Lt Gen MM Naravane | Photo Credit: ANI

Key Highlights The three service chiefs were together in the National Defence Academy Naravane and Navy Chief Admiral Singh's fathers served together in the IAF

New Delhi: With the appointment of General MM Naravane as the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS), all the three service chiefs will have an unusual and a common connection with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Not many know that the respective fathers of all these services chiefs served with the IAF at different positions. In fact, Army Chief designate Naravane's father and Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh's father had served together in the IAF and were thick friends. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria's father had also retired as an Honourary Flying Officer from the IAF.

According to agency reports, Naravane's father had joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was compelled to leave the academy due to an injury. He later joined the IAF as an officer cadet after graduation.

Interestingly, the three service chiefs were also together in the National Defence Academy during 56 course NDA. the three have, however, assumed command on different dates. While Naravane will be taking over as the Chief of Army Staff on December 31, after present chief General Bipin Rawat's exit from the office, Admiral Karambir Singh took over on May 31 and Bhadauria, on September 30.

Naravane, presently serving as the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), will be taking over as the next Army Chief. General Bipin Rawat, the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, is likely to take over as the country's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

His appointment was cleared by the government on the basis of seniority. He has earlier held a number of staff and command appointments and has been decorated with Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal' for his services as the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) and 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal'.



