Chronicles of Charlie Squadron

As they exhorted, “once a Cheetah, always a Cheetah”, exhumed the exhilaration of cadets in a squadron named ‘Charlie’. The inevitability of memories fading, stemmed for a while by the pugmarks they left behind, or were they pyramids? Salient monuments to the gentlemen who no longer tread the corridors of the Squadron – it must have certainly been charming to bask in the glory of yester years. Erstwhile called the ‘King’ Squadron, the Charlie Squadron was commissioned on 2^nd January 1956.

It was sponsored by the State of Maharashtra which donated approximately five lakhs for its construction. Later, the Squadron was rechristened as ‘Charlie’ and the cadets were known as ‘Cheetahs’. The Squadron initially formed a part of the Shark Battalion, No. 3 in order after Alpha Squadron, moving clockwise or anti-clockwise; the third squadron was always Charlie. In June 1997, it became a part of No.1, ‘Tiger’ Battalion. As the cradle of military leadership, NDA has its own myriad and peculiar ways of forging out iron men out of young boys.

Each squadron in NDA is known for a distinguished traditional feat. The cadets belonged to unique tribe of rich pathos defined by its antecedents and constituted an inherited competency. They were naturally groomed through rigors of time and associated towards their squadron for a lifetime. As they underwent this extreme training, trials and tribulations, and their bonds grew stronger. Over three years, this indoctrinated hardiness transformed them from naive adolescents to Cadets.

Cheetahs were famous for drill, troop games and mental toughening. Foreign cadets outplayed in football and boxing. The match strings had a precise and psychological impact on the adversary. The sixth termers led the lower strings to redefine match rules to a debacle. Appeals were challenged to a forlorn controversy. Blazer and Blues were achieved in Athletics, Equitation and Sailing. Strengthening in the initial terms brought epistolary reminisces of ancient adage, a folklore, that famed the acronym of HCL or ‘Hunter Charlie Lima’, also called ‘Hydro Chloric Acid’. It was a group to bring out young leaders and men of mettle; thus fusing the tough times the cadets sustained and survived. Many volunteered to be a part of ultra-marathons and the famous Bakshi Cup to test their limits and bring laurels to NDA. ‘Tough times never last, tough people do’, and so did the cadets, who later performed exceedingly well in their service careers.

The squadron has since been known for a legacy in drill, the epitome of discipline whilst the most critical battle-winning virtue, ensuring a soldierly mindset and lightning response to orders. 17^th Course was the first to win the Drill Competition. This was an unsaid birthright and undisputed raison detre. Cadets were groomed to crack the Drill Square Test, the acid test of a cadet, administered by the Adjutant. It was a tacit understanding and approach to accomplish the domain of expertise. From then on, the squadron worked tirelessly to achieve the most sought after trophy. The trophy was predominantly engraved with ‘Charlie Squadron’ barring mentions of ‘Mike Squadron’, an effect of its sister squadron. Drill competition was a season in itself. I

t marked the onslaught of a winning strategy, an insatiable lust for sustaining quest for the treasured possession and achieve superiority. The Cadet Sergeant Major took charge for the honest bearing, leaving the Company Quarter Master Sergeant run dry for the surprised expenditure that led to bankruptcy! Low Medical Category cadets were optimally assigned administrative portfolios. Drill was practised through the rigors of time along the length and breadth of the corridors. The proficiency attributed to daily earnings and winning the hearts of seniors. The event was solely managed by cadets and delegated to departments that challenged a business target. Cabins were airproofed so no iota of particulate mattered the rigs. White patrols were dipped in starch and dry-cleaned to perfection. The sought-after cobblers were more in demand and few in supply. Fish oil was applied exorbitantly.

At the Koth, the cadets stood out and resembled robotic mannequins cloned to excellence. They remained on heels until inspected. The legacy of the squadron entering the Khetarpal Parade Ground on achieving perfection left the magnanimous Drill Ustad’s spirits awe-inspiring. Certificate of Proficiency became a trademark. Later, the sixth termers rightfully earned the respectful place in the Nishan Toli who passed out as distinguished Squadron Cadet Captain. The squadron’s proficiency in Drill remains the longest maintained tradition in the Academy.

Cheetahs had their idiosyncrasies. They were good in everything they enjoyed doing. Having cleared the All India merit and Services Selection Board, they possessed high Intelligence Quotient and good bearing. One could witness the ingrained ways of training round the clock that finally made a Cheetah! Every cadet was designated an over-study belonging to the third term, who in turn mentored him as his understudy. This association went far and long and played a major role in defining the upbringing of cadets. Even in deep slumber, the cadets could regurgitate the NDA prayer or the academic answers par excellence.

The Sergeants officially handled the fourth termers while the Corporals were assigned the third termers. Together, they ran the squadron and were regarded as role models. Having completed Camp Rovers in IV^th term, the cadets accomplished a milestone in training. As a Divisional Officer, one could faintly fathom the pulse and psyche of Sergeants & Corporal appointments who made the cadets go through a rhythmic routine of learning beyond the training hours. It is this continuous indoctrination that augmented the holistic grooming of cadets that later helped them face the rigors of combat. Squadron appointments earned their tabs inside the four walls of the squadron office. Dossiers were thoroughly exhausting, yet painstakingly carried out for various Divisions with due observations.

NDA is spread over an area of 7000 acres. Its periphery ran to the north of the Academy through hills and dale with tough undulating curves that naturally became ideal for navigation. Cadets ventured on long runs prior to camps and X-country to the famous Point 2475, which lay as a landmark to the many Control Points. Cheetahs faced Camps with grit and determination. However, the MR exercises jolted up the Directing Staff, not for trying to match up with cadets, but for circumnavigating the NDA boundary, without a compass! Adequate preparation credited the navigation for reconnaissance of prominent way points anticipated in Greenhorn and Rovers. Control stores were never used out of fear of misplacing. They had a mugged-up and acknowledged serviceability rattled by the Section Commander. Stores were insulated that became an extension of battle gear. Magazines were secured to perfection, being the point of least liability. Later, the famous and infamous incidents of handling stores were depicted in drama during the Camp Fire. Morning PT was physically demanding wherein cadets exhibited competence through endurance.

A typical sight of the Battalion area was of chaos and uproar. Cadets were seen exhorting to Squadron war cry that instilled Josh. With their bikes lifted or performing the most unheard of front side rolls, the place and setting was never an issue. The squadron never gave any room for ignorance of rules. Ignorance, in retrospect, was never a bliss. Any spot could be a restriction for not being up to the mark. Patti-parade were common in Bajri Order, a Chindit Order with loads of bajri in the big pack. Every Cheetah fortunate enough was called in KD shorts, white patrol jacket, black web belt, blue patrol cap, ridding patties and slippers! At times, the corridors, amidst an ongoing patti-parade, was a commotion of traffic that knew no police! However, the Squadron Commander on parade braced up any sight to a respectful reverence warranting a situation that healed any commotion.

CCTVs played a strategic reporting channel that marked attendance, ensuring adherence to orders. At times, suspicious movements of cadets observed under the illumination of black & white night vision cooked up stories for further investigation. From hourly reporting by defaulters to ensuring activities carried out expediently, video recordings greatly helped in smooth functioning and ensuring safety of cadets. MES was graceful to account for frequent unserviceability of the epic LOTUS in the squadron. Both number and key locks played a significant role in safety of rooms and bikes of cadets.

While few cadets possessed a master key, others were not lucky to find their rooms unlocked or bikes misplaced. Bikes were locked by the squadron orderlies and reported diplomatically by the CQMS. Contrary to science, the sound of footsteps, announcements and movements were faster than corridor lights. Chinese whispers announced the arrival of inspecting authorities. Open Door Study Period was an eerie of silence amidst an air of no movement. Cadets hallucinated in all postures while glued to their precis. The alert and conscious focussed on grades and torches, while the rest found themselves reporting to the dreaded CSM. Such maestros were made to play music who eventually got a taste of their own medicine.

Kit muster was inconclusive and questionable, yet effectively managed. Liberty cards was signed by aliases. While some cadets never got a chance to proceed on liberty, others strived hard to clear DST and earn the same; while the rest proceeded on paper, only to be Locked-in Cabin. Morning reveille was the bugle call. It reverberated the Academy to a fresh start. Soon thereafter, a commotion of activities commenced on the three floors, flanks and on the Ground Floor Central Lobby, either for a Flat, Drill or Double Outdoors. The junction of GFCL welcomed visitors, reported happenings and summoned the ignorant. From here the duty cadet made announcements at the top of his voice, only to lose his Larynx, either by putting an effort or not meeting the expectations. While the junior cadets were ordered to report ‘immediately’, seniors were requested to carry on, with regards.

The brief COVID period was a period of varying momentum. However, the training of cadets was never ceased. It transited to an online mode where they were remotely passed orders whilst ensuring the laid down protocols. While Outdoor Training, Yoga and Drill practice was delegated to the Squadrons, classes took place on the virtual and online mode. Exams too were held physically in the squadron. Meals was akin to community meal provided to the squadron ensuring social distancing. Apprehensive of the fallout of COVID and its repercussions, the cadets were too busy endorsing their names in the contact list, just to avoid the unduly effort to malign their injuries.

The contact list spread like a wildfire. All a cadet was to do is name the cadets he came in contact with. This accentuated his tribe of known well-wishers to other squadrons as well. The rest is history. Parcels received at Kondhava gate during COVID were countless; housed in a cycle shed and manned 24×7! The exclusive Chandan trees were the most sought after. NDA police was always on the lookout for the racket played by localities who had geo-tagging of the trees. In the gloried business that flourishes in the market, NDA was a diamond mine. At times, BDOs and SDOs, who were naturally averse to movements, became hostile investigators to record night footage and sounds of tree cutting machines.

Back in Sudan, Battalion officers brainstormed over performance of cadets, achievers, appointments and prospective, game fixtures, march-ups, Relegation Warning List and training calendar to ensure compliance and adherence to level playing field. Apart from discussion on case studies, training calendar, trespassers, short-cuts, protocols, discipline and administration became the key highlights. The surrounding habitat was natural and colossal. During dry summers, winds accentuated forest fires that were distinct in the dark. Leopard sightings were common for want of water amidst habitation. Peacocks were common, while civets burrowed high in ceilings. The Estate section ensured ecological balance preserving flora and fauna and training teams ensured survivability of cadets by developing their sense of responsibility.

Bombay stadium was located in Pune. It witnessed a plethora of activities, congregation and marked the commencement for closing ceremonies for the Bakshi Cup and End-of-Term activities, Tattoo and PT display. Passing out of the cradle of military leadership was regarded an achievement in itself, which is testimony to the guests and spectators who thronged to witness the POP in May and November each year. On one such occasion, the never-so-humble sixth termer submitted a requisition for inviting his entire village of 150, a matter of pride. And so did they, parents, well-wishers, from all walks of life, endeavoured to witness the grandeur of the majestic passing out. Squadron socials bid adieu to sixth terms with a nostalgic milieu, who were given stand-off with satirical anecdotes of the yester years. Squadron officers, veterans and alumni graced the occasion. Master of Ceremony’s script was duly vetted for a respectable tone and tenor where satires were censored and puns were not intended.

The dining hall encompassed capacity with elegance. The most revered were the staff, waiters and cooks who had profound pride and honour to serve the military pride. Cadets were made to run through the bill of fare, or simply the menu of the week. At the entrance to the dining hall flashed the number of days left to go home, or DLTGH. On entering the dining hall, was a ‘Table for One’ – “An empty table against which leaned an empty chair. The table set is small, for one, symbolizing the fatality of one prisoner against his oppressors. The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep their faith awaiting their return. The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing. The candle is unlit, symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. The slice of lemon is on the bread plate, to remind us of the bitter fate. There is salt upon the bread plate – symbolic of the families’ tears as they wait. The Glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us this night. The chair – it is empty. They are not here.”

Each course congregated strength through blessings from the ‘Sarva Dharma Sthal’, in unique human attributes that calibrated an offensive action for a lifelong bond. This contributed to an unwavering commitment to the furtherance, growth and accomplishment of Squadrons and NDA. Leaders were born in this squadron who held the forte of Academics, PT and Camps. At times, PT became a waterloo and the top brass witnessed the ‘last attempt’. However, the fear of relegation and stay-back had its deterrence. The coveted banner for the overall best squadron in the Inter-Squadron Championship for the Autumn Term 2018 was presented to SCC Charlie Squadron by the Reviewing Officer, General Bipin Rawat, the then CDS, who also hailed from this Squadron. The SCC was epitomized for leading Cheetahs from the lowest position in the preceding term to acclaim the feat after forty and a half years. The aura of celebrated fete resounded and resonated the Academy like a centennial World War victory march. No duty officer could ensure a lights out into this night.

The veterans visiting the squadron believed in the birth right of the sustained drill trophy and the existence of the infamously famous Cheetah Well. Well, for its dried watery depth amidst its obscured and concealed location today had timeless pranks and prosecutors. The Well, by now was covered with concrete and rusty leaves that bound the wellness of the Well in the epitaph of time. In the cradle of military leadership, squadron buildings stood the test of times. Faithful and staunch, strong yet marvellous, the squadron firmly hoisted its monumental flag colours of Blue and Grey like splendid grandeur. The building made up of granite stone with interiors of Burmese wood, an edifice of marvellous epitaph waiting to narrate endless tales of heroism, courage, and conviction.

The orderlies maintained a timeless roster of cadets that no Academy Journal, Training Branch or the Alumni Association preserved. They could rattle out particulars of cadets long after their passing out to become commissioned officers. The orderlies not only maintained majestic epitaph ingrained art of calligraphy, they also recalled appointments for each course. Mementos were revered in the Ante room. The orderlies could exactly point its era and course. ‘Time Flies’ was the most sought-after memento in the Squadron. Time and tide did wait for none, however, the alumni profoundly looked for the roll of honour to recollect moments of nostalgia. While the older generation of orderlies belonged to Pashan, Ahire, Chinchawad and the adjoining villages of Satara and remotest of Maharashtra, and their lineage serving the Academy, the younger clan hailed from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Every term, they flavored in-house Biryani for a unique squadron culture. Being stoic, humble and polite, their obedience made them reliable and trustworthy. Purview to mishaps and adventures, they contributed wholeheartedly to the fulfillment and furtherance of the squadron. However, they remained salient spectators and the unsung heroes. Their loyalty was embodied in the achievements of the squadron. Each glory brought happiness as they too celebrated the accomplishments of cadets. The connection with them truly signified humility and modesty in the humblest form. They brought nostalgic affection with visitors reminiscing countless narration of tales that never cease to exist.

Everything that happened in the Academy had a purpose, ease not being one of them. For the cadets of Charlie Squadron, there was a transformation from a Cimba to a Cheetah. A Cimba (Simba), in Swahili, means a Lion. They ran like one and lived to its name. They were humble, yet unpretentious, gave their one hundred per cent in all training activities that tested human abilities. Later, their accomplishments in commissioning academies were proudly learnt. But like the proverbial blue sky, the sun too had been clouded by the discontinuity of this beautiful lane down where all our memories live. But still somehow there remains a faint ring. Sometimes deep inside there is a ring – as if the spirits of the people who have left for far off places still pervades the corridors of the Squadron. And this ring becomes a clamour, so welcome so sacrosanct that each note is cherished. And from the foggy mists of time the other courses appear, courses which have done their bit for the Academy, Battalion and the Squadron, and now we behold the glorious Charlie Squadron.

Author’s undertaking – The above is reminiscence of author’s reflection of the period 2017 to 2020, and by no means construes an official release of NDA.