The Military College of Telecommunications Engineering (MCTE) which has been the alma mater to Signal Officers, has added another glorious feather to its wings by establishing the Cadets Training Wing (CTW) at Mhow. "Catch them young and groom them well" appears to be the spirit behind this pioneering effort. The Chief of the Army Staff, Gen S Padmanabhan visited the burgeoning cradle of Signal Officers at Cadets Training Wing. Addressing the instructional staff he said—"the young Signallers whom you train today would be the communication backbone of the Army tomorrow. Give them your best!"

The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) started as a new entry in the Army in July 1999. The move was directed to overcome the shortage of technically qualified officers in the corps of Engineers, Signals and EME. Students after completing their 10+2 in science (Physics, Chemistry and Mathe-matics) with minimum of 70 per cent in the core subjects are eligible for this entry. The initial selection is through SSB. Once the boys are through with the SSB, they are sent to IMA for one year military training. The Gentleman Cadets (GCs) then proceed to different institutes for completing their B Tech degree. The communicators come to MCTE. They spend three years as cadets and the fourth year as officers during their four-year training stint at MCTE. After four years of training, the young officers are awarded a B Tech degree in Telecommunication Engineering and Information Technology from the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

The establishment of CTW from almost scratch was no easy task. However, MCTE achieved the daunting task with traditional elan. In a short span of two years, laboratories like network, electric and magnetic power supply, applied mechanics, chemistry, physics, graphics etc were established. Even a computer laboratory with internet facility has come up recently. Gentleman Cadets have round-the-clock free internet access at the College of Information Technology laboratory. The college library is amongst the biggest in army institutions. All endeavours are made to help the GCs get the best of training.

Though studies form the core of training, yet stress on all round development of the cadet is also looked into. After all, at the end of the day, these officers have to perform in intense combat environment. The day starts with physical training or drill followed by academic classes. All types of troop and individual games are also encouraged. Boxing which tests the real fighting spirit of a soldier is part of training. One’s knowledge of tactics is brought out in the various camps that are organised every alternate semester. Extra-curricular activities like quiz and debates are also encouraged.

The Wing also has several club options. Clubs are organised on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Music, squash, tennis, computers, electronics, dramatics and painting clubs are functional. All possible amenities are provided here to hone the skills of GCs. A cyber cafe, CSD extension cell, STD booth, banking facilities, post office extension are available in the campus to avoid administrative hindrances in smooth conduct of the training.

CTW holds lot of promises for the future. Today, CTW conducts four courses. The addition of two more courses will give CTW its full strength. The standard of training, academics and extra curricular activities at CTW promises to produce professionally competent, physically and mentally tough and well groomed officers who will become the torch of bearers the Corps of Signals for a long time to come.