Govt. appoints (Retired) Lt. Gen. Anil as the new CDS
Ahead the nine months after the heartwrenching helicopter crash of General Bipin Rawat, the government o named Lt General Anil Chauhan (Retired) the new Chief of Defence Staff, the country's top military officers and leader of one of the world's largest armed forces.
Taking notes from Lt. Gen. Chauhan's journey, he retired as Eastern Command Chief in May 2021 and served as the Military Advisor to the National Security Council.
The 61-year-old, Lt. in a career spanning nearly 40 years, has held several appointments and has extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.
Since this is the first time a retired officer has been appointed to the position, the government issued a gazette notification to announce the change in rules for the appointment.
Born on 18th May 1961, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981.
Lt. Chauhan is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
As Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), he will be the senior-most uniformed officer and first among equals, sharing his four-star rank with the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force chiefs.
Lt. Gen. Chauhan will also function as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs with effect from the date he takes charge.
The post had been vacant since December 8 last year after the death of General Bipin Rawat at age 63.
General Rawat, who had been India's first Chief of Defence Staff, and his wife were killed after a military chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu, killing 13 on board. The only survivor, an Air Force Group Captain, died of severe burns later.
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