Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, AVSM, SM today assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the MAHAR Regiment in June 1988. Over nearly four decades of distinguished service, he has held a wide range of command and staff appointments across diverse operational environments.
He has commanded an Infantry Battalion in semi-desert terrain as well as in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, an Infantry Brigade in a Strike Corps, a Counter Insurgency Force and a Pivot Corps in Northern Command. His operational experience includes participation in Operation Pawan, service as a Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and multiple tenures in high-altitude areas and counter-insurgency operations along the Line of Control and in the North East.
The General Officer also commanded a Sector in UN Mission in South Sudan. On promotion to Lieutenant General, he commanded a Corps in Northern Command. He later served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Southern Command, where he contributed significantly to capability development, force restructuring and overall operational preparedness.
On elevation as Army Commander, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command. Lieutenant General Jain has held key staff and operational appointments across varied formations and headquarters. His assignments have provided him deep exposure to conventional operations, counter-insurgency, high-altitude areas, United Nations missions and force preparedness in diverse terrain.
A distinguished officer, he has attended the Higher Command Course at the Army War College and the National Defence Course in Kenya. In recognition of his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Sena Medal.