National Defence Academy, History of NDA

Squadrons

Hunter Squadron

Introduction

The Hunter squadron is the 4th squadron of the 2nd battalion of the NDA. ‘ H’ stands for Hunter.

Unique Features

Hunter squadron, the name itself speaks volumes about the squadron. Hunter squadron is a totally different squadron from the 14 squadrons of the NDA. There are some unique features of Hunter squadron which set it apart from rest of the squadrons.
The first thing which comes to anybody’s mind is that Hunter is the only squadron to have a name which is not according to Army codes such as Alpha, Bravo, or November, Oscar etc. The reason being that once during the 30th course, the Hunters were at the peak of their performance & they were given the privilege of selecting their squadron name which they aptly chose as Hunter. It is a thing to be felt proud of.
One more thing which is unique about Hunter squadron is the tradition of keeping moustaches by 1st to 4th term cadets. It is such a unique tradition which sets hunters apart from the rest of the academy.
One historical fact about the Hunter squadron is that once Hunter squadron used to be in the building which now houses Echo squadron & that is the reason why Hunters can march in Echo parade ground.
It is a common obsrvation that during the cabin-cupboard inspection of any squadron, the cabins are found in an excellent conditions but corridor & bathrooms are found in a pathetic condition. All the muck & waste of cabins is thrown in the corridor. The Hunter squadron stands out as the cleanest squadron in the academy.

History

‘H’ Squadron or ‘Hunter’ squadron has a very glorious history. Initially, when the academy was built, ‘Hunter’ squadron was called as ‘Hotel’ as per the navy codes. But during the passing out of the 30th course, ‘Hotel’ squadron was given the privilege of selecting its own name as it had won all the trophies that term leaving the academy speechless. So, the name ‘Hunter’ is earned.
Initially the ‘Hunter’ squadron used to be the present day's ‘ECHO’ squadron i.e. facing Trishul marg. Because of this reason, ‘Hunter’ cadets go marching from ‘Echo’ parade ground or Battalion area.
‘Hunter’ squadron has always been doing good in field games. Recently during the 103rd course, ‘Hunter’ squadron won the ‘Boxing’ trophy for consecutive three terms, thereby bagging the replica for the game.
Not only in the academy, ‘Hunter’ squadron cadets have been doing extremely well in services also. Lt.Gen. R.S. Kadyan (PVSM,AVSM) was form ‘Hunter’ squadron. Not going too far, Maj. Gen. I.A. Satur, ex Deputy commandant of the NDA is also an ex Hunter.
Moreover, present day’s 100 m sprint record of NDA also lies with the prestigious ‘Hunter’ squadron cadet ACA Suhas Gore.
Thus ‘Hunter’ squadron has a glorious history and its cadets are proud of it

Traditions

There a a tradition in Hinter squadron to keep moustache.
Fourth termers have the privilege to clip their moustache whereas Vth & VIth termers can shave them off.
We offer to our juniors first whenever we sit for meal in the mess.
Our squadron has the tradition of marching in Echo parade ground. This is because the present building of Echo squadron was, at some time, Hunter squadron building.
We have a tradition of doing well in games which requires spirit. As a matter of fact, Hunter squadron is known very well for its josh.
We have a very good tradition - the over studies give toffees to their under studies after guest night.
All seniors and juniors of the squadron are friends outside the squadrons.
Hunter squadron has the traditions of doing well in P.T . We have the least number of P.T failures, in the academy.
We have the tradition of giving recognition to cadets who perform well. This helps to encourage more people to work hard.

Hunter Achievers

Latest Happenings

Hunter squadron has emerged as a performer squadron in the last few months. Last year hunters got the Boxing trophy replica which showed what control hunters have got over the boxing trophy. We have been winning it for the last 3 consecutive terms. The game is now termed as hunter game.
Same talent & josh was shown by Hunter Squadron in volleyball trophy also. They got 2nd position in volleyball.
Due to the efforts taken up by our previous squadron commander Lt. Cdr. Rahul Dev, Cabin cupboard Inspections have taken a new direction and the squadron is more clean. This recent development has made the squadron more presentable to guests & visitors.
Ground floor central lobby is more clean & presentable. It is well decorated & reflects the Hunter sprit to anybody who enters the squadron.
Squadron premises are clean & better looking. The efforts have been continued by our new squadron office which has shown the same interest in maintainence of hygiene & cleanliness in the squadron.
Anteroom has been well decorated & more trophies & memorabilia are kept there.
The appointments have also changed which has led to a change in squadron performance in P.T & games.