They taught us in detail about each sub- system, with greater emphasis on practical aspects. We were specially impressed with the automated laying & loading system which enabled the Gun to fire 3 rounds in 14 seconds. It was complimented by the Auxiliary Propulsion Unit of the Gun which gave it the unique Shoot & Scoot capability. This was practiced during every deployment & re- deployment in the firing ranges. The Computer system operated at the OP End & the Gun End enabled quicker response and greater accuracy in engagement of targets. The lethal effect of variety of ammunition was also witnessed during each firing practice. As a result of regular practices, in different terrain and weather conditions, we gained competence about the new weapon system --- appropriately referred as the System of Systems!!
Meanwhile, some of us could bring our families to Sweden which was to be a maiden foreign experience for them as well. I felt so happy that Sanjivani could also come over while I attended this prestigious Course. On the weekends, all of us went on several sight seeing visits beginning with Karlskoga itself --- the City which was famous for Alfred Nobel & ofcourse M/S Bofors. The trips to tourist destinations in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo & Copenhagen were most memorable. The interaction with the locals in Karlskoga as also during all the visits in Sweden was very encouraging. On the whole, we learnt quite a lot about the Swedish culture and the way of life. Each weekend enabled us to refresh after our hectic training schedule , which was certainly educative but challenging.
In the first week of Apr, we were intimated our posting orders by FAX to enable planning our move after returning to Delhi. Our Team was divided equally between School of Artillery, Deolali & the Medium Regiments which were to be equipped with the new force multiplier, popularly called the Bofors Gun. I was lucky to be part of the IG Team tasked for conversion training at Deolali. All of us were sanctioned casual leave for two weeks which could be availed abroad or in India. Our Course concluded on 15 Apr 1987, after which myself & Sanjivani availed this opportunity to visit London and Paris before returning to Delhi. We still cherish these beautiful memories, specially the cruise across the English Channel. The farewell ceremony organised by M/S Bofors was indeed the grand finale of our memorable Course and stay in Sweden before we left Karlskoga, with an album of memories!!
We felt so thrilled to return to Deolali for yet another tenure in the Home of the Gunners. It was special home coming since we were considered as special instructors, on a special weapon system, just inducted into the Regiment of Artillery. We were constituted into a special Cell ( termed as FH Cell ) and were allotted all the resources to plan, organise & conduct the Conversion training. We had a special session with the Commandant who welcomed us back into the Red Band fraternity. He emphasised about facing our new challenges not only as Trainers but also as the Think tank for formulation of concepts of employment of the new force multiplier.
We were allotted temporary accommodation in Rajasthan Colony ---- name of the Colony was a mystery, where our luggage could be unpacked finally. It was necessary to settle quickly so that our daughters could commence schooling & I could begin my preparations as an Instructor. Our excitement was further enhanced when we came to know that another baby was expected to join our family by the end of the year. The milestone event happened on 15 Dec 1987 when we were blessed with a son, to be later named as Aditya. Soon thereafter we were allotted our permanent accommodation on Connaught Road. This accommodation was just opposite the Army School.
We took on the challenge of preparing new lesson plans, training aids and user handbooks before the commencement of the conversion training. In the training, we covered theoretical as well as practical sessions including firing in the Deolali ranges. Simultaneously we had to organise brainstorming sessions in order to evolve the concept of employment of the Bofors weapon system in the Indian context. The intense schedule of conversion training lasted till end of the year. We had several visits by dignitaries who were demonstrated the capabilities of the automated Gun.
In Exercise Topchi, the Bofors Gun was the centre of attraction during the Fire Power Demonstration for the Staff College Course. It was also on display during the Republic Day Parade on the Rajpath in Jan 1988. The conversion for additional medium regiments continued as before, however I got a brief respite when i was detailed to attend Senior Command Course at Mhow in the peak summer season Apr-Jun 1988. On return I resumed the training of LGSC courses who were also trained on this special equipment. Thus, we gradually gained further competence and confidence about the employment of the latest Force multiplier.
Just after completion of two years of my second tenure at Deolali, I received the news about my approval for my next promotion as Lt Col. This was followed by the posting order. I was supposed to report as Staff Officer (Operations) in the Div HQ at Rajouri, J&K. It was indeed going to be a challenging assignment on the LOC. The flip side was that my family would not be entitled to join me at Rajouri since it was a field area. We had to therefore choose a selected place of residence for the family accomodation. The choice was between Deolali (the current location) or any other nearest Army Cantonment to Rajouri. We took the tougher option of selecting Jammu (Four Hrs from Rajouri) as our SPR (Selected Place of Residence). This was going to be a challenge even for all the family members in this new environment in J&K.
