Field Marshal
- PC : Self
The Indian Defence Forces are served by millions of daring hearts from a Sepoy to Marshal, serving in different capacities.
Everyone knows that in different capacities officers serve in Indian armed forces. But are you aware that there are three ranks that are rarely conferred in the forces?
These prestigious ranks are the highest attainable ranks across the forces and are next to impossible to attain.
There are only a few officers who have made up to these ranks.
Field Marshal- Indian Army
Field Marshal is the highest rank attainable in the Indian Army.
A Field Marshal is ranked immediately above general, with a five-star general officer rank, but not exercised in the regular army structure.
The insignia of Field Marshal comprises the national emblem over a crossed baton and sabre in a wreath of lotus flowers.
Once a Field Marshal always a Field Marshal as the rank holder carries this rank throughout his life. There is no retirement and they are always considered as serving officers until their death which includes the payrolls and all other benefits. Field Marshals are required to be in full uniform during any official occasion.
Till date, there is only two individual who could stretch up to this prestigious post.
One is Sam Manekshaw also known as the Sam Bahadur. He is still known for his bravery.
The other was KM Cariappa, another legend and the first Chief of Army Staff.
Marshal of the India Air Force- Indian Air Force
Marshal of India Air Force is the highest rank attainable in the air force, equivalent of Army Field Marshal.
MIAF, a five-star rank is ranked immediately above the Chief of Air Staff.
This prestigious rank has been conferred on only one individual till date, i.e. Arjan Singh, DFC.
It is mostly awarded in a ceremonial capacity. MIAFs are ranked immediately above the Chief of Air Staff. Arjan Singh was a 1965 war hero but served in many other wars including WW-II.
Admiral of Fleet- Indian Navy
The equivalent of the Army's Field Marshal and the Air Force's Marshal of the Indian Air Force, Admiral of the Fleet is the highest attainable rank in the naval force. This Five Star rank is primarily conferred in wartime and honourary capacity.
This post has not been conferred on any individual yet in the country.
The highest rank is the Chief of the Naval Staff, the office of which is currently being served by Admiral Robin K Dhowan.
We cannot compensate for their sacrifices and measure their bravery but can only recognise their efforts.
