Lt Gen Sandeep Jain assumes office as Vice-Chief of Army Staff

New Delhi: Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), on Wednesday assumed charge as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS).

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Lt Gen Jain was commissioned into the Mahar Regiment in June 1988. Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has held multiple key command and staff appointments across a wide range of operational environments, reflecting extensive field and headquarters experience.

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He has commanded an Infantry Battalion in semi-desert terrain as well as during deployment with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. He has also led an Infantry Brigade in a Strike Corps, a Counter Insurgency Force, and a Pivot Corps under the Northern Command.

His operational experience includes participation in Operation Pawan, service as a Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia, and multiple tenures in high-altitude areas as well as counter-insurgency operations along the Line of Control and in the North East region. He has also commanded a Sector in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Upon promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General, he commanded a Corps under the Northern Command. Subsequently, he served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Southern Command, where he contributed to capability development, force restructuring, and enhancing operational preparedness. Later, as Army Commander, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command.

Lt Gen Jain has held several important staff and operational assignments across formations and headquarters, giving him wide exposure to conventional warfare, counter-insurgency operations, high-altitude deployments, United Nations peacekeeping missions, and force readiness across diverse terrains.

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A distinguished officer, he has attended the Higher Command Course at the Army War College and the National Defence Course in Kenya. In recognition of his exemplary service, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Sena Medal.