169 recruits of Brigade of The Guards turn combat soldiers

One hundred sixty nine recruits attained the status of a combat soldier at an impressive passing out parade at the Brigade of The Guards Regimental Centre, Kamptee near here today.
"A colorful ceremonial parade was presented by these proud young Guardsmen, who are the newest additions to the armed forces fraternity. As they crossed the symbolic 'Antim Pag' (Last Step) in slow march to the famous Auld Lang Syne tune of the Military band, they formally attained the status of combat soldiers, ready for front line duties," a release by the Defence PRO said.
Medals were presented to outstanding guardsmen in various disciplines of training. The coveted 'Overall Best Recruit Trophy' was awarded to recruit Neeraj Kumar of Tipu Training Company, the release said.

Lt Gen Ashok Singh, ADC, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Command and "The Colonel" of the Brigade of The Guards was the chief guest and reviewed the parade, it further said.
The Brigade of The Guards was raised in 1949 by Field Marshal K M Cariappa, OBE by amalgamating the finest traditions of Guards Regiments all over the world. Post independence, this was the first Regiment to be raised on an 'All India All Class' composition.
The motto of the Regiment is "Pahla Hamesha Pahla".
The Regiment was formed by selecting the four oldest battalions of the Indian Army. The Regimental Centre was initially established at Delhi in 1950, then moved to Kota in 1956, and further shifted to its present location in Kamptee in 1976.

The Regimental Centre is equipped with state of the art training infrastructure and transforms young men into disciplined and well-trained soldiers prepared to face today's environmental challenges, the release added.