Mhow, Madhya Pradesh: The 20th edition of the prestigious Higher Defence Orientation Course (HDOC-20) officially commenced today at the Army War College (AWC) in Mhow, bringing together senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force alongside participants from several friendly foreign countries. AWC released information regarding commencement of this course on its official X handle today morning.
Over the coming weeks, the course participants will engage in intensive deliberations on a wide array of critical geo-strategic issues that hold direct relevance to both national and international security. The curriculum is designed to deepen understanding of contemporary strategic challenges, policy formulation, joint operational perspectives, and the broader security environment shaping regional and global stability.
AWC, a premier institution dedicated to professional military education, serves as the ideal setting for this high-level orientation programme. Known for its rigorous academic environment and focus on higher defence studies, the AWC regularly hosts courses that prepare senior officers for strategic leadership roles. The inclusion of tri-service officers underscores the growing emphasis on jointness and integrated theatre commands within the Indian armed forces, while the participation of international officers reflects India’s expanding defence diplomacy and commitment to fostering military-to-military cooperation with partner nations.
Previous iterations of the HDOC have provided participants with a platform for mutual learning, exchange of best practices, and the strengthening of professional bonds. The course not only equips officers with insights into the strategic domain but also encourages collaborative analysis of emerging threats, including hybrid warfare, technological disruptions, maritime security, and border management challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The commencement of HDOC-20 assumes added significance amid India’s ongoing military modernisation drive and its proactive role in regional security architecture. As the Indian Armed Forces adapt to multi-domain operations and complex security dynamics, such professional development programmes play a vital role in building intellectual capital and strategic acumen among future leaders.
The Army Training Command (ARTRAC), which oversees the AWC, has been instrumental in shaping these courses to align with the Indian Army’s vision of a future-ready force. Officials expect the HDOC-20 cohort to benefit from expert lectures, interactive seminars, case studies, and field visits that bridge theoretical understanding with practical application.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
