robot: Create/update articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page. |
further correct intro per sources additionally and updated info per standard format |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Mechanised infantry arm of the Indian Army}} | |||
{{For|the Sri Lankan Army regiment|Mechanized Infantry Regiment}} | {{For|the Sri Lankan Army regiment|Mechanized Infantry Regiment}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2013}} | {{Use Indian English|date=May 2013}} | ||
{{Infobox military unit | {{Infobox military unit | ||
| unit_name = Mechanised Infantry Regiment | | unit_name = Mechanised Infantry Regiment | ||
| native_name = | | native_name = | ||
| image = Mechanised Infantry Regiment Insignia (India).svg | | image = Mechanised Infantry Regiment Insignia (India).svg | ||
| image_size = 150px | | image_size = 150px | ||
| alt = | | alt = | ||
| caption = Regimental insignia: A rifle bayonet mounted on a [[BMP-1]], depicting the infantry and mechanised facets of the Regiment | | caption = Regimental insignia: A rifle bayonet mounted on a [[BMP-1]], depicting the infantry and mechanised facets of the Regiment | ||
| dates = 02 April 1979 - present | | dates = 02 April 1979 - present | ||
| disbanded = | | disbanded = | ||
| country = {{flag|India}} | | country = {{flag|India}} | ||
| allegiance = | | allegiance = | ||
| branch = {{army|India}} | | branch = {{army|India}} | ||
| type = Line infantry | | type = Line infantry | ||
| role = | | role = [[Mechanized Infantry]] | ||
| size = 27 battalions | | size = 27 battalions | ||
| command_structure = | | command_structure = | ||
| garrison = [[ | | garrison = [[Ahilya Nagar]], [[Maharashtra]] | ||
| garrison_label = Regimental centre | | garrison_label = Regimental centre | ||
| nickname = | | nickname = | ||
| patron = | | patron = | ||
| motto = '' | | motto = ''FAITH & VALOUR''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/IaSouthern/status/1438553989784608774|title=Attestation Parade to mark entry of 241 recruits into Indian Army as Young Soldiers was held on 16 Sep 2021 at The Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre, MIRC Ahmednagar.|date=2021-09-16|access-date=2021-10-04}}</ref> | ||
| colors = [[File:Mech Inf India Flag.jpg|100px]] | | colors = [[File:Mech Inf India Flag.jpg|100px]] | ||
| colors_label = Regimental flag | | colors_label = Regimental flag | ||
| march = | | march = | ||
| mascot = | | mascot = | ||
| anniversaries = | | anniversaries = | ||
| equipment = | | equipment = | ||
| equipment_label = | | equipment_label = | ||
| battles = | | battles = | ||
| battles_label = | | battles_label = | ||
| decorations = | | decorations = | ||
| battle_honours = | | battle_honours = | ||
| battle_honours_label = | | battle_honours_label = | ||
| flying_hours = | | flying_hours = | ||
| website = | | website = <!-- Commanders --> | ||
<!-- Commanders --> | | current_commander = | ||
| current_commander = | | commander1 = [[Lieutenant General (India)|Lt Gen]] PS Shekawat<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/223002.pdf|title=Gazette of India No 45|date=2020-11-07|access-date=2020-11-24}}</ref> | ||
| commander1 = Lt Gen PS Shekawat<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/223002.pdf|title=Gazette of India No 45|date=2020-11-07|access-date=2020-11-24}}</ref> | | commander1_label = Colonel of the Regiment | ||
| commander1_label = | | commander2 = | ||
| commander2 = | | commander2_label = | ||
| commander2_label = | | commander3 = | ||
| commander3 = | | commander3_label = | ||
| commander3_label = | | commander4 = | ||
| commander4 = | | commander4_label = | ||
| commander4_label = | | commander5 = | ||
| commander5 = | | commander5_label = | ||
| commander5_label = | | commander6 = | ||
| commander6 = | | commander6_label = | ||
| commander6_label = | | commander7 = | ||
| commander7 = | | commander7_label = | ||
| commander7_label = | | commander8 = | ||
| commander8 = | | commander8_label = | ||
| commander8_label = | | commander9 = | ||
| commander9 = | | commander9_label = | ||
| commander9_label = | | notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia --> | ||
| notable_commanders = | | identification_symbol = ''Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Victory to Mother India)'' | ||
<!-- Insignia --> | | identification_symbol_label = War cry | ||
| identification_symbol = ''Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Victory to Mother India)'' | | identification_symbol_2 = | ||
| identification_symbol_label = War cry | | identification_symbol_2_label = | ||
| identification_symbol_2 = | | identification_symbol_3 = | ||
| identification_symbol_2_label = | | identification_symbol_3_label = | ||
| identification_symbol_3 = | | identification_symbol_4 = | ||
| identification_symbol_3_label = | | identification_symbol_4_label = | ||
| identification_symbol_4 = | | identification_symbol_5 = | ||
| identification_symbol_4_label = | | identification_symbol_5_label = | ||
| identification_symbol_5 = | | identification_symbol_6 = | ||
| identification_symbol_5_label = | | identification_symbol_6_label = <!-- Aircraft --> | ||
| identification_symbol_6 = | | aircraft_attack = | ||
| identification_symbol_6_label = | | aircraft_bomber = | ||
<!-- Aircraft --> | | aircraft_electronic = | ||
| aircraft_attack = | | aircraft_fighter = | ||
| aircraft_bomber = | | aircraft_helicopter = | ||
| aircraft_electronic = | | aircraft_helicopter_attack = | ||
| aircraft_fighter = | | aircraft_helicopter_cargo = | ||
| aircraft_helicopter = | | aircraft_helicopter_multirole = | ||
| aircraft_helicopter_attack = | | aircraft_helicopter_observation = | ||
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo = | | aircraft_helicopter_trainer = | ||
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = | | aircraft_helicopter_utility = | ||
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = | | aircraft_interceptor = | ||
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer = | | aircraft_patrol = | ||
| aircraft_helicopter_utility = | | aircraft_recon = | ||
| aircraft_interceptor = | | aircraft_trainer = | ||
| aircraft_patrol = | | aircraft_transport = | ||
| aircraft_recon = | | aircraft_tanker = | ||
| aircraft_trainer = | | aircraft_general = | ||
| aircraft_transport = | |||
| aircraft_tanker = | |||
| aircraft_general = | |||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Mechanised Infantry Regiment''' is an [[infantry]] [[regiment]] of the [[Indian Army]], comprising 27 battalions dispersed under various armoured formations throughout India. Together with the | The '''Mechanised Infantry Regiment''' is an [[infantry]] [[regiment]] of the [[Indian Army]], comprising 27 battalions (including 3 tracked and 2 wheeled reconnaissance and support battalions) dispersed under various armoured formations throughout India. Together with the 23 battalions of [[Brigade of the Guards]], they form part of the ''Mechanised Infantry'' arm, which along with the [[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]] form the Mechanised Forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/4-new-mechanised-battalions-for-army-349271|title=4 new mechanised battalions for Army|date=2017-01-12|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment is one of the youngest regiments in the army and was the mastermind of [[Krishnaswamy Sundarji|General K Sundarji]], who had the foresight to cater to the needs of a modern army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=189859|title=Second General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture|date=2019-04-27|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> After the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], a need was felt to give infantry battalions greater mobility, especially when operating with armoured formations. In 1969, 1st Madras became the first infantry unit to be equipped with the [[ | The Mechanised Infantry Regiment is one of the youngest regiments in the army and was the mastermind of [[Krishnaswamy Sundarji|General K Sundarji]], who had the foresight to cater to the needs of a modern army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=189859|title=Second General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture|date=2019-04-27|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> After the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]], a need was felt to give infantry battalions greater mobility, especially when operating with armoured formations. In 1969, 1st Madras became the first infantry unit to be equipped with the [[armoured personnel carrier]] (APC) [[OT-62 TOPAS|TOPAS]]. In 1970, nine more of the oldest battalions from various infantry regiments were equipped with APCs, these included TOPAS, [[OT-64 SKOT|SKOT]] and [[BTR-60]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://salute.co.in/raising-of-the-mechanised-infantry-regiment/|title=RAISING OF THE MECHANISED INFANTRY REGIMENT|date=2017-09-10|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> These battalions remained affiliated with their erstwhile Infantry Regiments and Regimental Centres and did not form a separate regiment. Eventually, fourteen old infantry battalions were mechanised.<ref name="Infantry">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/infantry-regiments-the-cutting-edge-of-soldiering/0/|title=Infantry Regiments: The cutting edge of Soldiering|date=2018-01-24|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref><ref name="IA">{{cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=a6ojAr7FSFAgvNAVrQMY4A==&ParentID=EAdr3F/pgLnf+YStJqXDDg==|title=Mech Inf Brief History|date=|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> | ||
During the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], some of these battalions saw action as part of combat groupings with [[Indian Army Armoured Corps|armoured units]] for the first time. | During the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], some of these battalions saw action as part of combat groupings with [[Indian Army Armoured Corps|armoured units]] for the first time. | ||
The APCs were replaced with [[BMP-1]] Infantry Combat Vehicles between 1977 and 1978. The need for something more concrete and viable was felt, along with a need to develop a common battle and training philosophy with regards to the type of tactics. This necessitated the raising a totally new arm in the Indian Army, resulting in the various mechanised battalions being brought together under a single [[cap badge]] as the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, which was raised with fourteen battalions on 2 April 1979 and the affairs of the regiment were transferred from Directorate General of Infantry to Armoured Corps Directorate, which was renamed the Directorate General Mechanised Forces in 1986. Gen K Sundarji was appointed the first Colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, the post he held till his retirement.<ref name="Infantry"/><ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Units/Infantry/99-Mechanised.html Bharat Rakshak :: Land Forces Site - The Mechanised Infantry Regiment<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126113816/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Units/Infantry/99-Mechanised.html |date=2012-01-26 }}</ref> | The APCs were replaced with [[BMP-1]] Infantry Combat Vehicles between 1977 and 1978. The need for something more concrete and viable was felt, along with a need to develop a common battle and training philosophy with regards to the type of tactics. This necessitated the raising a totally new arm in the Indian Army, resulting in the various mechanised battalions being brought together under a single [[cap badge]] as the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, which was raised with fourteen battalions on 2 April 1979 and the affairs of the regiment were transferred from Directorate General of Infantry to Armoured Corps Directorate, which was renamed the Directorate General Mechanised Forces in 1986. Gen K Sundarji was appointed the first Colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, the post he held till his retirement.<ref name="Infantry"/><ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Units/Infantry/99-Mechanised.html Bharat Rakshak :: Land Forces Site - The Mechanised Infantry Regiment<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126113816/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Units/Infantry/99-Mechanised.html |date=2012-01-26 }}</ref> | ||
[[File:Stamp of India - 1988 - Colnect 165238 - The Mechanised Infantry Regiment.jpeg|thumb|305x305px|1988 postal stamp]] | [[File:Stamp of India - 1988 - Colnect 165238 - The Mechanised Infantry Regiment.jpeg|thumb|305x305px|1988 postal stamp]] | ||
| Line 101: | Line 99: | ||
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment has been involved in [[Operation Pawan]] in Sri Lanka, [[Operation Rakshak]] in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and [[Kashmir|Jammu & Kashmir]] and [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]] in Jammu & Kashmir. It also took part in UN Peacekeeping Operations in [[Somalia]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]], [[Angola]] and [[Sierra Leone]].The Regiment is affiliated to the Indian Naval Ship [[INS Gharial (L23)|Gharial]].<ref name="Infantry"/><ref name=autogenerated1/> | The Mechanised Infantry Regiment has been involved in [[Operation Pawan]] in Sri Lanka, [[Operation Rakshak]] in [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and [[Kashmir|Jammu & Kashmir]] and [[Operation Vijay (1999)|Operation Vijay]] in Jammu & Kashmir. It also took part in UN Peacekeeping Operations in [[Somalia]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]], [[Angola]] and [[Sierra Leone]].The Regiment is affiliated to the Indian Naval Ship [[INS Gharial (L23)|Gharial]].<ref name="Infantry"/><ref name=autogenerated1/> | ||
[[File:Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre.jpg|thumb|Attestation Parade at The Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre, Ahmednagar, September 2021. The regimental insignia and flag can be seen in the background.]] | |||
[[ | ==Mechanised Infantry Institutions== | ||
===Mechanised Infantry Centre and School=== | |||
The ''Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC)'' was established on 2 April 1979 at [[Ahmednagar]] and it is spread over 2179 acres. It trains approximately 950 recruits annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://punekarnews.in/mechanised-infantry-regimental-centre-ahmednagar/|title=MECHANISED INFANTRY REGIMENTAL CENTRE- AHMEDNAGAR|date=23 September 2015|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref> It has three training battalions: Infantry Training Battalion, Composite Training Battalion and Driving and Maintenance Battalion.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://salute.co.in/raising-of-the-mechanised-infantry-regimental-centre/|title = Raising of the Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre|date = 10 September 2017}}</ref> It was renamed as the ''Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MIC&S)'' on 17 September 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2016955|title=Raising Day of MECH INF Centre and School (MIC&S), Ahmednagar|date=2024-04-02|access-date=2024-11-05}}</ref> In addition to the troops from the Mechanised Infantry, those from the Brigade of the Guards undergo their 'mechanised' training at the MIC&S. MIC&S offers eight diploma courses and four post graduate diploma courses under the [[Savitribai Phule Pune University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bcud.unipune.ac.in/utilities/college_search/IAAA019870_ENG/Pune_University_College?id=college_search&sid=IAAA019870_ENG|title=College Details|access-date=2024-11-25}}</ref> | |||
===Quarter Guard=== | ===Quarter Guard=== | ||
The Quarter Guard of the MIRC was created on 9 August 1979 during the first biennial conference. After the sanction of KLP, the present Quarter Guard was conceptualised in half circular area with front wide platform. The new Quarter Guard was completed in 1986. The Quarter Guard has 18 internal rooms as well as an armour shop and a guard room. To the right and left side of the guard are two guns and two cannons that symbolise the strength of soldiers.<ref name=":0"/> | The Quarter Guard of the MIRC was created on 9 August 1979 during the first biennial conference. After the sanction of KLP, the present Quarter Guard was conceptualised in half circular area with front wide platform. The new Quarter Guard was completed in 1986. The Quarter Guard has 18 internal rooms as well as an armour shop and a guard room. To the right and left side of the guard are two guns and two cannons that symbolise the strength of soldiers.<ref name=":0"/> | ||
| Line 112: | Line 110: | ||
===Military Band=== | ===Military Band=== | ||
{{See also|Indian military bands}} | {{See also|Indian military bands}} | ||
The MIRC Band is based at [[Ahmednagar]] and serves all regimental duties related to musical support. The band was formed during April 1982 under the auspices of Brigadier Tilak Raj. The band has held the honour of performing at national events such as the [[Beating Retreat]], [[Army Day (India)|Army]] and [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day Parades]], as well as events at the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]]. It also has performed at the [[2007 Military World Games]], the [[2010 Commonwealth Games]], and the 2001 [[Mumbai]] International Fleet Review among others.<ref name=":0" /> | The MIRC Band is based at [[Ahmednagar]] and serves all regimental duties related to musical support. The band was formed during April 1982 under the auspices of Brigadier Tilak Raj. The band has held the honour of performing at national events such as the [[Beating Retreat]], [[Army Day (India)|Army]] and [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day Parades]], as well as events at the [[Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi|Rashtrapati Bhavan]]. It also has performed at the [[2007 Military World Games]], the [[2010 Commonwealth Games]], and the 2001 [[Mumbai]] International Fleet Review among others.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
[[File:The Carrier Mortar Tracked Vehicle gliding down the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade - 2006, in New Delhi on January 26, 2006.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The Carrier Mortar Tracked Vehicle gliding down the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade, 2006|alt=|right]] | [[File:The Carrier Mortar Tracked Vehicle gliding down the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade - 2006, in New Delhi on January 26, 2006.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The Carrier Mortar Tracked Vehicle gliding down the Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade, 2006|alt=|right]] | ||
| Line 119: | Line 117: | ||
==Equipment== | ==Equipment== | ||
* [[BMP-2]] Infantry Fighting Vehicles | * [[BMP-2]] Infantry Fighting Vehicles | ||
* [[TATA Kestrel]] | |||
* [[TATA Kestrel]] | |||
[[File:The Mechanised Infantry Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The Mechanised Infantry Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017|alt=|right]] | [[File:The Mechanised Infantry Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.jpg|thumb|305x305px| The Mechanised Infantry Marching Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017|alt=|right]] | ||
{| class="wikitable" | == Regimental battalions == | ||
|+ | [[File:NAMIS Republic day parade 2023.jpg|thumb|right|Nag Missile System, (17th Battalion, Mechanised Infantry Regiment), Republic Day Parade, 2023]] | ||
|- | The Mechanised Infantry Regiment consists of units designated as ''battalions''. Each battalion consists of four [[Company (military unit)|companies]] - Headquarter Company and three Mechanised Companies. In addition, there are [[Platoon|platoons]] - Reconnaissance (recce), [[Indian Army Corps of Signals|Signals]], Adm Medium and [[Indian Army Corps of EME|Light Repair Workshop]]. The sanctioned strength of a battalion is 805 personnel (26 Officers, 52 [[Junior commissioned officer|JCOs]], 6 technical JCOs/[[Havildar|CHMs]] and 721 [[Other ranks|ORs]]. The battalions are operational under Armoured Divisions, Armoured Brigades or Independent Mechanised Brigades.<ref name="Bn">{{cite web|url=https://www.aftdelhi.nic.in/assets/judgement/2013/OA/OA-331-2012%20Col%20LC%20Dahiya%20Vs%20Union%20Of%20India%20%20Ors.pdf|title=Details of Bns|date=2013-04-26|access-date=2021-11-05}}</ref> | ||
! Unit !! Date of raising !! Former designation!! Battle honours!! Remarks | |||
|- | |||
| | The current battalions are as follows-<ref name=autogenerated1 /><ref name="Bn"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=aOi13gezHU0QkiJHiLla2g==&ParentID=2JqMxmp1oIgvB2p4thtXBA==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=RAISING DAYS AND BATTLE HONOURS : MECH BATTALIONS|date=|access-date=2022-04-09}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/27th-mechanised-infantry-battalion-new-chapter-added-to-indian-army-4763104/|title=27th Mechanised Infantry Battalion: New chapter added to Indian Army|date=2017-07-23|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2017-07-23|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
|- | |||
| | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|- | |+ | ||
| | |- | ||
! Unit !! Date of raising !! Date of conversion to Mechanised !! Former designation(s)!! Battle honours!! Remarks | |||
|- | |||
| 1st Battalion || 01 Dec 1776|| 01 Dec 1969 || 1st Battalion, [[Madras Regiment]] ||Kalidhar || | |||
|- | |||
| 2nd Battalion || 09 Nov 1803 || 15 Aug 1970|| 1st Battalion, [[Jat Regiment]] (Light Infantry) || Festubert || | |||
|- | |||
| 3rd Battalion || 19 Feb 1824 || 14 June 1971 ||1st Battalion, [[8 Gorkha Rifles]] || Chushul || | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 4th Battalion || 30 Jul 1846 || 15 May 1970 || 1st Battalion, [[Sikh Regiment]] || Tithwal || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 5th Battalion || 28 Dec 1852 || 01 May 1978 || 4th Gwalior Infantry; 14th Battalion, [[Kumaon Regiment]] || OP Hill || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 6th Battalion || 05 May 1887 || 15 Jun 1970 ||1st Battalion, [[Garhwal Rifles]] || Gadra City || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 7th Battalion || 30 May 1887 || 15 Apr 1970 || [[37th Dogras]]; 1st Battalion, [[Dogra Regiment]] || Asal Uttar || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 8th Battalion ||05 May 1941 || 11 Aug 1971 || 7th Battalion, [[2nd Punjab Regiment]]; 7th Battalion, [[Punjab Regiment (India)|Punjab Regiment]] || Ichhogil || First unit to be equipped with [[BMP-1]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 9th Battalion || 01 Apr 1949 || 11 Aug 1971 || 7th Battalion, [[The Grenadiers]] || Chhadbet || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 10th Battalion || 27 May 1949 || 11 Aug 1971 ||20th Battalion, [[Maratha Light Infantry]] || Bejai || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 11th Battalion || 11 Feb 1953 || 11 Aug 1971 || 18th Battalion, [[Rajputana Rifles]] || Basantar River || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 12th Battalion || 01 Jan 1965 || 16 Nov 1975 || 8th Battalion, [[Parachute Regiment (India)|Parachute Regiment]]; 16th Battalion, [[Mahar Regiment]] || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 13th Battalion || 01 Jan 1965 || 02 Apr 1981 || 18th Battalion, [[Rajput Regiment]] || Akhaura || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 14th Battalion || 01 Sep 1976 || 16 Jan 1981 || 16th Battalion, [[Jammu & Kashmir Rifles]] || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 15th Battalion || 15 Dec 1981 || || || || First battalion to be raised directly as Mechanised Infantry | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 16th Battalion || 01 Jan 1982 || || || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 17th Battalion || 15 Nov 1982 || || || || Reconnaissance & Support (Tracked) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 18th Battalion || 01 Mar 1983 || || || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 19th Battalion || 15 Sep 1983 || || || || Reconnaissance & Support (Tracked) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 20th Battalion || 01 Mar 1984 || || || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 21st Battalion || 01 Mar 1984 || || || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 22nd Battalion || 01 Mar 1984 || || || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 23rd Battalion || 11 Feb 1985 || || || || Reconnaissance & Support (Wheeled) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 24th Battalion || 26 Jan 1954 || 05 Dec 1971 || 20th Battalion, [[Rajput Regiment]] || Khinsar || Reconnaissance & Support (Tracked) {{refn|group=nb|The unit claims to trace its origins to 1212 CE, it was later part of the Indian State Forces, joined the Indian Army in April 1951 and was designated part of the Rajput Regiment in January 1954.}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 25th Battalion || 25 Jun 1994 || || || || Reconnaissance & Support (Wheeled) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 26th Battalion || ? 2015 || || || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | 27th Battalion || 17 Jul 2017 || || || || | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Gallantry awards== | |||
The regiment has won the following gallantry awards since its establishment in 1979<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebVsDC8mGJo|title=Mechanised Infantry: A Regiment Born from Battle|website=[[YouTube]] |date=6 September 2024 |access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> - | |||
{{Incomplete list|date=November 2024}} | |||
*[[Maha Vir Chakra]] - 1 | |||
**Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari - 2 Mech Inf attached to [[The Grenadiers|18 Grenadiers]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/1502|title=Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
*[[Kirti Chakra]] - 2 | |||
**Captain Hardev Singh<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/3226|title=Captain Hardev Singh|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
**Sepoy Daya Shankar - [[Rashtriya Rifles|14 RR]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/3323|title=Sep Daya Shankar|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
*[[Uttam Yudh Seva Medal]] - 2 | |||
*[[Vir Chakra]] - 1 | |||
**Second Lieutenant Satish Kumar Prabhakaran Menon - 15 Mech Inf<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gallantryawards.gov.in/awardee/2597|title=2/Lt Satish Kumar Prabhakaran Menon|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref> | |||
*[[Shaurya Chakra]] - 19 | |||
*[[Yudh Seva Medal]] - 4 | |||
*[[Sena Medal]] - 87 | |||
==Notable Officers== | |||
*Lieutenant General K Surendra Nath {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C [[Army Training Command]], 2011-13<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hillpost.in/2010/12/lt-gen-k-surendra-nath-takes-charge-of-artrac/25482/|title=LT Gen K Surendra Nath takes charge of ARTRAC – Hill Post|date=31 December 2010|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General [[Philip Campose]] {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|AVSM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C [[Western Command (India)|Western Command]], 2013-14 and [[Vice Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Vice Chief of the Army Staff]], 2014-15<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/keralite-is-chief-of-western-army-command/article4870513.ece|title=Keralite is chief of Western Army Command|date=2013-07-02|work=The Hindu|access-date=2024-11-22|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General [[P M Hariz|PM Hariz]] {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|SM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Army Training Command, 2015-16 and GOC-in-C [[Southern Command (India)|Southern Command]], 2016-17<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/lt-gen-hariz-retires-after-39-yr-service/articleshow/61871527.cms|title=Lieutenant General Hariz retires after 39-yr service|newspaper=The Times of India |date=2017-12-01|access-date=2024-11-22}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General [[Pattacheruvanda C. Thimayya|PC Thimayya]] {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Army Training Command, 2018-20<ref>{{cite web |title=Lt Gen Thimmaya takes over as GoC Army Training Command, Shimla |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/lt-gen-thimmaya-takes-over-as-goc-army-training-command-shimla/articleshow/66457073.cms?from=mdr |website=The Economic Times |date=1 November 2018|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
*Lieutenant General [[Ravendra Pal Singh (general)|Ravendra Pal Singh]] {{small|{{post-nominals|country=IND|sep=,|PVSM|AVSM|VSM}}}} - GOC-in-C Western Command, 2019-21<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/lt-gen-ravindra-pal-singh-is-next-goc-in-c-western-command-to-take-over-on-oct-1-5843428/|title=Lt Gen Ravindra Pal Singh is next GOC-in-C Western Command, to take over on Oct 1|date=23 July 2019|work=The Indian Express|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | |||
* [[List of regiments of the Indian Army]] | |||
==External Media== | ==External Media== | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Uqbfh7n_E Indian Army Mechanised Infantry] describing the weapons, vehicle and soldiers | * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1Uqbfh7n_E Indian Army Mechanised Infantry] describing the weapons, vehicle and soldiers | ||
* [http://www.warbirds.in/galleries/wr/Maharashtra/Ahmednagar/MIRC Images of the Mechanised Infantry] showing the combat vehicles. | * [http://www.warbirds.in/galleries/wr/Maharashtra/Ahmednagar/MIRC Images of the Mechanised Infantry] showing the combat vehicles. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
{{reflist|group=nb}} | {{reflist|group=nb}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:44, 1 December 2025
| Mechanised Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
.svg) Regimental insignia: A rifle bayonet mounted on a BMP-1, depicting the infantry and mechanised facets of the Regiment | |
| Active | 02 April 1979 - present |
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Army |
| Type | Line infantry |
| Role | Mechanized Infantry |
| Size | 27 battalions |
| Regimental centre | Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra |
| Motto(s) | FAITH & VALOUR[1] |
| Regimental flag |  |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel of the Regiment | Lt Gen PS Shekawat[2] |
| Insignia | |
| War cry | Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Victory to Mother India) |
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, comprising 27 battalions (including 3 tracked and 2 wheeled reconnaissance and support battalions) dispersed under various armoured formations throughout India. Together with the 23 battalions of Brigade of the Guards, they form part of the Mechanised Infantry arm, which along with the Armoured Corps form the Mechanised Forces.[3]
History[edit | edit source]
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment is one of the youngest regiments in the army and was the mastermind of General K Sundarji, who had the foresight to cater to the needs of a modern army.[4] After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, a need was felt to give infantry battalions greater mobility, especially when operating with armoured formations. In 1969, 1st Madras became the first infantry unit to be equipped with the armoured personnel carrier (APC) TOPAS. In 1970, nine more of the oldest battalions from various infantry regiments were equipped with APCs, these included TOPAS, SKOT and BTR-60.[5] These battalions remained affiliated with their erstwhile Infantry Regiments and Regimental Centres and did not form a separate regiment. Eventually, fourteen old infantry battalions were mechanised.[6][7]
During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, some of these battalions saw action as part of combat groupings with armoured units for the first time. The APCs were replaced with BMP-1 Infantry Combat Vehicles between 1977 and 1978. The need for something more concrete and viable was felt, along with a need to develop a common battle and training philosophy with regards to the type of tactics. This necessitated the raising a totally new arm in the Indian Army, resulting in the various mechanised battalions being brought together under a single cap badge as the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, which was raised with fourteen battalions on 2 April 1979 and the affairs of the regiment were transferred from Directorate General of Infantry to Armoured Corps Directorate, which was renamed the Directorate General Mechanised Forces in 1986. Gen K Sundarji was appointed the first Colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, the post he held till his retirement.[6][8]
The regiment saw a rapid expansion in the 1980s. Mechanised infantry battalions numbered 15 to 26 have been raised on all-India mixed class composition, unlike the older units, which were single class ones. The only exception was 20 Rajput, which joined the regiment as the 24th battalion in April 1992.[7] The Mechanised Infantry Regiment has been involved in Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Rakshak in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir and Operation Vijay in Jammu & Kashmir. It also took part in UN Peacekeeping Operations in Somalia, Congo, Angola and Sierra Leone.The Regiment is affiliated to the Indian Naval Ship Gharial.[6][8]
Mechanised Infantry Institutions[edit | edit source]
Mechanised Infantry Centre and School[edit | edit source]
The Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre (MIRC) was established on 2 April 1979 at Ahmednagar and it is spread over 2179 acres. It trains approximately 950 recruits annually.[9] It has three training battalions: Infantry Training Battalion, Composite Training Battalion and Driving and Maintenance Battalion.[10] It was renamed as the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MIC&S) on 17 September 2021.[11] In addition to the troops from the Mechanised Infantry, those from the Brigade of the Guards undergo their 'mechanised' training at the MIC&S. MIC&S offers eight diploma courses and four post graduate diploma courses under the Savitribai Phule Pune University.[12]
Quarter Guard[edit | edit source]
The Quarter Guard of the MIRC was created on 9 August 1979 during the first biennial conference. After the sanction of KLP, the present Quarter Guard was conceptualised in half circular area with front wide platform. The new Quarter Guard was completed in 1986. The Quarter Guard has 18 internal rooms as well as an armour shop and a guard room. To the right and left side of the guard are two guns and two cannons that symbolise the strength of soldiers.[10]
Military Band[edit | edit source]
The MIRC Band is based at Ahmednagar and serves all regimental duties related to musical support. The band was formed during April 1982 under the auspices of Brigadier Tilak Raj. The band has held the honour of performing at national events such as the Beating Retreat, Army and Republic Day Parades, as well as events at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It also has performed at the 2007 Military World Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and the 2001 Mumbai International Fleet Review among others.[10]
Regimental museum[edit | edit source]
The MIRC Museum was founded and inaugurated on 9 February 2000 by Lieutenant General Pankaj Joshi, the then Colonel of the regiment. The museum is currently housed at the ground floor of Mechanised Bhavan. The museum houses the regimental colour, as well as the history if the MIRC and mementos from Colonels of the regiment.[10]
Equipment[edit | edit source]
- BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles
- TATA Kestrel
Regimental battalions[edit | edit source]
The Mechanised Infantry Regiment consists of units designated as battalions. Each battalion consists of four companies - Headquarter Company and three Mechanised Companies. In addition, there are platoons - Reconnaissance (recce), Signals, Adm Medium and Light Repair Workshop. The sanctioned strength of a battalion is 805 personnel (26 Officers, 52 JCOs, 6 technical JCOs/CHMs and 721 ORs. The battalions are operational under Armoured Divisions, Armoured Brigades or Independent Mechanised Brigades.[13]
The current battalions are as follows-[8][13][14][15]
| Unit | Date of raising | Date of conversion to Mechanised | Former designation(s) | Battle honours | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Battalion | 01 Dec 1776 | 01 Dec 1969 | 1st Battalion, Madras Regiment | Kalidhar | |
| 2nd Battalion | 09 Nov 1803 | 15 Aug 1970 | 1st Battalion, Jat Regiment (Light Infantry) | Festubert | |
| 3rd Battalion | 19 Feb 1824 | 14 June 1971 | 1st Battalion, 8 Gorkha Rifles | Chushul | |
| 4th Battalion | 30 Jul 1846 | 15 May 1970 | 1st Battalion, Sikh Regiment | Tithwal | |
| 5th Battalion | 28 Dec 1852 | 01 May 1978 | 4th Gwalior Infantry; 14th Battalion, Kumaon Regiment | OP Hill | |
| 6th Battalion | 05 May 1887 | 15 Jun 1970 | 1st Battalion, Garhwal Rifles | Gadra City | |
| 7th Battalion | 30 May 1887 | 15 Apr 1970 | 37th Dogras; 1st Battalion, Dogra Regiment | Asal Uttar | |
| 8th Battalion | 05 May 1941 | 11 Aug 1971 | 7th Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment; 7th Battalion, Punjab Regiment | Ichhogil | First unit to be equipped with BMP-1 |
| 9th Battalion | 01 Apr 1949 | 11 Aug 1971 | 7th Battalion, The Grenadiers | Chhadbet | |
| 10th Battalion | 27 May 1949 | 11 Aug 1971 | 20th Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry | Bejai | |
| 11th Battalion | 11 Feb 1953 | 11 Aug 1971 | 18th Battalion, Rajputana Rifles | Basantar River | |
| 12th Battalion | 01 Jan 1965 | 16 Nov 1975 | 8th Battalion, Parachute Regiment; 16th Battalion, Mahar Regiment | ||
| 13th Battalion | 01 Jan 1965 | 02 Apr 1981 | 18th Battalion, Rajput Regiment | Akhaura | |
| 14th Battalion | 01 Sep 1976 | 16 Jan 1981 | 16th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles | ||
| 15th Battalion | 15 Dec 1981 | First battalion to be raised directly as Mechanised Infantry | |||
| 16th Battalion | 01 Jan 1982 | ||||
| 17th Battalion | 15 Nov 1982 | Reconnaissance & Support (Tracked) | |||
| 18th Battalion | 01 Mar 1983 | ||||
| 19th Battalion | 15 Sep 1983 | Reconnaissance & Support (Tracked) | |||
| 20th Battalion | 01 Mar 1984 | ||||
| 21st Battalion | 01 Mar 1984 | ||||
| 22nd Battalion | 01 Mar 1984 | ||||
| 23rd Battalion | 11 Feb 1985 | Reconnaissance & Support (Wheeled) | |||
| 24th Battalion | 26 Jan 1954 | 05 Dec 1971 | 20th Battalion, Rajput Regiment | Khinsar | Reconnaissance & Support (Tracked) [nb 1] |
| 25th Battalion | 25 Jun 1994 | Reconnaissance & Support (Wheeled) | |||
| 26th Battalion | ? 2015 | ||||
| 27th Battalion | 17 Jul 2017 |
Gallantry awards[edit | edit source]
The regiment has won the following gallantry awards since its establishment in 1979[16] -
- Maha Vir Chakra - 1
- Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari - 2 Mech Inf attached to 18 Grenadiers[17]
- Kirti Chakra - 2
- Uttam Yudh Seva Medal - 2
- Vir Chakra - 1
- Second Lieutenant Satish Kumar Prabhakaran Menon - 15 Mech Inf[20]
- Shaurya Chakra - 19
- Yudh Seva Medal - 4
- Sena Medal - 87
Notable Officers[edit | edit source]
- Lieutenant General K Surendra Nath PVSM, AVSM, VSM - GOC-in-C Army Training Command, 2011-13[21]
- Lieutenant General Philip Campose AVSM, VSM - GOC-in-C Western Command, 2013-14 and Vice Chief of the Army Staff, 2014-15[22]
- Lieutenant General PM Hariz PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM - GOC-in-C Army Training Command, 2015-16 and GOC-in-C Southern Command, 2016-17[23]
- Lieutenant General PC Thimayya PVSM, VSM - GOC-in-C Army Training Command, 2018-20[24]
- Lieutenant General Ravendra Pal Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM - GOC-in-C Western Command, 2019-21[25]
See also[edit | edit source]
External Media[edit | edit source]
- Indian Army Mechanised Infantry describing the weapons, vehicle and soldiers
- Images of the Mechanised Infantry showing the combat vehicles.
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The unit claims to trace its origins to 1212 CE, it was later part of the Indian State Forces, joined the Indian Army in April 1951 and was designated part of the Rajput Regiment in January 1954.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Attestation Parade to mark entry of 241 recruits into Indian Army as Young Soldiers was held on 16 Sep 2021 at The Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre, MIRC Ahmednagar". 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
- ↑ "Gazette of India No 45" (PDF). 2020-11-07. Retrieved 2020-11-24.
- ↑ "4 new mechanised battalions for Army". 2017-01-12. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
- ↑ "Second General K Sundarji Memorial Lecture". 2019-04-27. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
- ↑ "RAISING OF THE MECHANISED INFANTRY REGIMENT". 2017-09-10. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Infantry Regiments: The cutting edge of Soldiering". 2018-01-24. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Mech Inf Brief History". Retrieved 2022-04-09.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Bharat Rakshak :: Land Forces Site - The Mechanised Infantry Regiment Archived 2012-01-26 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ "MECHANISED INFANTRY REGIMENTAL CENTRE- AHMEDNAGAR". 23 September 2015. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Raising of the Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre". 10 September 2017.
- ↑ "Raising Day of MECH INF Centre and School (MIC&S), Ahmednagar". 2024-04-02. Retrieved 2024-11-05.
- ↑ "College Details". Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Details of Bns" (PDF). 2013-04-26. Retrieved 2021-11-05.
- ↑ "RAISING DAYS AND BATTLE HONOURS : MECH BATTALIONS". Retrieved 2022-04-09.
- ↑ "27th Mechanised Infantry Battalion: New chapter added to Indian Army". The Indian Express. 2017-07-23. Retrieved 2017-07-23.
- ↑ "Mechanised Infantry: A Regiment Born from Battle". YouTube. 6 September 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "Major Rajesh Singh Adhikari". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "Captain Hardev Singh". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "Sep Daya Shankar". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "2/Lt Satish Kumar Prabhakaran Menon". Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ↑ "LT Gen K Surendra Nath takes charge of ARTRAC – Hill Post". 31 December 2010. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ↑ "Keralite is chief of Western Army Command". The Hindu. 2013-07-02. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
- ↑ "Lieutenant General Hariz retires after 39-yr service". The Times of India. 2017-12-01. Retrieved 2024-11-22.
- ↑ "Lt Gen Thimmaya takes over as GoC Army Training Command, Shimla". The Economic Times. 1 November 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ↑ "Lt Gen Ravindra Pal Singh is next GOC-in-C Western Command, to take over on Oct 1". The Indian Express. 23 July 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
Template:Indian Army Arms and Services
