Lieutenant Badal Tops Young Officers’ Course at CME Pune, Wins Silver Grenade

The Young Officers’ Course at the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, concluded on 8 September 2026, bringing to a close a round of specialised professional training for young officers of the Indian Army and officers from Friendly Foreign Countries.

Designed to prepare officers for the responsibilities of Platoon Commanders in combat, the course focuses on building the professional competence, leadership qualities and operational skills needed in demanding field environments. For young officers beginning their careers, the training is intended to provide the practical foundation required to lead troops effectively in combat and to function as Combat Engineers with the adaptability expected of the role.

This year’s course included officers from the Indian Army as well as 11 officers from Friendly Foreign Countries. The foreign participants came from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Tanzania, Gambia and Uganda, reflecting the continuing military training cooperation between India and partner nations.

Among the Indian Army officers, Lieutenant Badal stood first and was awarded the Silver Grenade as well as the GOC-in-C Army Training Command Award for his performance during the course.

Captain Arya John Shreshta of the Nepal Army secured the first position among the officers from Friendly Foreign Countries.

The closing address was delivered by Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, SM, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering. Speaking to the young officers, he urged them to imbibe resilience, initiative and a mission-first approach as they prepare to shoulder greater responsibilities in their respective armies.

The course’s completion at CME, Pune, adds another batch of trained young officers to the Indian Army and partner forces, with the programme aimed at strengthening their ability to lead at platoon level and operate effectively in combat settings.