Bipin Rawat - First CDS of India: Know His Honours, Key Missions and Ranks Date-wise

General Bipin Rawat, born on 16 March 1958 in Pauri, Uttarakhand, was an important personality of the Indian Armed Forces. He wrote history by being the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India. It was on January 1, 2020, that he became the Chief of Defence Staff, till he was brutally killed in a helicopter crash on 8 December 2021. He spent over four decades of his military life when significantly contributed to changing India's defence policies and strategies.

Early Life and Education

Bipin Rawat belonged to a military family; his father, Lt. General Laxman Singh Rawat, was also an Indian Army officer. He completed his schooling at St. Edward School in Shimla and later joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then did his masters' from the Indian Military Academy. He further followed all military courses, like DSSC and Command General Staff College of U.S. Army; he is a PhD holder at Ch Charan Singh University.

Military Career Timeline

General Rawat was commissioned into the Indian Army on December 16, 1978, and served with distinction throughout his career. Below is a detailed timeline of his ranks and appointments:

During his service, General Rawat held various key positions that showcased his leadership and operational capabilities:

• 5th Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles: He began his career here and conducted numerous counter-insurgency operations.
• Major: Commanded troops in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Brigadier: Led the Rashtriya Rifles sector in Sopore.
• Major General: Commanded the 19 Infantry Division.
• Lieutenant General: Headed III Corps and later Southern Command.
• Chief of Army Staff (COAS): Appointed on December 31, 2016.

Appointment as Chief of Defence Staff

The position of CDS was established to enhance coordination among the three branches of India's Armed Forces. General Rawat's appointment as the first CDS on January 1, 2020, marked a significant step towards integrated military operations. His vision included improving jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to address evolving security challenges effectively.

Key Missions and Contributions

General Rawat's tenure was marked by several pivotal missions and initiatives:

• Counter-Terrorism Operations: He was an advocate for proactive measures against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, endorsing a "hot pursuit" policy to target terrorist camps across the Line of Control.
• Military Modernization: Rawat emphasized modernizing India's military capabilities through enhanced technology integration and strategic reforms.
• Joint Theatre Commands: He pushed for establishing joint theatre commands to streamline operations across different military branches.

Honours and Awards

Throughout his illustrious career, General Bipin Rawat received numerous awards for his gallantry and distinguished service:

In addition to these medals, he received several other commendations acknowledging his contributions to national security.

Death and Legacy

Tragically, General Bipin Rawat lost his life in a helicopter crash near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu on 8 December 2021. His wife Madhulika Rawat along with several other officers were also killed in the crash. The death was a massive blow to India's military establishment.

There are various memorials that have been erected in recognition of his contributions to the nation. The Indian Navy has instituted awards in his memory to honour excellence within its ranks. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of military leaders as he is remembered for his commitment to national security and strategic foresight.

General Bipin Rawat, in his journey from a young officer to being India's first Chief of Defence Staff, has been an exemplary and dedicated citizen of his country. His vision of having a modernized structure in the military to make its operations more efficient has survived him and continues to remain potent even after his untimely death. As India faces tough security challenges in a constantly evolving geopolitical scenario, the principles he stood for will continue to guide its defence strategies for years to come.