Coronavirus and the armed forces CENJOWS 16 Mar 2020
https://cenjows.gov.in/article-detail?id=247
Coronavirus and the armed forces 16 Mar 2020
The centre and states are seeking the assistance of the armed forces, amongst other central agencies to help battle the spread of Coronavirus (Covid 19). The army is already running wellness centres (isolation and quarantine facilities) in Manesar, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Deolali, Jhansi, Kolkata, Chennai and Suratgarh to manage Indian nationals returning from countries impacted by the virus. The navy has established similar facilities in Mumbai and Kochi, while the air force has established a facility at Hindon. Those brought back initially from Wuhan were treated by the army established centre at Manesar and some of those evacuated from Iran are being monitored at the naval facility in Mumbai.
In India the virus has begun to take root. While major preventive measures have been adopted, daily reports indicate that the number of infected cases is on the rise. As the virus spreads, the involvement of the armed forces in battling the same would only increase. In every calamity the armed forces are always the first to respond. This being no exception.
While assistance to the nation in times of crises is one of its primary roles and tasks, it is essential for the armed forces to re-evaluate the manner they plan to limit the damage of their own establishments from the impact of Coronavirus. Armed forces personnel come from the same society in which the virus is spreading and hence cannot remain completely immune from it. Armed forces establishments, if shut down in quarantine due to even one single case of Coronavirus, it could impact national security preparedness.
Within the forces, basic guidelines have been issued. These include establishment of isolation wards in hospitals, availability of basic lifesaving equipment and nominating nodal medical officers for community intervention. Other precautions include cancellation of mass gatherings including festivals, welfare activities and visits to crowded places and movie halls. International travel has been stalled. Health education is being imparted. These are in line with current government directives on the subject. Not many guidelines have been announced specifically for the armed forces.
Considering India’s security concerns and the deployment of forces in multiple difficult spots including along volatile borders, counter insurgency regions and high altitude, precautionary measures would need to be given greater priority. A situation cannot arise where a complete battalion, air force base or a naval vessel is quarantined, more so in case the unit is deployed in an operational environment.
Infantry Battalions of the army may be region specific but all other units including the navy and air force contain men from all parts of the country. Armed forces personnel regularly visit their families on leave, many belonging to regions already impacted by the virus. During their leave they may inadvertently interact with individuals infected with the virus.
In armed forces training institutions, whether officer specific or for men, there is always a representation from each part of the country. These institutes are generally located close to cities and staffed by serving military personnel and local civilian population. A single positive case could lead to the complete institute being locked down and impact not only armed forces personnel but also the local population.
Army battalions and regiments are manpower intensive and all men live together in close contact. This is a similar situation on board naval vessels. In peace locations where the army is based there is always an interaction between different units in the same station. In operational areas, while the deployment of army units may be split into smaller groups, their close contact remains. Ships have a smaller area with large manpower. Even if one individual is infected it would require large mass of soldiers to be quarantined for prolonged periods as per health guidelines. Such an action would impact national security.
Hence, the solution is to place emphasis on prevention. While considering preventive measures the advising medical authorities must realize that there are some limitations. The armed forces cannot completely prevent its soldiers from proceeding on leave or moving on courses and duty, though it can reduce them to some extent.
The first action which should be undertaken is that every unit, base and ship must have personnel equipped and trained to check individuals returning from courses, leave and temporary duty for signs of the virus. This must be accorded top priority and necessary training imparted on priority. It must be strictly implemented at the first stage of entry of the individual in an army establishment, whether it be a unit or a transit camp. It should also be done for families moving into the station.
The armed forces should also consider imposing precautionary quarantine for those returning from affected regions. In case the virus spreads nationwide, then precautionary quarantine may become the order of the day.
The second action should be briefing all men and families to adopt precautionary measures while in units or while proceeding on leave. Men must be explained that reporting symptoms is essential as treatment is available. They need to be advised to restrict travel to essentials. Further, the individual must realize that his timely reporting of symptoms would prevent his colleagues from being infected. Finally, basic equipment like sanitizers and masks must be widely distributed and men briefed on their use.
The government and service HQs must adopt the logical sequence adopted by airlines while briefing passengers on donning of oxygen masks. The announcement states, ‘first wear your own, then help others.’ The armed forces, because of their unique living and operating environment as also their impact on national security preparedness, should first cater for their internal health before shedding resources to meet other central demands. It can only avoid large infections within its establishments and units by adopting strong preventive measures.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army