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Know About India’s Next Chief of Defence Staff: Lt Gen Anil Chauhan

• By All That Trending
• 29-09-2022
• 20.19K

After a wait of over 9 months, the central government has appointed Lt Gen Anil Chauhan (Retired) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The three-star officer will also serve as the Defence Secretary under the Department of Military Affairs from the date of his assumption of charges.

With his appointment as the second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen Anil Chauhan (Retired) will hold the prestigious post after General Bipin Rawat - who died in a tragic plane crash last year. Lt Gen Anil Chauhan has served in the Eastern Army Commander and Director General of Military Operations. 

Defence Career of Lt Gen Anil Chauhan

The 61-year-old decorated military officer was born on May 18, 1961, and have had a long and commendable career graph that spans nearly 40 years. His excellency in his career field can be better related to the fact that he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

The (retd) officer, Anil Chauhan was first commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981. Following his commission, he gained commendable experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India.

While serving in the rank of Major Gen, Anil Chauhan commanded an Infantry Division in the critical Baramulla sector in the Northern Command. Similarly, in the position of Lieutenant General, he commanded a corps division in the northeast and subsequently took charge as the Chief of Eastern Command in September 2019. 

After serving more than 40 years in various roles in the Indian army, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan took superannuation in May 2021.

Director General of Military Operations And UN Mission

Lt Gen Anil Chauhan not only served in the sensitive regions in the country but also held important staff appointments, including the Director General of Military Operations charge. Due to his impressive performance in such critical roles, he was nominated to serve a United Nations mission to Angola.

Decorations And Honors of the New CDS

Throughout his career, Lt Gen Chauhan contributed tremendously to the purpose of national security and strategic matters. Even after retirement, he is associated with the National Security Council Secretariat. 

For his distinguished and illustrious military service, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan (retired) was honoured with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. 

Lt Gen Anil Chauhan’s Appointment As Second CDS

The key mandate of the CDS is to facilitate the restructuring of the armed structure of the country through the optimization of available resources and the inclusion of theatre commands to promote jointness in defence forces.

Since the death of CDS General Bipin Rawat in December last year, the post of the Chief of Defence Staff had been lying vacant.

In June 2022, the government amended the rules pertaining to the appointment of any serving or retired Lt Gen, Air Marshal and Vice Admiral under the age of 62 to the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). As per the amended rules, any three-star rank officer is eligible to hold the chair of CDS in the country.

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