The Journey: Pratham Pag to Antim Pag

Till last week, I had other thoughts about the Antim Pag (The Final Step) that is crossed by Cadets at each of the Academies. But all this changed last week at the Reception Centre of the Selection Centre East, Allahabad. For this centre had a step, Pratham Pag (The First Step).

Then it struck to my mind. This whole process, of being selected to be an Officer of the Armed Forces till being commissioned as one, is a Journey. A journey which starts from the Selection Centre and ends at the respective Academies.

The journey is tough, mentally and physically. The candidates are put to limits at each phase, be it the selection centre or the training academy. So the exit procedures are many. Out of hundreds reporting for selection at SSB (Services Selection Board) more than half get screened out on the first day. Of the remaining, only a few make it to the recommended list.

Exits do not stop here. Many drop out of the Academies unable to survive the harsh training process. Only the ones who are strong mentally, make it to the final POP (Pass Out Parade) where they complete the journey by crossing the Final Step.

And that is a start of another journey, to defend the motherland for the next 3 decades.

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