Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, conducted a visit to the Guards Regimental Centre located in Kamptee to assess the centre’s ongoing training initiatives. His visit included a comprehensive briefing from the Commandant concerning several key programs, particularly the introduction of innovative simulator-based training facilities that utilize virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies for small team tactical training.
The Guards Regimental Centre stands as a pivotal establishment within the Brigade of the Guards, boasting a rich history that includes the receipt of 10 post-independence Battle Honours and numerous distinguished awards, such as two Param Vir Chakras. Founded in 1950 and relocated to Kamptee in 1976, the centre is renowned for its rigorous training regimen for soldiers from across India, promoting an “all India, all class” philosophy as the premier infantry unit in the Indian Army.
Since taking command of the Southern Command on July 1, 2024, Lt Gen Seth has been focused on modernizing the Indian Army to ensure it remains agile and adaptive to contemporary security needs. His review of the centre’s initiatives highlighted its alignment with the broader goal of transforming into a modern military force. The adoption of VR and AR technologies in training is part of a broader trend observed in the Indo-Pacific region, where countries like India, South Korea, and Singapore have reportedly achieved a 30-40% reduction in training costs through simulation-based methods, as detailed in a 2020 report by the Indo-Pacific Defense Forum.
During his visit, Lt Gen Seth took the opportunity to recognize the exemplary contributions of certain individuals by presenting them with on-the-spot Commendation Cards. This gesture not only acknowledged their accomplishments but also served to inspire all personnel to uphold the high training standards established at the centre. The occasion illustrated the Indian Army’s dedication to modernization, indigenization, and technological advancement—a commitment emphasized in recent statements from military leadership regarding the crucial role of technology in the transformation of armed forces. The Southern Command remains at the forefront of efforts to prepare a future-ready military force capable of effectively responding to evolving security challenges.
