Territorial Army inducts first batch of Mandarin-trained officers along LAC

NEW DELHI: The Territorial Army (TA) has inducted its first batch of Mandarin-trained officers and posted them to forward areas along the LAC in support of the regular Army’s drive to enhance expertise in the Chinese language, Tibetology and the like amid the continuing military confrontation in eastern Ladakh.
“Five Chinese language interpreterswere inducted into the TA in August after an extensive selection process on the basis of Mandarin proficiency and officer-like-qualities.They are now posted in forward areas to help in border personnel meetings with thePeople’s Liberation Army (PLA),” a source said on Saturday.

This move by the TA, which is based on a citizen soldiers’ army concept and supports the regular armed forces, adds to the several measures being taken by the regular Army to address “capability voids” in Mandarin proficiency, Tibetology and “advanced sector specialisations” on China, as was earlier reported by TOI.

The Army is already conducting various Mandarin courses in its Northern, Eastern and Central Commands, while the force has also tied up with different universities to impart training to its personnel in the language.
The TA, which celebrates its Raising Day on October 9, is also moving ahead to induct cyber security experts, with the first batch likely to join by the end of this year.