Field Post Office

Lifeline of the Indian Soldier

In the long and glorious history of the Indian Army, Field Post Offices (FPOs) have played a crucial role in maintaining the morale of soldiers. As part of the national postal system operated by India Post, these post offices serve as a vital link between troops stationed in remote and challenging locations and their families back home.

Early History of Field Post Offices

Field Post Offices accompanying military forces deployed abroad were known as Field Forces Post Offices (FFPOs). The first such post office was established in 1856 to serve the British Expeditionary Forces sent to Persia. This FFPO functioned at Bushire from 12 December 1856 to 2 October 1857.

Subsequently, additional FFPOs were established:

• At Khorramshahr from 24 March 1857 to 16 May 1857
• At Kharaj from August 1857 to 4 February 1858

These early operations marked the beginning of a system that would gradually expand and assume greater responsibilities in supporting soldiers.

Development of the Army Postal System

Initially, officials from the Department of Posts worked under the supervision of army officers to manage postal operations. Later, the Chief Superintendent of Post Offices assumed responsibility for postal administration. From the time of the Afghan wars onward, volunteering for field postal service became an all-India initiative.

In the early years, Field Post Offices provided most postal facilities except money orders and Indian Postal Orders. Over time, they became an integral part of the army structure and were managed under the Army Postal Service.

Originally raised as a wartime organization until World War II, the need for a permanent military postal service became evident during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948. The Army Postal Service initially functioned under the Army Service Corps, but it became a separate entity on 1 March 1972.

Role in Supporting Soldiers

One of the most significant contributions of Field Post Offices is their role in sustaining the morale of soldiers. Whether stationed in the towering Himalayas, the dense forests of North East India, or the scorching deserts of western India, soldiers rely on postal communication to stay connected with their loved ones.

The services of Field Post Offices extend beyond the Army. They also support personnel from organizations such as:

• Border Roads Organisation
• Rashtriya Rifles
• Assam Rifles
• Border Security Force
• Central Reserve Police Force

In recent years, FPO facilities have also been extended to army units located in peacetime stations.

Unique Postal System for the Armed Forces

A distinctive feature of the Army postal system is the use of a special PIN code beginning with the number ‘9’. This allows mail to move seamlessly with army units wherever they are deployed. Unlike the civilian postal system, soldiers do not need to change their address when they move from one location to another, nor do they have to reveal their exact location for security reasons.

Modernization and Mobility

Field Post Offices are designed to be highly mobile. They can operate from tents, trucks, bunkers, or even open-air setups, depending on operational requirements. In the modern technological environment, many FPOs are now equipped with computers and function from well-built facilities, allowing automated counter operations and faster services.

Celebrating 150 Years of Service

Having served the armed forces for over 150 years, Field Post Offices continue to evolve while remaining committed to their mission of supporting soldiers during both peace and war. In recognition of this remarkable contribution, the India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp celebrating the 150th year of the Field Post Office system—honoring a service that has tirelessly connected soldiers with their families and upheld the spirit and morale of the Indian armed forces.