https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Army_Service_Corps_%28India%29Army Service Corps (India) - Revision history2026-10-26T19:31:35ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Army_Service_Corps_(India)&diff=476734&oldid=prevHeymfaizanali: starting the bio and citations2026-02-05T15:52:11Z<p>starting the bio and citations</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Logistics support arm of the Indian Army}}<br />
{{Infobox military unit<br />
| unit_name = Army Service Corps<br />
| image = File:Army Service Corps (India).png<br />
| image_size = 190px<br />
| caption = Crest of Army Service Corps<br />
| dates = 8 December 1760{{endash}}Present<br />
| country = {{UK}}<br>{{IND}}<br />
| allegiance = {{flag|British India}} (1760–1947)<br />{{flag|India}} (1947–Present)<br />
| branch = {{army|British India}}<br>{{army|India}}<br />
| type = <br />
| role = [[Military logistics|Military Logistics]]<br />
| command_structure = <br />
| garrison = Bengaluru, [[Karnataka]]<br />
| garrison_label = Regimental Centre<br />
| patron = <br />
| motto = ''Seva Asmākam Dharma'' ({{translation|Service is our creed}})<br />
| march = <br />
| mascot = <br />
| equipment = <br />
| equipment_label = <br />
| anniversaries = December 8 (Corps Raising Day)<br />
| battles = [[First World War]]<br />[[Second World War]]<br />[[Second Sino-Japanese War]]<br />[[Sino-Indian War|Sino-Indian War of 1962]]<br />[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]<br />[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]<br />[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]<br />[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1999]]<br />
| decorations = ''[[#Decorations|See below]]''<br />
| battle_honours =<br />
| commander1_label = Director General Supplies and Transport<br />
| commander1 = [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lieutenant General]] Mukesh Chadha, {{post nominals|country=IND|size=80%|AVSM|SM|VSM}}<br />
| commander2_label = Colonel Commandants<br />
| commander2 = {{plainlist|<br />
* [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lt Gen]] Mukesh Chadha, {{post nominals|country=IND|size=80%|AVSM|SM|VSM}} {{small|DGST & Senior Colonel Commandant}}<br />
* [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lt Gen]] Ajay Ramdev, {{post nominals|country=IND|size=80%|SM}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |url=https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2025/268912.pdf |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=egazette.gov.in |publisher=The Gazette of India |page=175}}</ref><br />
* [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lt Gen]] Harsh Chhiber, {{post nominals|country=IND|size=80%|AVSM|VSM}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Part I-Section 4: Ministry of Defence (Army Branch) |url=https://egazette.gov.in/WriteReadData/2025/268912.pdf |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=egazette.gov.in |publisher=The Gazette of India |page=176}}</ref><br />
}} <br />
| identification_symbol_label = Regimental Colors<br />
| identification_symbol = {{Color box|#000080}} Navy Blue<br>{{Color box|#FFFF00}} Yellow<br>{{Color box|#FFFFFF}} White<br />
| identification_symbol_2_label = Regimental Flag<br />
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Regimental Flag of ASC, Indian Army.png|130px]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The '''Army Service Corps''' ('''ASC''') is an [[Corps|administrative corps]] and an arm of the [[Indian Army]] which handles its [[Military logistics|logistic support]]. It is the oldest and the largest administrative service in the Indian Army. While the history of supply and transport services is as old as the history of organized warfare itself it was in 1760 that the very rudimentary supply and transport organizations of the three presidencies of the [[East India Company]] were brought under the council of a single authority.<ref>[https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=5HhSr/AG1H5RTyk5kRhwBw==&ParentID=yaIizpWdub5E+Z6omrga3Q== Army Service Corps]</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
[[File:Indian Mule Corps in Alexandria about to embark for Gallipoli, c. 1915.jpg|thumb|left|Indian Mule Corps in [[Alexandria]] about to embark for [[Gallipoli]], c. 1915]]<br />
[[File:Stamp of India - 1992 - Colnect 164330 - Army Service Corps - 1760 - 1992 - Commemoration.jpeg|left|thumb|1992 postal stamp]]<br />
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=== Pre Independence ===<br />
The origin of the corps go back to 1760 when a [[Commissariat]] used to exist in the administrative component of the armies three Presidencies of [[Bengal Presidency|Bengal]], [[Madras Presidency|Madras]] and [[Bombay Presidency|Bombay]]. In 1878 the separate Commissariats were amalgamated into a single entity and then in 1901 it was renamed the '''Supply and Transport Corps'''. During the [[First World War]] the corps became a permanent component of the [[British Indian Army]] and was renamed the '''Indian Army Service Corps''' in 1923. In 1935 the corps was granted the 'Royal' prefix and became known as '''Royal Indian Army Service Corps''' ('''RIASC'''). During the 2nd World War, the Corps once again demonstrated its tremendous capacity to persevere, adapt and evolve in the face of adversity. Its numbers swelled exponentially in Mechanical Transport, Animal Transport and Supply Units. The kind of expansion the Corps went through during the years of war, can be assessed from the fact that when the war ended, one sixth of the Indian Army was wearing Royal Indian Army Service Corps’ shoulder titles.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=259TH ARMY SERVICE CORPS DAY |url=https://www.facebook.com/EasternCommand.IndianArmy/posts/259th-army-service-corps-day-the-army-service-corps-is-the-oldest-and-the-larges/2427854660811946 |access-date=30 Oct 2025 |website=facebook.com}}</ref> Some units served in France during the [[Second World War]] and were [[Dunkirk evacuation|evacuated at Dunkirk]].<ref>{{Cite news | last = Bajwa | first = Mandeep Singh| title = Force K6: Indian troops in France | date = 19 May 2013 | work = Hindustan Times | url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/force-k6-indian-troops-in-france/story-Sqq8GVn7QELe6YFORD4tiL.html | access-date = 18 August 2017}}</ref>[[File:Passing out parade Army Service Corps Centre, Bengaluru.jpg|thumb|left|Passing out parade, Army Service Corps Centre, Bengaluru]]<br />
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=== Post Independence ===<br />
After India gained independence in 1947, the corps underwent further expansion and by 1948 Indian Catering Corps and Indian Army Corps of Clerks were amalgamated into the corps. The Food Testing Laboratories were also placed under the control of RIASC. On 26 January 1950, after India became a republic, the corps dropped the use of the 'Royal' prefix and became the Army Service Corps. On 08 Dec 1950, the President of India accorded sanction to the Corps to use the National Emblem in the Army Service Corps Badge and wear the Red Lanyard on the right shoulder, as recognition of its services. The first Corps Day was celebrated on 08 Dec 1952 and it has remained their Corps Day ever since.<ref name=":0" /> The new Corps Colours were presented by the then President of India Dr. [[Zakir Husain]] to the Corps on 8 December 1967 on the 207th Corps Anniversary at ASC Centre (South), Bangalore. Lt SSK Raheja had the rare and enviable privilege and honour of being selected as the Colour Ensign, he received the Corps Colours from the President. The second regimental Colours were presented on the occasion of Third Reunion by Gen OP Malhotra, COAS on 8 December 1979. In Oct 1975 the Corps song entitled 'Seva Corps Ke Jawan' was composed and recorded on a 45 RPM disc by HMV. The Corps song depicts in simple language the various facets of the Corps.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASC Colour And Song |url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/about/army-service-corps/corps-colour-and-song-army-service-corps |website=indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref><br />
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Since Independence, the ASC has taken part in operations in Kashmir, Nagaland, against the Chinese in Ladakh and NEFA in 1962 and against Pakistan in 1965 and 1971. The ASC has also been deeply involved with logistics for various low intensity conflict operations and counter insurgency operations. It took part in Indian Peace Keeping Force operations (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. During [[Kargil War|OP VIJAY]], the Corps provided logistic support in the difficult terrains of Kargil. 874 AT Battalion got unit citation in OP VIJAY for there exemplary services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the Army Service Corps |url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/about/army-service-corps/history-army-service-corps |website=indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref><br />
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=== The Corps Emblem and Motto ===<br />
The Corps emblem consists of the Ashoka Emblem at the top, the Ashoka Chakra in the center, a circular band encircling the Chakra, a laurel wreath and a scroll carrying the motto '<nowiki/>''Seva Asmakam Dharma''' . In 1950, the corps officially adopted '''Seva Asmakam Dharma''' meaning Service is our creed as its motto.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MOTTO OF THE ASC |url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/about/army-service-corps/motto-of-the-corps-army-service-corps |website=indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref><br />
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==Role==<br />
The ASC is mainly responsible for the provisioning, procurement and distribution of Supplies of food ration, fresh & dry edible items, FOL(Fuels, oil, lubricants), Hygiene Chemicals and items of Hospital Comforts to Army, Air Force and when required for Navy and other para military forces. The operation of Mechanical Transport except first line transport and fighting vehicles and the provision and operation of first and second line Animal Transport is also the responsibility of the ASC. The other responsibilities include carriage and distribution of ammunition including mines, forward of the Corps Maintenance Area in the field in case of plains, and forward of Divisional Maintenance Area in case of mountain formation, packing of commodities for supply, loading of aircraft and ejection of loads, training and provisioning of clerks for all branches of staff at formation headquarters and the training and provisioning of catering staff in the army. This Corps is a versatile one designed for the role with wide parameters for multifarious activities of immediate concern to the troops. The Corps also handle postal services in forward areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ROLE OF ARMY SERVICE CORPS |url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/about/army-service-corps/role-of-asc-army-service-corps |website=indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref><br />
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== Adventure activities ==<br />
The Corps is renowned for its esprit-de-corps, dare-devilry and spirit of adventure. The rider team of the Corps, popularly known as "''The'' ''Tornadoes''", is renowned for brilliant displays which have thrilled spectators on various important occasions including Republic Day Parades and Army Day Parades. The Tornadoes team has numerous World Records and Limca Book of records to their credit. They hold the world record of '''Most Men on a Single Moving Motorcycle''<nowiki/>' in which 58 riders travelled a distance of 1200m in 2 min 14 sec.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Most people on one motorcycle |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-people-on-one-motorcycle |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240510131735/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-people-on-one-motorcycle |archive-date=2024-05-10 |access-date=2026-01-21 |work=Guinness World Records |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Men on a Single Moving Motorcycle |url=https://www.uniqueworldrecords.com/records/posts/most-men-on-a-single-moving-motorcycle |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=www.uniqueworldrecords.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Indian Army Creates World Record With 58 Men On Single Motorcycle |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-army-creates-world-record-with-58-men-on-single-motorcycle-1778148 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114142335/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indian-army-creates-world-record-with-58-men-on-single-motorcycle-1778148 |archive-date=2025-11-14 |access-date=2026-01-21 |work=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref><br />
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In December 2024, the Tornadoes created three new world records in a single day to celebrate 264th ASC Corps Day.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Tornadoes' motorcycle team creates three new world records in single day to celebrate 264th ASC Corps Day |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/tornadoes-motorcycle-team-creates-three-new-world-records-in-single-day-to-celebrate-264th-asc-corps-day20241210211530/ |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=ANI News |language=en}}</ref> [[Subedar]] Pradeep SS set a world record for the longest backward ride on a motorcycle, covering a distance of 361.56 kilometers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Longest Backward Motorcycle Ride |url=https://www.uniqueworldrecords.com/records/posts/longest-backward-motorcycle-ride |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=www.uniqueworldrecords.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Havildar]] Manish broke the world record for the '<nowiki/>''Longest basic hands-free wheelie'<nowiki/>'' travelling 2.349 kilometers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Longest Hands-Free Motorcycle Wheelie |url=https://uniqueworldrecords.com/records/posts/longest-hands-free-motorcycle-wheelie |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=uniqueworldrecords.com |language=en}}</ref> and Sepoy Sumit Tomar created a new record for the '''Longest no-hands wheelie''<nowiki/>' covering a distance of 1,715.4 meters.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Longest no-hands motorcycle wheelie |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-no-hands-motorcycle-wheelie |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231204085427/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-no-hands-motorcycle-wheelie |archive-date=2023-12-04 |access-date=2026-01-21 |work=Guinness World Records |language=en-GB}}</ref><br />
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== Honours and decorations ==<br />
{{Incomplete list|date=January 2026}}<br />
The Corps has to its credit 17 [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal|PVSM]], 1 [[Maha Vir Chakra]], 5 [[Kirti Chakra]], 41 [[Ati Vishisht Seva Medal|AVSM]], 14 [[Vir Chakra]], 1 Ashok Chakra Class III*, 23 [[Shaurya Chakra]], 114 [[Sena Medal]] among various other decorations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honours and awards of the ASC |url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/about/army-service-corps/honours-and-awards-army-service-corps |access-date=21 Jan 2026 |website=indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref> Captain [[Neikezhakuo Kengurüse|Neikezhakuo Kenguruse]] was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] (Posthumous) for displaying indomitable resolve, inspiring leadership and self-sacrifice in the highest tradition of the Indian Army during [[Kargil War|Operation VIJAY]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=CAPTAIN NEIKEZHAKUO KENGURUSE |url=https://gallantryawards.gov.in/assets/uploads/styles/awardee_img/public/sites/default/files/Kenguruse_compressed-2022-06-27-0808-0606.pdf |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2026-01-21 |website=gallantryawards.gov.in}}</ref><br />
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== Notes ==<br />
1. * Ashoka Chakra Class III was later renamed as Shaurya Chakra.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MILITARY AWARDS |url=https://warb-mha.gov.in/pdf/awards.pdf}}</ref><br />
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== References ==<br />
<references/><br />
==External links==<br />
* [http://indianarmy.nic.in Official website] of the [[Indian Army]]<br />
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{{Indian_Army_Arms_and_Services}}<br />
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[[Category:Administrative corps of the Indian Army]]<br />
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1760]]</div>Heymfaizanali