New Delhi, Jan.22 (ANI): Lt. Gen. V K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, presently GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, has been appointed the next Chief of the Army Staff in the rank of General with effect from March 31, 2010.

The present COAS, General Deepak Kapoor, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC retires from service on March 31, 2010.

Lt. General Singh was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment on June 14, 1970.

During his long and distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, he has served in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments.

He participated in the 1971 operations and IPKF operations. He is presently serving as the Eastern Army Commander. Prior to that, he commanded a Corps in the Western sector.

Besides being an ‘Honours Graduate’ of the US Army Infantry School, Georgia, USA, Lt Gen Singh studied at the Defence Services Staff College, the Army War College and the US Army War College, Carlisle.

He is recipient of PVSM, AVSM and YSM awards. He is also one of the Honorary ADCs of the President of India.

Lt General Singh is married to Mrs. Bharati Singh. The couple has two daughters. The elder daughter is married to an Army Officer while the younger one is working in the corporate sector. (ANI)