Excelsior Sports Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 8: The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) celebrated its 239th Corps Day in the Northern Command theatre, here today.
In his message to Army Ordnance Corps on the eve of 239th Corps Day, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Lt General Sanjiv Chachra, extended his greetings to all ranks, civilians and families of the Corps.
The Army Commander also lauded the undaunted dedication and professionalism of the AOC personnel who have ensured excellent material support to the Northern Army.
The Corps was raised with the creation of ‘Board of Ordnance’ on April 8, 1775. The establishment of this Board was the first real attempt at organizing due effective control over military expenditure with a systematic distribution of Ordnance equipment and military stores to the troops of the John Company popularly known as the East India Company.
Over the last two and a quarter century, the magnitude of responsibility of the Corps has undergone a total metamorphosis and today it is a dynamic Corps providing vital logistic backup to the Indian Army meeting all its requirement of Ammunition, Missiles, Vehicles, Clothing and Equipment besides spares support.
The Corps has constantly endeavoured to keep pace with modern inventory management techniques and automation for efficiently managing the huge inventory of stores.
In its glorious history of 239 years the Ordnance Corps has not only effectively managed a large inventory providing material support to the Field Army across a wide spectrum of conflict situations, but has also produced valiant soldiers who have defended the nation and has earned glory in war.