UPMSP Intermediate Military Science key terms

The branch of the army that fights on foot, using rifles, machine guns and grenades to close with and destroy the enemy. It holds ground and bears the heaviest burden in close combat.

The branch that operates tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, combining firepower, protection and mobility to break through enemy defences and exploit success. In India it is one of the combat arms of the Army.

The arm that delivers indirect fire with guns, howitzers, mortars and rockets against targets beyond line of sight. It supports the advance of other arms and breaks up enemy attacks with concentrated shellfire.

The basic fighting unit of infantry, usually commanded by a Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel and made up of several companies. In Indian infantry regiments a battalion is the standard operational entity.

A subunit of a battalion, normally commanded by a Major, comprising several platoons. It is the smallest unit that can be given an independent tactical task and sustained in the field.

An administrative and traditional grouping of battalions that share a name, history, colours and regimental centre. In the Indian Army, regiments such as the Rajputana Rifles recruit and train their own soldiers.

The senior officer who commands the Indian Army and advises the government on land warfare. The post is held by a four-star General and is the highest appointment in the Army.

The principal military adviser to the Government of India, heading the Department of Military Affairs and promoting jointness among the three services. The post was created in 2019 and held by a four-star officer.

A unified command in which army, navy and air force elements operate under one commander for a defined geographical or functional area. India has been moving towards such commands to improve joint planning and reduce duplication.

A part-time volunteer reserve of the Indian Army whose members train for short periods and can be embodied for active service. It allows citizens in civilian careers to contribute to national defence.

The ceremonial flags of a regiment or battalion, presented by the head of state or a senior authority. They symbolise the unit's honour and history and are saluted and guarded with great respect.

A formal gesture of respect, made by raising the right hand to the brow or by a unit presenting arms. It acknowledges rank, authority and the shared discipline of the armed forces.

A ceremonial body of troops detailed to receive and honour a visiting dignitary, head of state or senior officer. It is drawn up in a fixed formation and performs the salute and inspection drill.

The ordered, repetitive practice of movements and formations performed on parade or in the field. It builds discipline, teamwork, smartness and instant obedience to words of command.

The precise spoken order that starts or changes a drill movement, given clearly and loudly by the commander. It is divided into the cautionary part, which warns, and the executive part, which executes.

The skill of interpreting a topographical map by reading its scale, grid, symbols and contours to find positions, distances and routes on the ground. It is essential for navigation and reporting in the field.

A set of numbers that fixes a point on a map by giving its easting and northing within the grid squares. A four-figure reference locates a square and a six-figure reference locates a point within it.

A line on a map joining points of equal height above sea level. The spacing and shape of contours show the steepness and form of the ground, such as hills, valleys and ridges.

The ratio between a distance on a map and the corresponding distance on the ground, such as 1:50,000. It tells the user how much detail is shown and how to convert map distances to real ones.

The smallest infantry sub-unit, usually of about ten soldiers led by a non-commissioned officer. It is the basic building block from which platoons, companies and battalions are formed.

A sub-unit of about thirty soldiers, made up of several sections and commanded by a Junior Commissioned Officer or a young officer. It is the smallest unit normally given a tactical task on its own.

A shoulder-fired firearm with a rifled barrel that gives the bullet spin for accuracy over distance. It is the standard personal weapon of the infantry soldier, used for aimed single shots.

A crew-served automatic weapon that fires a continuous stream of bullets to suppress the enemy. Light and medium versions support the section, while heavy machine guns give sustained fire over long ranges.

A short-barrelled weapon that fires bombs at a high angle to hit targets behind cover or in trenches. It is simple, portable and gives infantry their own indirect fire support.

The cartridges, shells, bombs and charges fired by weapons. Its type, calibre and supply are critical to any operation, and its safe handling and accounting are strict military responsibilities.

Rapid, aimed fire delivered to force the enemy to keep their heads down and stop them shooting effectively. It allows friendly troops to move, assault a position or withdraw under cover.

A tactical technique in which one group shoots to suppress the enemy while another group moves forward, then they swap roles. It lets an attacking force advance across open ground with mutual support.

The use of colour, pattern, cover and concealment to make troops, vehicles and positions hard to see. It includes personal camouflage, nets, natural cover and the control of light and noise.

The practical skills a soldier uses in the field, including judging ground, moving without being seen, digging in, and living in the open. It includes camouflage, concealment, sentry duty and field hygiene.

Protection from enemy observation rather than from fire, achieved by using cover such as trees, buildings, shadows and folds in the ground. It hides movement and positions from the enemy's eyes.

The immediate help given to a sick or injured person before professional medical treatment arrives. It aims to preserve life, prevent worsening and promote recovery through simple, safe actions.

A band tightened around a limb above a wound to stop severe bleeding when pressure and dressings fail. It must be applied correctly and the time noted, as leaving it too long can damage the limb.

The sorting of casualties by the urgency of their condition so that limited medical resources go to those most likely to be saved. It is used in battle and in mass-casualty disasters.

The organised protection of civilians in war or emergency, including air-raid precautions, shelters, rescue, first aid and fire-fighting. It supplements the armed forces and helps maintain public morale.

The planned cycle of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery applied to natural or man-made disasters. In India it is guided by the National Disaster Management Authority and state authorities.

A youth organisation that gives school and college students military-style training, adventure and leadership experience. It is not a recruiting agency but encourages discipline, service and awareness of defence careers.

The protection of a state's sovereignty, territorial integrity, people and vital interests from external and internal threats. It covers military, economic, cyber, energy and information dimensions, not only armed defence.

The strategy of preventing an adversary from acting by convincing them that the cost of action will outweigh any gain. It rests on credible capability, clear communication and the will to respond.

A nuclear force structure able to deliver weapons from land-based missiles, submarines and aircraft. India declared a credible minimum deterrent with a no-first-use policy and maintains such a triad.

The wider political, military, economic and technological setting in which a country's defence policy is made. It includes neighbours, alliances, emerging technologies and non-traditional threats such as terrorism and cyber attack.

The art of influencing people to achieve a common aim willingly and effectively. Military leadership combines professional competence, moral courage, example and concern for the welfare of subordinates.

The habit of prompt, willing obedience to lawful orders and to the rules of the service, maintained through training and self-control. It holds a unit together under stress and protects its members.

The moral principles that govern the conduct of soldiers, including lawful orders, humanity, proportionality and accountability. They reflect the laws of armed conflict and the values expected of a professional force.

The status of belonging to a state with its rights and duties, such as obeying the law, paying taxes and defending the country. Good citizenship involves active service to the community and the nation.

The obligations listed in Article 51A of the Constitution of India, added in 1976. They include respecting the Constitution, protecting sovereignty and national unity, and defending the country when called upon.

Love of and loyalty to one's country, shown by service, sacrifice and respect for its symbols and institutions. In a democracy it is expressed through lawful, constructive and responsible conduct, not narrow hostility to others.