Meet Colonel Noreen Shanet John: The First Woman Officer to Command an Agniveer Training Battalion at MEG & Centre

In a landmark development underscoring the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to gender integration and merit-based leadership, Colonel Noreen Shanet John has emerged as the first woman officer to command a training battalion at the prestigious Madras Engineering Group (MEG) & Centre in Bengaluru. This historic appointment, effective in early 2023, positions her at the forefront of training Agniveers—the short-service recruits under the Agnipath scheme—within one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most revered engineering formations. Her achievement not only highlights individual excellence but also reflects broader institutional progress in empowering women in operational and training roles.

A Foundation Built on Leadership: Early Life and NCC Excellence

Colonel Noreen Shanet John’s journey into military service was profoundly shaped by her formative years as a National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadet. An alumna of Providence Women’s College in Calicut, Kerala, she distinguished herself early through exceptional performance in NCC activities. Her accolades include being adjudged second in the All India Best Cadet Competition during the NCC Republic Day Camp in New Delhi in 1989. As a Senior Wing Cadet, she was recognised as the best parade commander at the Republic Day Camp in 1993 and had the honour of commanding the Combined Guard of Honour for Prime Minister Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao during the Prime Minister’s Rally at the same camp. She further broadened her horizons by participating in the Indo-Canada Youth Exchange Programme for six months in 1993–1994.

These experiences cultivated in her the discipline, leadership, and national spirit that would define her military career. The NCC served as a critical bridge, transforming her aspirations into a concrete path toward commissioned service in the Indian Army.

Commissioning and a Distinguished Career in the Corps of Engineers

Colonel John was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers on 7 March 1998. Over more than 26 years of dedicated service, she has held diverse operational, instructional, and leadership appointments, consistently demonstrating professionalism and strategic acumen.

Key milestones in her career include:

• Serving as Senior Group Testing Officer (GTO) at the 14 Services Selection Board (SSB) in Allahabad (Prayagraj). In this critical role, she assessed and selected candidates for officer commissions, directly contributing to the quality of future leadership in the Indian Armed Forces.
• Being granted a Permanent Commission in January 2020, affirming her long-term commitment to the service.
• Promotion to the rank of Colonel (Select Grade) in January 2023.

Her progression through these roles exemplifies the Army’s emphasis on merit, resilience, and continuous professional development.

Historic Command at MEG & Centre: Training the Next Generation of Sappers

The Madras Engineering Group & Centre, with a rich legacy spanning over 244 years, stands as a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s engineering capabilities. Located in Bengaluru, it provides combat engineering training, technical instruction, and infrastructure support while serving as the regimental home for the Madras Sappers. The unit is instrumental in preparing soldiers for infrastructure development, battlefield engineering, and operational deployments across diverse theatres.

In March 2023, Colonel John assumed command of a training battalion at this institution—the first woman officer in the Indian Army to do so. Her responsibilities encompass the rigorous training of Agniveers, equipping them with essential engineering skills, discipline, and combat readiness. This role is particularly significant under the Agnipath scheme, which aims to infuse youthful energy into the forces while maintaining high standards of proficiency.

Senior military officials have described the appointment as “well-earned,” resulting from her consistent performance and leadership qualities. It represents a substantive step in the Army’s ongoing efforts to mainstream women officers into command positions, including those involving direct training of combat engineers and Agniveers.

Personal Life and Support System

Colonel John is married to Colonel Monish Dass, VSM (Retired), a fellow officer from the Corps of Engineers and a Madras Sapper. Their shared military background and commitment to service provide a strong foundation of mutual understanding and support.

A Symbol of Progress and Inspiration

Colonel Noreen Shanet John’s trailblazing appointment transcends personal accomplishment. It serves as a powerful testament to the evolving role of women in the Indian Armed Forces, where opportunities for permanent commissions, operational commands, and leadership in core arms and services have expanded significantly in recent years. Her story—from a decorated NCC cadet to a pioneering commanding officer—resonates as an inspiration for young women aspiring to serve the nation in uniform.

As she leads the training of future Agniveers at MEG & Centre, Colonel John continues to embody the Army’s core values of duty, honour, and selfless service. Her leadership not only strengthens the engineering backbone of the forces but also paves the way for greater inclusivity and excellence in the years ahead.

In the words of those who have followed her journey, Colonel John is not merely commanding a battalion—she is shaping history, one trained soldier at a time. Her service stands as a beacon for the next generation, proving that dedication and capability recognise no barriers of gender.