M.S. Dhoni, Abhinav Bindra and Dr Deepak Rao were pipped in by the Army Chief General V.K. Singh recently. Dhoni and Bindra have been commissioned as Honorary Lt Colonel and Dr Rao commissioned as a Honorary Major in the Territorial Army.

Dhoni and Bindra have been bestowed the honour for their outstanding contribution in the field of sports and their commitment to the Army on various occasions. Dhoni has set an example by his unstinted hard work, discipline and supreme dedication. His leading the team from the front, remaining ultra cool in adversities, maintaining excellent physical standards, and giving all credit to his teammates, is very synonymous to the Army way of leadership.

Bindra is youth icon and his qualities as a valiant fighter, dedication, hardwork, supreme concentration and perseverance are synonymous to an Army leader.

Deepak Rao is the first Indian to specialise in modern close quarter battle training (CQB) and has imparted his expertise for 17 years to train soldiers from various Indian forces.

As Brand Ambassadors of the Indian Army, they will strengthen the citizen-soldier bonds. Colonel (Honorary) Anil Habbu, Lt Colonel (Honorary) Kapil Dev and Lt Colonel (Honorary) Mohanlal are the other Honorary officers of the Territorial Army.