Captain Geetika Koul successfully finished the challenging induction training at the prestigious Siachen Battle School.
Announcing her deployment, the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army shared on social media, ‘Captain Geetika Koul from the Snow Leopard Brigade achieves the historic milestone of becoming the first woman medical officer deployed at the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen, following the successful completion of induction training at Siachen Battle School’.
Siachen, situated in the northern Himalayas, is renowned for its strategic importance but is equally dreaded for its severe climate and demanding terrain, posing challenges to even the most skilled individuals’ survival.
After successfully undergoing an intensive training program known for testing both physical and mental endurance, which includes elements such as high-altitude climbing, survival skills, and essential specialized medical procedures crucial for operating in extreme conditions, Captain Geetika Koul made history as the first woman in India to serve as a medical officer in the Indian Army deployed in Siachen.
Her deployment in the demanding terrain represents a notable accomplishment for both her and a substantial stride toward gender inclusion within the Indian army.
In October of this year, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) activated a new Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in the Siachen glacier, aiming to enhance and support mobile communication for soldiers stationed at an altitude exceeding 15,500 feet.