 The Scout Troops were closely allied to the Army School of Physical Training, the National Defence Academy, and the State Reserve Police Force, the Maharashtra State armed paramilitary police force and the military ammunition factory in Kirkee.Because of these connections, the First Pune Bharat Scout Troops, had the distinction of using the military and SRPF firing ranges and test firing all types of munitions including LMGs (Light Machine Guns), HMGs (50 calibre Heavy Machine Guns), and 17 lbs 76mm tank guns, mortars and anti-tank weapons.It was not unusual to have 13-year-olds, driving and commanding battle tanks on these military weapons training firing ranges under the command of regular military or SRPF officers.