Please do keep in mind that while asking this question, the IO wishes to ascertain your motivation and keenness to join the forces. This answer cannot be borrowed, because each person will have his own very personal reasons to join the forces and your body language, which will include your enthusiasm and manner of delivery of answer will easily give away the authenticity of your reply to the IO. Hence, prepare a genuine reply and give multiple reasons for being attracted towards the Armed Forces rather than giving just one odd reason.
Before you prepare your reply you must first find out as to what all do the forces offer that would really apeal to your liking.
Here’s what it offers:
- Organised and highly disciplined life, which becomes a lifelong attribute of a soldier.
- Outdoorish and more invigorating life, rather than a desk borne profession.
- Strong social fabric that supports and demands; “One for all and all for one”.
- Sports-person’s get plethora of opportunities to hone their skills and represent even at international levels.
- Scope to grow professionally, by specialising in your field of work and contribute to the forces as a super specialist.
- Get to travel through the length and breadth of the country, even abroad to amazing regions of the country, including those, which are restricted for civilians, like Siachen glacier and insurgency affected areas.
- Opportunity to lead a harmonious life and learn from people who come from different cultures having divergent traditions.
- Pursue adventure sports and certain expensive and exclusive activities like riding, golf, etc.
- An enviable status of Class-I, Gazetted Officer that is considered as the nation’s last bastion by civilian counterparts.
- Financial and social security for you and your family.
Now, pick and choose from the above, as to what all inspires you and include it in your response to the IO.
For serving soldiers, who already have an access to most of the above, you could talk about how you feel that you have the capacity to shoulder higher responsibilities, explain who motivated and encouraged you in the unit that you have the potential to become an officer. Also, mention about how everyone should work towards upgrading oneself in life and becoming an officer will give you an opportunity to do professional courses that will help you to contribute better. Lastly, talk about a quantum jump in your status which will be a matter of great pride for your unit, family and friends.
I will sign off this note here, by saying that please don’t ask others for a reply, but look inwards and tell the IO what genuinely inspires you to join the forces.
You could go through this blogs on the subject as well:Â https://www.olivegreens.co.in/blog/why-do-you-want-to-join-the-defence-forces