Meet Colonel Dushyant Singh Lamba: The Maverick Para SF Warrior of Assam Rifles

When the 31st Battalion of Assam Rifles was honoured with the Governor’s Citation by Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik, the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, it was a moment of pride for every Indian. But for many defence aspirants, the spotlight unexpectedly shifted to a commanding figure standing tall in the frame —  The 31st Battalion of Assam Rifles commanding officer, Colonel Dushyant Singh Lamba.

Clad in uniform and adorned with a dazzling array of badges, Colonel Lamba wasn’t just a face in the crowd. He was a symbol of raw courage, elite training, and international brotherhood — the embodiment of what it truly means to be a warrior in uniform. From Para SF to Combat Free Fall, and even foreign parachute qualifications, each badge on his chest tells a story of discipline, daring, and dedication.

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Let us decode the extraordinary badges that make  Colonel Dushyant Singh Lamba a living legend among India’s elite.

1. Balidan Badge

Unit: Para Special Forces
Significance: Reserved only for operatives of the Indian Army's Para SF, this badge represents the highest level of physical and mental toughness. “Balidan” means sacrifice, and those who wear this badge are trained to operate behind enemy lines, undertake surgical strikes, and survive in the harshest conditions.

2. Combat Free Faller Badge

Qualification: High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO) / High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) operations
Significance: This badge signifies mastery in jumping from altitudes as high as 30,000 ft with oxygen support and precision landings. Only the most elite airborne warriors earn this.

3. US Army Special Forces Crest – De Oppresso Liber

Translation: To Free the Oppressed
Significance: This rare foreign badge is earned by personnel who’ve undergone specialized training with US Special Forces. It represents shared elite military camaraderie and advanced joint warfare tactics.

4. US Army Master Parachutist Badge

Requirement: Dozens of jumps including night-time, combat gear, and mass tactical operations
Significance: It denotes a paratrooper of the highest caliber, with significant experience and instructional capability in airborne operations.

5. Indonesia TNI-AD Parachute Badge

Unit: Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat (Indonesian Army)
Significance: This badge is a token of international military cooperation. It represents Colonel Lamba’s participation in joint exercises with the Indonesian Army and demonstrates global respect for his capabilities.

6. Maverick Badge

Elite: Often seen on soldiers known for unorthodox, fearless, and mission-first mentality.
Significance: The term Maverick is reserved for someone who doesn’t conform but delivers outstanding results. It reflects Colonel Lamba’s unique leadership style — bold, unpredictable, and effective.

7. ATGM & Tank-fired ATGM Badges

Qualification: Proficient in firing Anti-Tank Guided Missiles from both ground-based and tank platforms.
Significance: It shows his tactical prowess not just in special operations, but also in conventional armored warfare. A rare combination for any officer.

The Man Behind the Medals

Colonel Lamba’s military journey reflects versatility, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From high-altitude parachuting to counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast, from anti-tank warfare to global joint drills — he is not just a Para SF officer or an Assam Rifles commander. He is a complete warrior, honed in every theater of modern combat.

Why His Story Matters

For every defence aspirant dreaming of the olive green, Colonel Lamba is more than a name — he is inspiration in action. He shows us that badges aren’t just decorations. They are stories of sweat, scars, and service. His journey is a reminder that greatness lies beyond the comfort zone, in the fire of relentless discipline and the courage to choose the hard road — every single time.

A Salute to the Spirit

As India’s soldiers continue to serve in silence, officers like Colonel Lamba shine as beacons for the next generation. We salute his service, his badges, and the badge that matters most — the tricolour he wears on his shoulder.

Jai Hind.