In a significant development for gender representation within the Indian Armed Forces, Colonel Noreen Shanet John has been appointed as the first woman officer to command a training battalion at the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) and Centre in Bengaluru.
The MEG & Centre, a premier training institution under the Corps of Engineers, is tasked with producing some of the Indian Army’s most skilled combat engineers and infrastructure specialists. The unit also plays a critical role in training Agniveer recruits under the Agnipath scheme.
Colonel John’s appointment marks a key milestone, reflecting the increasing inclusion of women in command and leadership positions across the Army’s operational and training domains.
A Career of Excellence
Commissioned into the Corps of Engineers, Colonel John has served in various operational and instructional capacities throughout her distinguished career. Her current role places her at the helm of one of the Army’s oldest and most prestigious training battalions — responsible for shaping the physical and technical capabilities of future soldiers.
Military officials confirmed the appointment was made based on merit, professionalism, and a proven leadership track record.
Historical Significance
Established in 1780, the MEG & Centre has trained generations of personnel who have contributed to national defense, infrastructure development, and humanitarian operations both within India and abroad. Colonel John’s appointment is seen as a progressive step in the Centre’s legacy, which now includes women at the highest levels of its training command.
Her command will directly impact the Army’s ongoing training programs, including those for newly inducted Agniveers — signaling a broader institutional trust in women officers to lead critical, male-dominated units.
Broader Context
The Indian Army has gradually expanded opportunities for women over the past decade, allowing permanent commission in select branches and opening doors to roles in the Corps of Military Police, artillery, and now instructional leadership in elite training units.
Colonel John’s achievement follows a series of high-profile appointments of women officers across the three services, indicating a shift toward greater gender inclusivity in military leadership.
