Lt Gen Devendra Sharma Reviews NCO Academy Dhana's Pivotal Role in Preparing Future Combat Leaders

Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, PVSM, AVSM, SM, who leads the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), conducted a visit to the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy in Dhana on July 13, 2026. The purpose of his visit was to assess the institution's training and transformation efforts aimed at producing combat leaders ready for the future needs of the Indian Army. This visit highlights the Army's focus on modernizing its training facilities to meet the demands of 21st-century warfare.

During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma received a detailed briefing from Brigadier Lalit Sharma, SC, SM, the Commandant of the NCO Academy. The briefing covered various facets of the academy's operations, including its innovative training methods, long-term Vision 2030, and strategies for assessing results and perceptions. This overview showcased the academy's integration of technology in learning and its enhanced leadership development programs for non-commissioned officers throughout the Indian Army.

The NCO Academy serves a crucial role in developing junior leaders from the Combat and Combat Support Arms of the Indian Army. It equips them with professional skills, tactical knowledge, and leadership abilities necessary for effective operation in complex environments. The training framework is crafted to prepare soldiers for increased responsibilities while promoting adaptability, initiative, and operational excellence.

Lt Gen Sharma applauded the academy for its successful technology-driven transformation and its role in preparing a future-ready force. He commended the institution's commitment to progressive training methods that align with the Indian Army's goals for modernization and the evolving requirements of modern warfare.

Highlighting the importance of military leadership at the junior level, the Army Commander emphasized the need for team building, adaptive leadership, and automation in military training. He noted that contemporary battlefields require leaders who are not only tactically skilled but also capable of quick decision-making, adapting to changing situations, and effectively using advanced technologies.

The head of ARTRAC stressed the necessity of developing future-oriented training infrastructure that mirrors the evolving nature of warfare, including technology's growing role, network-centric operations, and integrated battlefield systems. He encouraged the academy to further enhance its capabilities to ensure that non-commissioned officers are well-prepared to lead across the full spectrum of military operations.

In recognition of excellence in military instruction, Lt Gen Sharma awarded GOC-in-C ARTRAC Commendation Cards to two instructors, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to training and dedication to maintaining high standards of military education. Their efforts significantly enhanced the quality and effectiveness of leadership training at the academy.

The Army Commander also honored two veterans with the GOC-in-C ARTRAC Veteran Achievers Medal and Certificates of Appreciation, recognizing their outstanding service towards veterans' welfare. This honor reflects ARTRAC's ongoing commitment to honoring veterans' invaluable contributions to the military community beyond active service.

The visit reinforced the Indian Army's commitment to transforming its training institutions into centers of excellence that produce leaders who are technologically adept, operationally capable, and ethically grounded. Aligned with Vision 2030, the NCO Academy at Dhana continues to play a crucial role in shaping future combat leaders capable of meeting the challenges of future battlefields.

By prioritizing innovation, leadership development, and continuous modernization, the academy remains central to the Indian Army's mission to build a combat-ready and future-oriented force designed to protect national interests in an increasingly dynamic security environment.