Saturday, September 17 2005 16:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The Vice Chief of Army Staff, Army HQs, New Delhi Lt Gen B S Thakur today (Sept 17, 2005) told army recruits to gear themselves to face the menace of terrorism, pointing out that the whole world had appreciated the fact that the country was up against it.

"You have to fight proxy wars both in Kashmir and the North East", he said addressing over 300 gentlemen and lady cadet officers who passed out today from the Officers Training Academy here.

He told them that they would also have to provide succor to victims hit by natural calamities like last year's Tsunami.

Asking them to recognize the need to remain updated with the changing technology and keep abreast with political and military developments, the Lt Gen stressed that science and technology in the coming years would be of much higher importance and so must be used innovatively.

Congratulating those who obtained laurels during their training and stating at the opportunities would come the way of others to show their mettle, he appreciated the grit shown by the lady cadets who stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.

In all 245 gentlemen cadets and 68 lady cadets, including one each from Lesotho in South Africa and the Seychelles passed out today.

Later, talking to media persons, he pointed out that women recruited by the army were not for the forward lines and hence their training period of six months was sufficient as compared to the 11 training provided to the gentlemen cadets.