Dimapur, Feb. 1 (EMN): Lt. Gen. RP Kalita took over charge as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Eastern Command on February 1. He assumed office after paying homage to the martyrs at Vijay Smarak followed by guard of honour at Garrison Battalion Parade Ground.
Prior to his posting, he was Director General Manpower Planning and Amp; Personnel Services in IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi. The General was commissioned into 9 Kumaon in 1984 and has extensive operational experience in Sri Lanka, Jammu and Kashmir, and Northeast. He commanded a Rashtriya Rifles battalion in Kashmir, a Mountain Brigade and an Infantry division actively engaged in counter insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and strategically important Corps in Northeast.
He has rich experience by virtue of serving in varied staff appointments to include key appointments in Military Secretary’s Branch, Operational Logistics Directorate, Adjutant General’s Branch in IHQ of MoD (Army), stated a PIB report. He also served as Colonel GS of a Division and BGS (Ops) of a Corps in a highly active counter insurgency environment.
He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Higher Command, National Defence College and served twice in the United Nations as a military observer in Sierra Leone and chief operations officer in Sudan.
For his illustrious contribution to the nation, he was conferred with Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card & amp; GOC-in-C Easter Command Commendation Card.