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{{Short description|Military unit of the Indian Army}} | |||
{{EngvarB|date=March 2014}} | {{EngvarB|date=March 2014}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}} | ||
{{Infobox military unit | {{Infobox military unit | ||
|unit_name= Defence Security Corps | | unit_name = Defence Security Corps | ||
|image= DSC Insignia.svg | | image = File:DSC Insignia.svg | ||
|caption= [[Insignia]] of | | caption = [[Insignia]] of the '''DSC''' | ||
|dates= 25 February 1947 – Present | | dates = 25 February 1947 – Present | ||
|country={{flag icon|India}} [[India]] | | country = {{flag icon|India}} [[India]] | ||
|allegiance= | | allegiance = | ||
|branch= {{army|India}} | | branch = {{army|India}} | ||
|role= | | role = Protection and Security of Defence Installations | ||
|motto="Raksha Tatha Surkasha" | | motto = "Raksha Tatha Surkasha"| | ||
| garrison = [[Kannur]], [[Kerala]] | |||
|garrison_label=Regimental Centre | | garrison_label = Regimental Centre | ||
|anniversaries= 25 February | | anniversaries = 25 February | ||
|size= | | size = 30,000 to 40,000<ref>{{Cite web |last=M.K |first=Nidheesh |date=2016-02-13 |title=Defence Security Corps: India’s overlooked soldiers |url=https://www.livemint.com/Sundayapp/T6OokS2v0xB32qKFL9evdP/Defence-Security-Corps-Indias-overlooked-soldiers.html |access-date=2025-10-20 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> | ||
| Website = https://dsc.gov.in/About.aspx | |||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Defence Security Corps''' ('''DSC''') | The '''Defence Security Corps''' ('''DSC''') is corps of the [[Indian Army]] responsible for providing security cover to the defence installations of the three services (the [[Indian Army|Army]], the [[Indian Navy|Navy]], the [[Indian Air Force|Air Force]]) and other sensitive installations. The DSC troops are sanctioned and attached to various bases/installations to ensure protection against sabotage and pilferage.<ref name="DSCrole">{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=aw/UhtZ0gMiXTiOELhfKdg==&ParentID=W150Yfis3gVvGP/pJcV//w==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ== |title=DSC Role & Organisation, Indian Army website}}</ref> It is the sixth largest corps of the Army.<ref name= DSChistory >{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=cVyS3FVQr6N39QP4FGjgEg==&ParentID=5wmDekocmF5ThIB5RMPkWw==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=DSC History, Indian Army website}}</ref> | ||
Currently, the major sanction of DSC troops is for the Army and Air force installations. The Naval units and other user agencies have a sizeable deployment of this force.<ref name="DSCrole" /> DSC troops also provide security to some of the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], India's nuclear laboratories, and [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) establishments. | Currently, the major sanction of DSC troops is for the Army and Air force installations. The Naval units and other user agencies have a sizeable deployment of this force.<ref name="DSCrole" /> DSC troops also provide security to some of the [[Indian Ordnance Factories]], India's nuclear laboratories, and [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) establishments. | ||
The idea of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) like force dates back to the pre-independence era. Before World War II, the regular army units, garrison troops and watch and ward wings were tasked to provide security cover for various defence installations. Due to the problems faced in protecting the defence depots, factories, and other installations, a new organization dedicated to the protection and security of defence-related installations was found necessary, and approval of the Government of India was accorded on 25 Feb 1947. The Corps was initially formed as ‘Defence Department Constabulary’ on 25 April 1947 with police titles and badges of rank. In 1948, the force was renamed as '''Ministry of Defence Security Corps (MDSC)''' with military titles and badges of rank. In 1958, the force was reorganized and brought under Army Headquarters and re-designated as 'Defence Security Corps'. DSC troops are maintained on similar lines as army units. | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The idea of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) like force dates back to the pre-independence era. Before World War II, the regular army units, garrison troops, watch and ward wings, and chowkidars were tasked to provide security cover for various defence installations. Due to the problems faced in protecting the defence depots, factories, and other installations, a new organization dedicated to the protection and security of defence-related installations was found necessary, <ref name=DSCdetailed>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Sundayapp/T6OokS2v0xB32qKFL9evdP/Defence-Security-Corps-Indias-overlooked-soldiers.html|title= Defence Security Corps | The idea of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) like force dates back to the pre-independence era. Before World War II, the regular army units, garrison troops, watch and ward wings, and chowkidars were tasked to provide security cover for various defence installations. Due to the problems faced in protecting the defence depots, factories, and other installations, a new organization dedicated to the protection and security of defence-related installations was found necessary,<ref name=DSCdetailed>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Sundayapp/T6OokS2v0xB32qKFL9evdP/Defence-Security-Corps-Indias-overlooked-soldiers.html|title= Defence Security Corps India's overlooked soldiers|work=Mint|access-date=2021-04-08}}</ref> and approval of the Government of India was accorded on 25 Feb 1947. The Corps was initially formed as ‘Defence Department Constabulary’ on 25 April 1947 with police titles and badges of rank. In 1948, the force was renamed as ‘Ministry of Defence Security Corps (MDSC)’ with military titles and badges of rank.<ref name="DSChistory" /> In 1958, the force was reorganized and brought under Army Headquarters and re-designated as 'Defence Security Corps'. DSC troops are maintained on similar lines as army units. | ||
[[File:Statue at DSC Centre.png|thumb|Statue at DSC Centre, [[Kannur Cantonment]]. "Naam, Namak Aur Nishan," is an ethos that calls upon Indian soldiers to strive for the good name of their country, the salt that they have partaken and the glory of the national flag/regimental standard, to the extent of making the supreme sacrifice of their lives when required.]] | [[File:Statue at DSC Centre.png|thumb|Statue at DSC Centre, [[Kannur Cantonment]]. "Naam, Namak Aur Nishan," is an ethos that calls upon Indian soldiers to strive for the good name of their country, the salt that they have partaken and the glory of the national flag/regimental standard, to the extent of making the supreme sacrifice of their lives when required.]] | ||
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== Role & Function == | == Role & Function == | ||
The DSC troops serve throughout the country also in the areas designated as field, high altitude, or operational areas. The DSC personnel perform duties and functions of armed security staff, static guards, searchers, escorts, and mobile patrols by night and day. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=aw/UhtZ0gMiXTiOELhfKdg==&ParentID=W150Yfis3gVvGP/pJcV//w==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=DSC Role & Organisation, Indian Army website}}</ref> DSC soldiers clad in either police khaki or military camouflage. DSC troops mainly consists of superannuated soldiers and Territorial Army personnel joined via re-enrollment or lateral transfer. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.158.23/dsc_enrolment.htm|title=Defence Service Corps (DSC) Enrolment}}</ref> DSC personnel are armed, and equipped and trained by the DSC Centre to deal with a range of situations. | The DSC troops serve throughout the country also in the areas designated as field, high altitude, or operational areas. The DSC personnel perform duties and functions of armed security staff, static guards, searchers, escorts, and mobile patrols by night and day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=aw/UhtZ0gMiXTiOELhfKdg==&ParentID=W150Yfis3gVvGP/pJcV//w==&flag=8CKP966uzg96kLov0aWdfQ==|title=DSC Role & Organisation, Indian Army website}}</ref> DSC soldiers are clad in either Indian police khaki or military camouflage. | ||
DSC troops mainly consists of [[pension|superannuated]] soldiers and [[Territorial Army (India)|Territorial Army]] personnel joined via re-enrollment or lateral transfer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.158.23/dsc_enrolment.htm|title=Defence Service Corps (DSC) Enrolment}}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> DSC personnel are armed, and equipped and trained by the DSC Centre to deal with a range of situations. | |||
The DSC Centre, DSC Records, and PAO (DSC) is located in the city of [[Kannur]], [[ Kerala]], on the road to [[Payyambalam Beach]]. The area is a part of the [[Cannanore Cantonment]]. The DSC center at [[Kannur]] is the mother depot to all [[platoons]] in the constitution. <ref name="DSCdetailed" /> | The DSC Centre, DSC Records, and PAO (DSC) is located in the city of [[Kannur]], [[ Kerala]], on the road to [[Payyambalam Beach]]. The area is a part of the [[Cannanore Cantonment]]. The DSC center at [[Kannur]] is the mother depot to all [[platoons]] in the constitution.<ref name="DSCdetailed" /> | ||
==Motto== | ==Motto== | ||
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==Operations== | ==Operations== | ||
2001 AFS Awantipur attack: On 22 Oct 2001, at 1330 hrs, four Pakistani terrorists belonging to [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]], who were armed, attacked the main gate of the Air Force Station Awantipora. The DSC soldiers held on to their post and relentlessly continued to direct the firepower on the terrorists till all of them were killed. <ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Awards/awards.php?qunit=AFS%20Awantipur |title=AFS Awantipur 2001, Bharath Rakshak website}}</ref> | 2001 AFS Awantipur attack: On 22 Oct 2001, at 1330 hrs, four Pakistani terrorists belonging to [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]], who were armed, attacked the main gate of the Air Force Station Awantipora. The DSC soldiers held on to their post and relentlessly continued to direct the firepower on the terrorists till all of them were killed.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Database/Awards/awards.php?qunit=AFS%20Awantipur |title=AFS Awantipur 2001, Bharath Rakshak website}}</ref> | ||
[[2016 Pathankot attack]]: | [[2016 Pathankot attack]]: | ||
On 2 January 2016, a heavily armed group of terrorists, suspected of belonging to [[Jaish-e-Mohammad]], attacked the [[Pathankot Air Force Station]]. Five DSC soldiers on the base died while fighting the terrorists. <ref>{{Cite | On 2 January 2016, a heavily armed group of terrorists, suspected of belonging to [[Jaish-e-Mohammad]], attacked the [[Pathankot Air Force Station]]. Five DSC soldiers on the base died while fighting the terrorists.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Pathankot-attack-Martyrs-held-their-ground-showed-unparalleled-bravery/article13979277.ece |title= Pathankot attack: Martyrs held their ground, showed unparalleled bravery|work=[[The Hindu]]|date= 3 January 2016|access-date=2021-04-08}}</ref> | ||
2016 CAD Pulgaon explosion: On 31 May 2016, 15 Defence Security Corps (DSC) soldiers lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out at the Central Ammunition Depot Pulgaon in Maharashtra. <ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/maharashtra-2-officers-15-jawans-killed-in-army-depot-inferno/story-lmIQ6syeOjyVQsYCdOUVHP.html |title=Two officers,18 soldiers killed in massive army depot fire in Maharashtra| work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=2021-04-08}}</ref> | 2016 CAD Pulgaon explosion: On 31 May 2016, 15 Defence Security Corps (DSC) soldiers lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out at the Central Ammunition Depot Pulgaon in Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/maharashtra-2-officers-15-jawans-killed-in-army-depot-inferno/story-lmIQ6syeOjyVQsYCdOUVHP.html |title=Two officers,18 soldiers killed in massive army depot fire in Maharashtra| work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=2021-04-08}}</ref> | ||
Kerala Floods 2018 & 2019: 5 columns of DSC soldiers were deployed for rescue and relief efforts in different flood-affected districts of Kerala in the years 2018 and 2019. <ref>{{Cite | Kerala Floods 2018 & 2019: 5 columns of DSC soldiers were deployed for rescue and relief efforts in different flood-affected districts of Kerala in the years 2018 and 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kerala-floods-eight-columns-of-army-deployed-for-rescue-operations/articleshow/65352133.cms|title=Kerala floods: Eight columns of Army deployed for rescue operations|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 August 2018 |access-date=2021-04-08}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2019/aug/12/kerala-floods-2019-armed-forces-turn-good-samaritans--2017564.html |title=Kerala floods 2019: Armed forces turn good samaritan|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=12 August 2019 |access-date=2021-04-08}}</ref> | ||
==Gallantry awards== | ==Gallantry awards== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://indianarmy.nic.in/Default3.aspx?MenuId=IBFFtpMN9D51h2BXSlP90Q== Defence Security Corps, Indian Army Official website] | * [https://indianarmy.nic.in/Default3.aspx?MenuId=IBFFtpMN9D51h2BXSlP90Q== Defence Security Corps, Indian Army Official website] | ||
* [http://164.100.158.23/dsc_enrolment.htm DSC Enrollment] | * [http://164.100.158.23/dsc_enrolment.htm DSC Enrollment]{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} | ||
*[https://www.livemint.com/Sundayapp/T6OokS2v0xB32qKFL9evdP/Defence-Security-Corps-Indias-overlooked-soldiers.html News Article:Defence Security Corps India’s overlooked soldiers] | *[https://www.livemint.com/Sundayapp/T6OokS2v0xB32qKFL9evdP/Defence-Security-Corps-Indias-overlooked-soldiers.html News Article:Defence Security Corps India’s overlooked soldiers] | ||
* [https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/men-who-faced-brunt-of-pathankot-terror News Article: Men who faced brunt of Pathankot terror attack] | * [https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/men-who-faced-brunt-of-pathankot-terror News Article: Men who faced brunt of Pathankot terror attack] | ||
{{Indian_Army_Arms_and_Services}} | |||
{{Home Ministry (India)}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | |||
[[Category:Administrative corps of the Indian Army]] | [[Category:Administrative corps of the Indian Army]] | ||
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1947]] | |||
Latest revision as of 02:49, 4 February 2026
| Defence Security Corps | |
|---|---|
 Insignia of the DSC | |
| Active | 25 February 1947 – Present |
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Army |
| Role | Protection and Security of Defence Installations |
| Size | 30,000 to 40,000[1] |
| Regimental Centre | Kannur, Kerala |
| Motto(s) | "Raksha Tatha Surkasha" |
| Anniversaries | 25 February |
The Defence Security Corps (DSC) is corps of the Indian Army responsible for providing security cover to the defence installations of the three services (the Army, the Navy, the Air Force) and other sensitive installations. The DSC troops are sanctioned and attached to various bases/installations to ensure protection against sabotage and pilferage.[2] It is the sixth largest corps of the Army.[3]
Currently, the major sanction of DSC troops is for the Army and Air force installations. The Naval units and other user agencies have a sizeable deployment of this force.[2] DSC troops also provide security to some of the Indian Ordnance Factories, India's nuclear laboratories, and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) establishments.
The idea of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) like force dates back to the pre-independence era. Before World War II, the regular army units, garrison troops and watch and ward wings were tasked to provide security cover for various defence installations. Due to the problems faced in protecting the defence depots, factories, and other installations, a new organization dedicated to the protection and security of defence-related installations was found necessary, and approval of the Government of India was accorded on 25 Feb 1947. The Corps was initially formed as ‘Defence Department Constabulary’ on 25 April 1947 with police titles and badges of rank. In 1948, the force was renamed as Ministry of Defence Security Corps (MDSC) with military titles and badges of rank. In 1958, the force was reorganized and brought under Army Headquarters and re-designated as 'Defence Security Corps'. DSC troops are maintained on similar lines as army units.
History[edit | edit source]
The idea of the Defence Security Corps (DSC) like force dates back to the pre-independence era. Before World War II, the regular army units, garrison troops, watch and ward wings, and chowkidars were tasked to provide security cover for various defence installations. Due to the problems faced in protecting the defence depots, factories, and other installations, a new organization dedicated to the protection and security of defence-related installations was found necessary,[4] and approval of the Government of India was accorded on 25 Feb 1947. The Corps was initially formed as ‘Defence Department Constabulary’ on 25 April 1947 with police titles and badges of rank. In 1948, the force was renamed as ‘Ministry of Defence Security Corps (MDSC)’ with military titles and badges of rank.[3] In 1958, the force was reorganized and brought under Army Headquarters and re-designated as 'Defence Security Corps'. DSC troops are maintained on similar lines as army units.
Role & Function[edit | edit source]
The DSC troops serve throughout the country also in the areas designated as field, high altitude, or operational areas. The DSC personnel perform duties and functions of armed security staff, static guards, searchers, escorts, and mobile patrols by night and day.[5] DSC soldiers are clad in either Indian police khaki or military camouflage.
DSC troops mainly consists of superannuated soldiers and Territorial Army personnel joined via re-enrollment or lateral transfer.[6] DSC personnel are armed, and equipped and trained by the DSC Centre to deal with a range of situations.
The DSC Centre, DSC Records, and PAO (DSC) is located in the city of Kannur, Kerala, on the road to Payyambalam Beach. The area is a part of the Cannanore Cantonment. The DSC center at Kannur is the mother depot to all platoons in the constitution.[4]
Motto[edit | edit source]
The corps motto is "Raksha Tatha Suraksha", which translates to "Defence and Security".[7]
The motto signifies the ultimate duty of DSC troops to protect and safeguard the defence installations.
Operations[edit | edit source]
2001 AFS Awantipur attack: On 22 Oct 2001, at 1330 hrs, four Pakistani terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, who were armed, attacked the main gate of the Air Force Station Awantipora. The DSC soldiers held on to their post and relentlessly continued to direct the firepower on the terrorists till all of them were killed.[8]
2016 Pathankot attack: On 2 January 2016, a heavily armed group of terrorists, suspected of belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad, attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station. Five DSC soldiers on the base died while fighting the terrorists.[9]
2016 CAD Pulgaon explosion: On 31 May 2016, 15 Defence Security Corps (DSC) soldiers lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out at the Central Ammunition Depot Pulgaon in Maharashtra.[10]
Kerala Floods 2018 & 2019: 5 columns of DSC soldiers were deployed for rescue and relief efforts in different flood-affected districts of Kerala in the years 2018 and 2019.[11][12]
Gallantry awards[edit | edit source]
The DSC personnel have exhibited valour and made supreme sacrifices in the line of duty. [13]
- 3 Vir Chakras
- 1 Kirti Chakra
- 4 Shaurya Chakras
- 10 Sena Medals
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ M.K, Nidheesh (13 February 2016). "Defence Security Corps: India’s overlooked soldiers". mint. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "DSC Role & Organisation, Indian Army website".
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "DSC History, Indian Army website".
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Defence Security Corps India's overlooked soldiers". Mint. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ↑ "DSC Role & Organisation, Indian Army website".
- ↑ "Defence Service Corps (DSC) Enrolment".[dead link]
- ↑ "DSC motto, Indian Army website".
- ↑ "AFS Awantipur 2001, Bharath Rakshak website".
- ↑ "Pathankot attack: Martyrs held their ground, showed unparalleled bravery". The Hindu. 3 January 2016. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ↑ "Two officers,18 soldiers killed in massive army depot fire in Maharashtra". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ↑ "Kerala floods: Eight columns of Army deployed for rescue operations". The Times of India. 10 August 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ↑ "Kerala floods 2019: Armed forces turn good samaritan". The New Indian Express. 12 August 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
- ↑ "Defence Security Corps Celebrates 70th Raising Day". Press Information Bureau (2017).
External links[edit | edit source]
- Defence Security Corps, Indian Army Official website
- DSC Enrollment[dead link]
- News Article:Defence Security Corps India’s overlooked soldiers
- News Article: Men who faced brunt of Pathankot terror attack
Template:Indian Army Arms and Services
