In a landmark development for the Indian Armed Forces, Colonel Noreen Shanet John has become the first woman officer to assume command of a training battalion at the Madras Engineering Group (MEG) and Centre, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most prestigious institutions.
Commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in 1998, Colonel John brings with her over 26 years of military service, marked by operational excellence, instructional leadership, and institutional commitment.
A Distinguished Military Career
Colonel John’s service trajectory includes key roles such as Senior Group Testing Officer at the Services Selection Board (SSB), Allahabad, where she played a critical role in evaluating and selecting future military leaders. In 2020, she was granted a Permanent Commission, and in 2023, she was elevated to the rank of Colonel (Select Grade).
Her new assignment at the MEG & Centre places her in direct leadership of one of the Army’s key training units — responsible for preparing Agniveer recruits and combat engineers who go on to serve across a wide range of operational theatres.
Profile Summary:
- Name: Colonel Noreen Shanet John
- Commissioned: 1998, Corps of Engineers
- Permanent Commission Granted: 2020
- Promoted to Colonel (Select Grade): 2023
- Notable Role: Senior GTO, SSB Allahabad
- Current Post: Commanding Officer, Training Battalion, MEG & Centre, Bengaluru
Significance of the Appointment
Located in Bengaluru, the MEG & Centre is a key establishment under the Corps of Engineers and plays a foundational role in India’s military infrastructure development. It also serves as a critical hub for imparting combat engineering and technical training.
Colonel John’s appointment is a first in the Centre’s 244-year history and reflects the Indian Army’s evolving approach to leadership roles for women, particularly in training, operations, and technical arms.
Breaking New Ground
Her appointment is being hailed as a significant milestone in the Armed Forces’ ongoing efforts to integrate women into mainstream leadership roles. It signals the Army’s growing confidence in women officers to lead not just in support functions, but in operationally relevant and physically demanding assignments.
Senior officials described her selection as merit-based and well-earned through years of consistent professional performance.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As commanding officer of the training battalion, Colonel John will play a pivotal role in shaping the military ethos, discipline, and readiness of hundreds of Agniveer recruits. Her leadership is expected to inspire more women candidates to pursue and excel in armed forces careers, especially as more branches open permanent commissions and operational postings to women officers.