By Col Jagdish Sindhwani (Retd)
After retirement from the Army, having served in very diverse terrains, equally diverse formations, one gathers a treasure of experiences and lasting memories of those years. Today, my mind explored those early years when we still had horses and mules in far off mountainous terrains as helps, since there were no roads in such areas. Also having had experience with RVC units, I got to see how dogs were trained for various roles.
Dogs are ever ready to learn. They convey that with their constantly wagging tails and frequently looking at you for instructions. They prefer short commands and any long elaborate ones confuse them. Their sense of smell is put to good use to train them to identify suspects by smell of clothing or instruments used, and then search them out. They also observe body language of unpleasant creatures and keep them under constant watch for any suspicious moves. They are taught to smell and identify all types of explosives. When you watch them in training, it’s an educative experience. They are also taught to accompany their trainers in a ceremonial marchpast, and salute when ordered. This with front feet closed and head bowed when instructed by the trainer.
Horses are used only for rides by officers if so desired, or in emergency, because walking is preferred by all. In peace stations they are used for Polo or tent pegging sports, or for pleasure riding when available. In the Training Academies, both, at NDA and IMA, Cadets are trained in correct ways of riding, jumping obstacles and cross country galloping.
I remember my days at the Artillery Centre where, as Adjutant of the training Regiment, I used to accompany my Commanding Officer once a week to go around the training areas on horseback. Proper dressed in riding kit with breeches, putties, riding shoes and Pith Hat we would go round checking the training of Gunners, Operators, Drivers, etc., spread over vast training areas.
Now to the training of Mules, which are considered dumb animals. But, let me tell you, they pick up their training equally well as other animals. Mules are in two categories. The sturdy ones trained for service in Mountain Artillery where we had guns which could be dismantled and loaded by parts on these mules. The second category mules were used for normal load carrying like rations, tents, tools and miscellaneous items. These are categorised as Mules GS (general service). They were also used as mobile Banks by the Field Cashiers who after drawing money from banks would carry, under escort, cash boxes for distribution amongst various posts and detachments in far off locations. That’s Field Pay Day.
Back to mules, MA (Mountain Artillery). During training, they get to know what type of harness will be put on them, Top Loads or side loads. When stripped in parts, the Gun has a barrel and trails as top loads, separately with suitably designed harness; and for wheels and shields, side loads with similarly required harness. Now these mules during training watch closely and know when to come forward for the load they are meant for. They are, of course, assisted by the mule driver, but they know their drills. Once duly loaded they wait for instructions to move. They are attentive when the GPO (gun position officer) is speaking or indicating any landmark. When the command for ACTION is given by the GPO, they run to the designated gun flag and line up for unloading the gun parts for assembling and getting the gun into action. Then when he points to the mule rest, they are all ears up and listening and know where to head. So, they are not so dumb after all. And as for the mule – man relationship, it’s a treat to watch the jawan talking to his animal in his native language, which by now the mule understands. The jawan pulls out some “Chana and Gur” from his bag and feeds him as reward, while chatting with him. One can see the obvious feeling of glee and smile on the face of the mule. It’s simply amazing how they respond to their drivers in the language spoken, especially Punjabi, which is hilarious. They really seem to communicate.
So much for the animals mentioned above, who get trained in the Army for their roles. There are two similar looking cousins of horses and mules. One is a smaller variety, the Donkey, who is a big help in brick kilns and mines and carries loads on the sides. In Pakistan, he is used to pull a donkey cart, a popular means of transport in their rural areas. He is the only one who gives out a loud braying sound when happy or grumpy, a feat which his other cousins do not. They are the silent types. Yes, the fourth cousin (lookalike) is a non-Resident type, wearing an inbuilt sophisticated dress, the stripped Zebra, who is a native of the African Savannahs. Born free, untamed and free from burden. Bindaas.
As a post script, I wish we could train Monkeys as commandos. They are so agile, fast maneuvering, and extremely mobile. If suitably trained, they could be like our ‘drones’ in ground role. Food for thought!
(Col JC Sindhwani, Retd, is a resident of Dalanwala since Partition, whose family migrated from Sargodha. He was educated in SJA before joining the Army and retired in 1992)
