This is the story of a boy who sleepwalked into the Army without knowing the organisational structure and then, unable to find his way out, fled thrice before being declared a deserter. This is also the tale of the Indian Army realising the relative lack of awareness in some sections about life in the armed forces, and trying to come closer to the youth so that such sleepwalking, and desertion, does not recur.

A graduate of Osmania University, Ketan (name changed to protect identity) came from a well-placed family, though his parents were unaware of the difference between a “government job” and “being in Army”. His mother told this newspaper that the lure of a government job made them push him into joining the Army.

Ketan, now a senior officer in one of the leading biotechnology companies here, said,“I did not know what my job entailed. I was made to do menial jobs, which of course are meant for soldiers”.

Joining the Indian Army in 2002, he fled for the first time in 2003. “My parents sent me back,” Ketan said. “I was sentenced to a three-month quarter guard, equivalent of a confinement. I fled for the second time in 2005 and was again sent back. Finally, in 2008, when posted at Siachen, I fled again; for good. I was so disturbed that I underwent a rehabilitation programme in Kerala.” Following this, the Army declared him a deserter. Ketan, is not an isolated example. Teja (name chan-ged), who could not pass the psychology test for an officer rank, said, “The (recru-itment) ads, with impressi-ve slogans and pictures, are often misleading. We presume a call to be an air warrior as a sign that jets are waiting to be flown by us.”

To address many such confusions, the Army is now conducting special awareness camps at schools throughout the state. “While one can harvest educational qualifications to hilt in the forces, the point to be driven home is, only a degree will not fetch you an officer’s rank. You must be aware of the complete package, including duties for various ranks, the incentives, and the discipline.” an officer told this newspaper.