Kargil war hero Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi willassume charge of GOC-in-C, Northern Command in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur on Saturday. YK Joshi was commissioned into 13 JAK RIF (Bravest of the Brave) on12 June, 1982 and later commanded the same unit.

The general officer is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and a postgradutate from the Defence Services StaffCollege, Wellington. He attended the prestigious National Defence College inNew Delhi.

The general officer has command experience spanning theentire mosaic, covering all theatres. He commanded 13 JAK RIF in OperationVijay and Parakram. YK Joshi caught the attention of the nation during theKargil War with his outstanding leadership under the nickname Joe and led hisunit to unprecedented success.

In Operation Vijay under his command, the unit was awarded atotal of 37 gallantry awards including two Param Vir Chakras, eight Vir Chakrasand fourteen Sena Medals. The unit was also awarded the Chief of Army Staffunit citation and the 'Bravest of the Brave' award.

The general officer himself was awarded the Vir Chakraduring his command of 13 JAK RIF in the operations. The Lt Gen has commanded anInfantry Brigade in Tangtse, Infantry Division in Karu and Corps in Leh.

YK Joshi has also served as Director General, Infantry andwas instrumental in catalysing the modernisation drive of the Infantry. He wasthe Chief of Staff, Northern Command before taking over as Army Commander ofthe Northern Command. The general officer has served as the instructor atInfantry School, Mhow and varied staff exposure, including staff appointment atMilitary Operations Directorate and as Defence Attache to Beijing (China). Hehas also served as Military Observer in United Nations, Angola.