A grand Course Ending Parade was held at the Officers Training College (OTC) of the Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre & College in Lucknow on June 18. This significant event marked the successful completion of a challenging 10-week Senior Cadre Course in Combat Medical Support and Leadership. The parade was reviewed by Major General Vinod Kumar Patra, Commandant and Chief Instructor, who has played a crucial role in elevating training standards at the institution since he took command in February 2025.
A total of 92 non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from various branches of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) celebrated their graduation, each equipped to provide high-quality medical support in frontline combat conditions. The course emphasized rapid triage, evacuation techniques, trauma response, and field leadership—skills deemed essential for maintaining battlefield survivability and efficiency. Historical data from prior deployments indicate that such rigorous training could enhance casualty survival rates by as much as 15%.
During the parade, Major General Patra praised the NCOs for their commitment to excellence and underscored the significance of combat medical training in enhancing India’s military preparedness, particularly in light of ongoing challenges along the country’s borders. He recognized the harmonious blend of technical skills and military leadership developed throughout the course.
A particularly poignant moment occurred with the presentation of the Naik Deepak Singh VrC Rolling Trophy, awarded to Havildar Harsh Kumar Jha from MDC Jabalpur, who was recognized as the top performer in the course. This trophy is dedicated to Naik Deepak Singh, a courageous nursing assistant posthumously honored with the Vir Chakra for his bravery during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. The accolade stands as a tribute to the AMC’s commitment to valor and excellence in military medical services.
The parade was attended by faculty members, families, and fellow service personnel, culminating in a reaffirmation of the AFMS’s mission to deliver outstanding medical support to India’s armed forces. This commitment is increasingly focused on innovation, readiness, and improving battlefield capabilities, ensuring that the troops are well-equipped to face modern challenges.
