Colonel Anshu Jamwal has made history as the first woman officer to command an Air Defence Regiment in the Indian Army. This landmark achievement highlights a significant step forward in gender equality within one of India’s most prestigious institutions.
Early Life and Education
- Hometown: Colonel Jamwal hails from Rahiya village in Jammu.
- Graduation: She completed her undergraduate education from Government College for Women (GCW) Gandhinagar, Jammu.
Commissioning and Career
- Commissioning Date: Colonel Jamwal was commissioned into the Indian Army on March 18, 2006, from the Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai.
- Early Roles:
- Instructor Roles: She served as an instructor at OTA Chennai and the Air Defence (AD) College.
- United Nations Peacekeeping: Colonel Jamwal worked as a Military Observer with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the MONUSCO mission.
- Posting: Upon returning to India, she was assigned duties at the Army Headquarters.
Historic Achievement
- Commanding the Regiment: Colonel Jamwal has been appointed as the commanding officer of an operational Air Defence Regiment, a significant achievement as she becomes the first woman in this role.
Family and Personal Reflections
- Father’s Pride: Her father, Mr. Bir Singh Jamwal, expressed immense pride and joy in her achievement. He recounted their early support and her passion for joining the army despite initial expectations for her to pursue a career in education.
- Support and Training: Mr. Jamwal shared memories of supporting her during her training, including running laps around Gandhi Memorial Degree College in Jammu while he counted her rounds.
Future Responsibilities
Colonel Jamwal will now take on the responsibility of leading an Air Defence Regiment, including service in challenging areas such as Leh. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and the evolving role of women in the Indian Army.
This milestone not only represents a personal achievement for Colonel Jamwal but also serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to join the armed forces and break traditional barriers in military careers.
