Meet Colonel Anshu Jamwal, First Woman to Command an Air Defence Unit in Indian Army

Colonel Jamwal’s achievements not only elevate her career but also push the boundaries of women empowerment within the armed forces, inspiring future generations of women to aspire for leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated spheres.

In a landmark achievement for the Indian Army, Colonel Anshu Jamwal has become the first woman officer to lead an Air Defence Regiment. Hailing from Rahya village in Jammu, Colonel Jamwal’s commissioning took place at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai on March 18, 2006.

Throughout her distinguished career, Colonel Jamwal has not only served as an instructor but also made significant contributions as a UN Military Observer. Her recent role at the Army Headquarters paved the way for her current leadership position at the forefront of the Air Defence Regiment.

Colonel Jamwal’s journey to this groundbreaking command was supported and celebrated by her family, particularly her father, Bir Singh Jamwal. Despite initial aspirations for her to pursue a career in education, her family embraced her ambitions to carve a unique path in the military. “Initially we wanted her to become a teacher, but she wanted to do something different. I decided to support her,” her father recounted, sharing memories of training runs at Govt Gandhi Memorial Science College in Jammu.

Her father expressed immense pride during the ceremony when Colonel Jamwal officially took over the regiment’s command, marking her as the first woman to hold such a position. “We are happy that our daughter will command an Air Defence Regiment and she has become the first woman officer to do so,” he said.

Colonel Jamwal’s achievements not only elevate her career but also push the boundaries of women empowerment within the armed forces, inspiring future generations of women to aspire for leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated spheres.