Hyderabad|India|April'2010:  A wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial and a Special Sainik Sammelan, were the highlights of the 235th anniversary celebrations of Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), in Cantonment.

Brigadier SK Manchanda, Commandant, AOC Centre at the solemn ceremony, laid a wreath at the War Memorial in homage to the martyrs. The last post was sounded and a two-minute silence was observed for the peace of the departed souls. While addressing the Special Sainik Sammelan the Commandant said that the Corps is currently progressing a number of new initiatives, which would add vitality and responsiveness to the organization. Brigadier Manchanda has also expressed the confidence that men of the Corps would continue to work hard and instill confidence in Field Commanders while achieving their Corps motto “Shastra Se Shakti”.

Earlier, a Barakhana was organized at the Thapar Stadium. Besides the service personnel and their civilian counterparts in the AOC, a few ex-personnel also participated. Messages of greetings received from dignitaries were read out. The celebrations culminated with regimental dinner for all officers and families at the AOC Centre Officer’s Mess.
The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) came into being as the Board of Ordnance created in 1775. In 1855, the Ordnance Commissariat department was created. Different presidency ordnance departments were amalgamated on April 1, 1884. The Indian Ordnance Department was created in 1911. The organization was styled as Indian Army Ordnance Corps in 1922. The Director of Equipment and ordnance stores was re-designated as Director of Ordnance Services in 1929. The Corps of EME was separated in 1943. The Corps was renamed as Army Ordnance Corps in 1947. For distinguished services it was awarded "Colours" on December 8, 1970.

In fact, Army Ordnance Corps is unseen hands, which shape the Army's punch. The battle worthiness of any modern army depends on the availability of the required munitions of war. It has thus been entrusted to ensure that right quantities of stores are made available to the right man in the right time.

Keeping pace with advancement in Information Technology the AOC has adopted state of art techniques in the Computerized Inventory Control Projects. It has also developed total quality Management techniques and by bringing in user-friendly methods it has been able to achieve optimum excellence within affordable economy. Army Ordnance Corps gave an invaluable account of itself during all the Wars as also during Operation Vijay and Operation Prakaram.

Reachout's News Bureau
April' 2010