Memberships & Facilities

Certain facilities, especially clubs and officer's institutes we take for granted in the armed forces command a huge premium outside. Not only is acquiring memberships in clubs very difficult and expensive, using these facilities is expensive as well. Institutes like the DSOI (Delhi & Gurgaon), Army Golf Club (Delhi), USI of India (Delhi), etc. are great facilities where services are available at very reasonable prices.

Make it a point to take up membership of such institutions/clubs which are close to your likely place of work/residence so that you can use them to the fullest. It is advisable that you try and ensure proximity of your rented residence to such an institute since regular usage of facilities like the gym, swimming pool, squash courts, etc. can otherwise become difficult. Similarly, where available, you could explore memberships to libraries, health clubs, etc. before you finally leave the army. Clubs can also be a great place to entertain corporate clients (learn Business Entertaining Skills), guests and friends due to the ambiance, service and exclusivity they provide.

For the sake of mentioning here, the facilities available to officer's post retirement/release are mentioned below:

1. Pension (for officers having served a minimum of 20 years of service).
   
2. CSD facilities (you can save between 30-40% as compared to market rates through the CSD as on date).
   
3. Medical (ECHS to officers retiring after the stipulated period of service and select medical facilities at base hospitals, polyclinics, etc. for Short Service and officers taking PMR).
4. You can apply for an AWHO constructed property if you haven't purchased one already.
5. Club memberships can be applied for if open (DSOI Delhi has stopped all new memberships except for serving officers and others on compassionate grounds. Membership for DSOI Gurgaon is currently open for Rs. 10,000/-, life membership).

A piece of good news. You will now be earning corporate salaries and yet continue to be able to use the above services which can add to your lifestyle immensely by way of facilities and/or savings.