New Delhi: The Indian Army has appointed Subedar Major Ojit Singh as its first-ever Command Subedar Major (Comd SM), a role designed to strengthen communication between senior leadership and junior ranks within the force. This historic appointment took place on Monday under the Northern Command at Udhampur, announced by Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.
Hailing from the 3 Assam Regiment, Comd SM Singh’s role follows a directive by the Chief of Army Staff to establish Command Subedar Major positions across all Army Commands, including the Army Headquarters. The Northern Command is one of the seven key commands of the Indian Army.
Inspired by the Senior Sergeant Major (SMA) framework in Western militaries, the Comd SM serves as a vital advisory link between the Army commander and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (ORs), who form the backbone of the Army.
Subedar Major Singh will advise the Army commander on policies affecting JCOs and ORs, covering areas like morale, training standards, welfare, and personnel issues. His responsibilities also include operational reviews and accompanying the Army chief during unit visits to gather direct feedback from troops.
The position is strictly advisory and does not carry administrative authority. The initial tenure is set for two years, with the possibility of extension to three years.
Selection followed a thorough interview process supervised by the former Army commander, with the Infantry Directorate issuing the final posting order after choosing Singh from a panel of qualified JCOs.
This initiative is aimed at fostering better coordination and trust between the top brass and frontline units, especially in strategically sensitive regions managed by the Northern Command.
The Indian Air Force already employs a similar role through the Master Warrant Officer (MWO), who acts as a liaison between enlisted personnel and officers on technical and personnel matters.
