Pakistan Military Academy

Pakistan Military Academy (AKA PMA Kakul), is Pakistan Army Officers Training Academy located near Kakul Village in City and District Abbottabad , Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[1] For educational training the institution is accredited with NUST University.[2][3][4] Pakistan Military Academy provides training to Gentlemen Cadets (Officer Cadets) of Pakistan Army and Allied countries. The academy has four training battalions, and 16 companies. Approximately 2,000 invited guests from over 34 countries visit this institution each year. Many close allies of Pakistan send their own cadets and officers to receive premier training in modern military doctrine at PMA. COAS Gen Raheel Shareef, inaugurated 4th Pakistan Battalion in PMA on October 10, 2016.[5][6]

Pakistan Military Academy
Kakul
Motto in English
Men at their Best
Typemilitary service academy
EstablishedAugust 14, 1947 (August 14, 1947)
CommandantMajor Gen Muhammad Ali
Academic staff
3,000–4,000 (both civilian and military)
Location
Abbottabad
,
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
,
Pakistan
ColoursGreen      and      Red
Websitewww.pma.edu.pk

History

Before the dissolution of British India in 1947, the location had initially been used as the premises of a PT and Mountaineering School of the British Indian Army, on the site of an old POW Camp for prisoners from the Boer War,[7] and later it became the premises of the Royal Indian Army Service Corps. After the division of the old Indian Army between India and Pakistan in 1947, Brigadier Francis Ingall, an officer of the British Indian Army, was selected by the C-in-C India, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, as first commandant of the Pakistan Military Academy, established at Kakul. He determined that the PMA would be organized based upon the model established by Sandhurst and requested a regimental sergeant major from the Brigade of Guards to help with training. He was fortunate to have the support of a number of old Indian Army officers who were transferred to the Pakistan Army, among them Lieutenant-Colonel Attiqur Rahman, Major S.G.Mehdi M.C., the first PMA adjutant and founder of Qasim company, fondly known as "Killer" Mehdi, who later went on to command the SSG ( Special Service Group) of the Pakistan Army. In spite of facilities which were nowhere near the level of those enjoyed by the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dun, Ingall won the confidence of his cadets and instructors. When, late in 1947, the dispute over the accession of Jammu and Kashmir led to armed conflict between India and Pakistan, Ingall was able to structure the Academy’s training to enable newly commissioned officers to be immediately effective when they joined units on active service. Ingall was appointed OBE after completing his term as commandant in 1950. What probably gave him more satisfaction was the decision to name Kakul’s central lecture theatre Ingall Hall - though this was not built until many years after he had left.[8] He kept in touch with the academy for the rest of his life, making his last visit in November, 1997 where he said:

I have given many addresses from this position here and from 1948 to 1951 I was very keen on the question of Pakistan and believed in it. I believed what the Quaid-e-Azam preached. I believe in Islam.[9]

Cadets from IMA (66) arrived in October 1947 and new cadets for Ist PMA Long Course (78) and Ist Graduates Course (63) were selected in Pakistan and training started officially in January 1948. Two hundred and seven cadets started their training in January 1948. On January 25, 1948, "The First Pakistan Battalion" was instituted. This battalion has four companies which were "named after the luminaries of Muslim military history" (e.g., Khalid, Tariq, Qasim, and Salahuddin). In March 1948, the First Battalion "was bestowed with Quaid-e-Azam’s patronage as Colonel-in-Chief, and the most coveted claim “The Quaid-e-Azam’s Own".

Khawaja Nazimuddin gave the Quaid-e-Azam banner to the Pakistan Military Academy on behalf of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah. The Quaid-e-Azam banner is held aloft by the champion company at every passing out parade. "Regimental colours presented in 1950 by Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan and the National Standard in 1961 by General Muhammad Musa, the then-Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, have been some of the honours showered on the Academy, which it has always jealously guarded and kept high in letter and spirit."[4]

The 1965 war led to expansion of the academy, and the second battalion of the academy was created in December 1965. This battalion consisted of four companies, called Ghaznavi, Babur, Aurangzeb, and Tipu. In early 1989, the third battalion of the academy was founded. The third battalion's four companies are Haider, Ubaida, Saad, and Hamza.

Location
Nathia Gali is a tourist destination near Abbottabad

The academy is located in Abbottabad, at an elevation of 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). Abbottabad, named after the British administrator James Abbott in the year 1853, is a city located in the Hazara region of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, in Pakistan. The city is situated in the Orash Valley, 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of the capital Islamabad, and 150 kilometres (93 miles) east of Peshawar, at an altitude of 1,260 metres (4,134 ft) and is the capital of the Abbottabad District. It borders Azad Kashmir to the east. The city is well known throughout Pakistan for its pleasant weather, high-standard educational institutions and military establishments as it has a robust presence of soldiers engaged in various activities.[10] Pine trees are common in the area, whereas the climate is moderate both in winters and summers. The city is equipped with markets and all sorts of transport facilities. The city is only at a short distance from the academy.

Educational philosophy

The educational philosophy of the academy is to impart more than just combat training. The academy provides such an environment that every cadet develops attributes of Courage, Discipline, Integrity, Dignity, Honour and Patriotism. The academy provides all sorts of knowledge and wisdom that will be necessary for the cadets of today to implement when they become officers and are entrusted with an authority. In army all young officers have great respect for their seniors and this character is imparted during their stay at the academy.

Every cadet must be clear of his/her aim of joining the army. With a clear mindset every cadet is required to work hard and with zeal. He should be willing to take risks and lead his team from the front. Teamwork is an essential part of the extra-curricular activities and field exercises.

Academic courses

The academy offers a four-year undergraduate program leading to the Bachelors in Military Art and Science (BMAS) including some common subjects as English, Military Geography, National and International Affairs, Islamic Studies, Military and General Science or Social Science. The long course cadets study two years for the degree before commissioning and complete their degree in their units. Every Gentleman Cadet passing out of the academy has a minimum graduation (from MCE, CEME, MCS, AM College or civil institutes) except for Long Course cadets who complete their degree after their passing out.

Pakistan Military Academy Passing out Parade

The academy also has a Central Library that has a large collection of books on nearly every subject. The library also has journals and research materials. Along with the library the academy also has three massive computer laboratories and four latest computer-controlled language laboratories. It is important that the cadets be aware of the current national and international news, for which PMA has set up its own broadcast channel.

Apart from the above courses and facilities, Pakistan Military Academy also has a range of clubs and societies which are:

  • Science Club
  • Fine Arts Club
  • Crafts Club
  • Drama Club
  • Debating Club
  • Music Club
  • Camera Club
  • Literary Club
  • Graphics Club

Physical fitness
Cadets of Para Club at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul

GCs (Gentlemen Cadets) are required to pass various physical tests. The academy has very high physical standards, which all cadets have to achieve in order to pass. The physical requirements increase with promotion to the next term. The basic requirement for cadets of first term is to be able to complete one mile run (1.6 kilometers) in six minutes and thirty seconds. In second term, cadets are required to complete one mile run in six minutes and twenty seconds. For third term cadets one mile time is six minutes and ten seconds and for fourth term cadets i.e. the senior most cadets are required to run one mile within six minutes. Other tests includes push ups, sit ups, chin up, rope test, five mile running, assault course, and the acid test. These tests generally test the stamina and strength of a cadet.

In the acid test, cadets begin by traversing a mountain while carrying logs on their shoulders. This is followed by a 14.5 km run in full gear to an obstacle course. Those completing the course are given five rounds with which to hit a target at a distance of 22m.[11]

LCs are also required to pass physical efficiency tests like GCs, but the standards are bit less keeping in view to their physique. The basic requirement for all lady cadets is to run one mile (1.6 km) within ten minutes. Other tests includes push ups, sit ups, bar hanging, assault course and also undergoes an exercise Qiyadat with GCs. They are entitled to do Horse Riding, Shooting, Swimming, and Fencing; depending on their will. LCs also compete for firing medal and PT medal.

There are also variety of outdoor clubs that helps in increasing the physical fitness of cadets:

  • Para Club
  • Gliding Club
  • Angling Club
  • Hiking Club
  • Riding Club
  • Judo and Karate Club
  • Health and Hygiene Club
  • Frogman Club
  • Rifle Club
  • Shikar Club
  • Cycling club
  • Archery Club

Training

At PMA potential officers undergo a series of grueling training programs designed to inculcate the attributes and qualities essential for a career in the Pakistani armed forces. Some features of the training program include:

  • Professional skills of handling weapons
  • Tips of field craft
  • Use of signal equipment
  • Model discussions
  • Tutorial discussions
  • Tactical exercises without troops
  • Field exercises

There are a number of training exercises for cadets, which include:

  • First term: Kick Off, Saluting Tests, Cross Country, Sang e Bunyad.
  • Second term: Yarmuk, Path Finder and the GCs are required to spend three minutes in the Boxing Ring with another opponent following a lengthy training period.
  • Third term: T.M Raiders, Panipat and Assault Course is also added as a part of PT Tests.
  • Fourth term: Qiyadat and the most difficult test of all the Acid Test.
  • Swimming is compulsory for all cadets.

Battalions

For the sake of training the Gentlemen Cadets are organized in battalions and then further into companies. There are 16 companies in Pakistan Military Academy, all of them are named after famous Muslim warriors and commanders.

1st Pakistan Battalion (Quaid-I-Azam's own)

1st Pakistan Battalion consists of four companies:

2nd Pakistan Battalion (Quaid-i-Azam's own)

2nd Pakistan Battalion consists of four companies:

3rd Pakistan Battalion (Quaid-i-Azam's own)

3rd Pakistan Battalion consists of four companies:

4th Pakistan Battalion (Quaid-i-Azam's own)

4th Pakistan Battalion consists of four companies:

Band

The Pakistan Military Academy Band (PMA Band) is a Pakistani military band that serves the PMA in Kakul. It was founded in 1958 and was first headed by Subedar Amir Hussain. It annually participates the Pakistan Day Parade in Islamabad and takes part in all ceremonies hosted at the PMA. It also takes part in the PMA's 14 August Parade as well as the end of the year passing out parade.[12]

Courses

There are five courses running parallel to each other. The courses are:

  • PMA Long Course

The PMA Long Course is for regular commission officers of combat and combat support arms & services. The Long Course has a duration of two years, which is further divided into four terms of six months each. After the 2-year training period Cadets pass out as 2nd Lieutenants. Eligibility for PMA Long Course.

  • PMA Graduate Course

The PMA Graduate Course is taken by those cadets, who have already graduated. These cadets, like those of the Technical Graduate Course, undergo one year of military training. They pass out as Lieutenants or Captains depending upon their education.

  • Technical Cadet Course (TCC)

Candidates who wish to join the army as an engineer apply for this course. It is necessary that the candidate has attained 12 years of academic education with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates who are successful in all tests conducted by the army for selection are then sent to one of these institutions for a Bachelor of Engineering degree, depending on the field they choose:

Degree Institution
B.E Civil EngineeringMilitary College of Engineering
B.E Electrical EngineeringCollege of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
B.E Mechanical EngineeringCollege of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
B.E Mechatronics EngineeringCollege of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
B.E Computer EngineeringCollege of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
B.E Electrical Engineering (Telecom)Military College of Signals
B.E Software EngineeringMilitary College of Signals
B.E Aeronautical EngineeringCollege of Aeronautical Engineering

All of the above institutions are campuses of a public sector university, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad which is one of the top engineering universities of Pakistan. After completing their Bachelor of Engineering degree from one of these institutions, the E-Cadets, as they are called, are sent to Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul for military training of one year after which they directly attain the rank of Captain in their respective units.

  • Integrated Course (IC)

To be eligible for this course, a candidate must have attained 16 (18 preferred) years of academic education with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Candidates who pass initial and GHQ Selection Board tests conducted by the army are sent to Army Medical College for MBBS or for Bachelor of Dental Surgery after which they go through a Basic Military Training at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul for 22 weeks. Apart from GCs of AM College, IC accepts cadets who will to join EME, Signals, RVFC and Army Education Corps with minimum masters in different fields. The IC has a duration of six months. Cadets pass out as Captains. Their military training includes all the essential components required for commissioning as an officer apart from boxing and acid test.

  • PMA Lady Cadet's Course (LCC)

The PMA Lady Cadet's Course was first started in November 2006. The course is taken by masters and bachelors qualified ladies who are sound professionals in their fields. The lady cadets undergo a training period of six months and pass out as Captains in supporting arms of the Pakistan Army.

List of Commandants
S.N Name Start of tenure End of tenure
1Brig F.H.B Ingall, DSO4 Nov 194731 Dec 1950
2Brig. G.H Tarvar, DSO7 Jun 195120 Feb 1953
3Brigadier G. Pigot, MC21 Feb 195318 Nov 1955
4Brig J. H Souter, MC19 Nov 19557 Apr 1957)
5Maj Gen Shoukat Ali Shah8 Apr 19572 May 1959
6Brig Fazal Muqeem Khan, SQA3 May 195917 Oct 1959
7Brig Mohammad Rafi18 oct 195929 Feb 1964
8Brig Sultan Mohammad30 Mar 196414 Nov 1966
9Brig (Later Major General)A.O Mitha, SQA, TPk15 Nov 196623 Nov 1968
10Maj Gen Syed Abid Ali6 Feb 19691 Dec 1969
11Maj Gen Ijaz Ahmed, SK2 Dec 196929 Apr 1970
12Maj Gen Riaz Azim, TPk30 Apr 197010 Feb 1972
13Brig Abdullah Saeed (Later Major General)11 Feb 197220 Nov 1974
14Brig Zamir Ahmed Khan21 Nov 19744 Jun 1976
15Brig (Later Lieutenant General)Ahmad Kamal Khan5 Jun 197615 Feb 1978
16Brig (Later Lieutenant General) Imranuallah Khan16 Feb 197811 Jul 1982
17Maj Gen Rahat Latif17 Jul 19824 Oct 1985
18Maj Gen (Later General & Chief of Army Staff)Asif Nawaz5 Oct 198514 May 1988
19Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Ghulam Muhammad15 May 19882 Jul 1990
20Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Lehrasab Khan, SJ3 Jul 199017 April 1992
21Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Muhammad Maqbool18 Apr 19921 Jul 1993
22Maj Gen Malik Saleem Khan19 Jul 199322 Aug 1995
23Maj Gen Rizwan Qureshi23 Aug 199522 Apr 1997
24Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Jamshed Gulzar23 Apr 199722 Nov 1998
25Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Imtiaz Shaheen3 Dec 19983 Mar 2000
26Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General) Shahid Hamid3 Mar 20004 Nov 2001
27Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Hamid Rabnawaz5 Nov 200114 Oct 2004
28Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Ahsan Azhar Hayat1 Nov 200430 Apr 2006
29Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General)Nadeem Taj1 May 20063 Oct 2007
30Maj Gen Zahid Hussain Khan4 Oct 200712 Oct 2008
31Maj Gen (Later General & Chief of Army Staff)Raheel Sharif13 Oct 200814 Oct 2010
32Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General) Mazhar Jamil15 Oct 201015 May 2012
33Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General) Sadiq Ali16 May 201229 Jul 2013
34Maj Gen (Later Lieutenant General) Nazir Ahmed Butt30 Jul 201328 Oct 2014
35Maj Gen (Now General & Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee) Nadeem Raza29 Oct 201410 Dec 2016
35Maj Gen (Now Lieutenant General) Abdullah Dogar15 Dec 2016Oct 2017
36Maj Gen Akhtar NawazOct 201725 Nov 2019
37Maj Gen Muhammad Ali25 Nov 2019Till date

[13]

Notable Alumni


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References
  1. "PMA is Allma Mater of Officers of Pakistan Army".
  2. "The Affiliation of NUST with PMA".
  3. Govt. Pakistan. "HEC Recognized Universities and Degree Awarding Institutions". Govt. Pakistan. Higher Education Commission. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  4. "Pakistan Military Academy – Cadets Training". Pakistanarmy.gov.pk. January 25, 1948. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 3, 2011.
  5. "The Inauguration by COAS".
  6. "Inauguration of 4th Pak Battalion".
  7. Parret, C. (2011) 'Boer Prisoners in Abbottabad', in Journal of Military Historical Society UK, No 1, Spring issue, pp.3–4; and also History of the 5th Gorkha Rifles, 1858-1928 UK, 1929, p.16
  8. "History of Brigadier Ingall". Defence Journal.
  9. "Ingall's speech at 1:35 min". Pakistan Army. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
  10. "Pakistan Military Academy – Cadets Training". Pakistanarmy.gov.pk. January 25, 1948. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
  11. http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2056110,00.html Dangerous Ground Retrieved 2019-10-11
  12. https://www.pakarmymuseum.com/exhibits/history-of-army-school-of-music/
  13. https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/524772-PMA-cadets-assume-guards-duties-Quaid-mausoleum
  14. Bavadam, Lyla Bavadam (2008). "Brothers in arms". Retrieved May 27, 2009. The cadets who left for Pakistan formed the First Course of the PMA. Gentleman Cadet No. 391 at the IMA, who became Cadet No. 1 at the PMA, Rahim Uddin Khan, rose to the rank of General and became Joint Chief of Staff in Pakistan and, later, Governor of one of the provinces.
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