"The Guardian of Nation"- signed off

'Khamoshi se banate raho pehchan apni'

Certain facts I would like to bring forward to you about a "soilder" and a "warrior" who is apolitical and completely unbiased officer.

1. In June 2015, when India army commandoes crossed the border to destroy the terrorists camps of Naga terrorists, Rawat was the GoC there. Myanmar operation: 70 commandos finish task in 40 minutes - In 40 minutes, army got the job done and was a major achievement of the government then that helped bring some peace to Nagaland.
2. In September 2016 on a diametrically opposite side of India, when Indian army had a famous surgical strike in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, Rawat was the one who coordinated. Lt General Bipin Rawat: Master of surgical strikes - The Economic Times
3. In the 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish, he was a key Colonel who led the army against PLA.
4. Rawat is a man with experience in counter-terrorism, high altitude warfare and mechanized warfare. He has experience in the south, north and north east - all key attack points into India.
5. The two generals he superceded had lesser operational experience in dealing with terrorism or border warfare.

In short, making him the COAS even before his other 2 superior Lt. GEN. was a move where merit superseded seniority and an example of assertive governance.