The role of the army in a whole of government approach in tackling the Coronavirus CENJOWS 29 Mar 2020

The role of the army in a whole of government approach in tackling the Coronavirus CENJOWS 29 Mar 2020

CENJOWS 29 Mar 2020

The role of the army in a whole of government approach in tackling the Coronavirus 29 Mar 2020

Historically, the Indian armed forces have always been amongst the first to respond to any crisis or natural disaster. The availability of trained manpower with expertise in multiple fields have helped restore adverse situations in a short time. Observing countries currently in the throes of the Coronavirus, employing their armed forces to construct medical facilities, there are many in India who have begun singing the same tune. More than drawing in the army, the nation needs a ‘whole of government approach,’ as it battles the virus.          

          In India, each ministry normally works in isolation. The current battle against the Coronavirus has possibly just begun in earnest, is unlikely to end soon and hence, would need greater coordination, involvement and active participation of more than the few representatives who appear before the press every evening. The railways, NDRF, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Ministry of Defence possess resources which could all be brought under one body which would employ them in a coordinated and befitting manner.

A simple example flows from the railways offering to convert its spare coaches into quarantine centres. While the offer is welcome and would be an easy solution as these coaches could be moveable quarantine centres, the question which needs coordination is the ancillary facilities required and responsibility for provision of stores, trained medical and other back up personnel for administration. Similar is coordination needed to place certain essential medical facilities on board. This may need the expertise of the army and medical authorities. The army possesses ambulance trains which could also serve the same purpose and must be considered in a similar manner.

The NDRF would also have begun training its staff for deployment in support of the state machinery. The same would be the case with the CAPFs. A coordinated training capsule is currently essential for all of them.

In a similar manner, the armed forces possess capabilities which can back current actions being adopted by the centre and states. The defence minister recently held a conference attended by service chiefs wherein the preparedness of the forces for battling the coronavirus was discussed. He also assured the nation that the armed forces will be employed if necessary.

The army has already vacated its barracks in Jaisalmer and many other places to create isolation and monitoring facilities for the virus. These are being run by army medical officers and administrative support provided by local military establishments. Many of those returning from abroad are being monitored here. Similar facilities have been established by the navy and the air force. The air force has employed its resources to lift Indians from different countries. It is also being employed to transport essential stores for battling the virus across the country. The navy is assisting in transporting government assistance to friendly countries.

The army chief, General MM Naravane, announced the launch of Operation ‘Namaste’ indicating the army joining the battle against the Coronavirus. The army chief stated in a press conference last week, ‘After having analysed the impact of Covid-19 over the last two-three months in other countries, one can start planning and preparing for difficult times. The army has inherent capability to rise up to various emergency situations by virtue of its organisational structure and training.’

As per inputs available, state governments have been interacted with and are aware that the services of the army are available and can be requested for when needed.

In the current stage there is an emphasis on employing the medical resources of the armed forces for managing both, infected and suspected cases. This requirement may increase in the future. In addition, army laboratories could be used for testing purposes. The Command Hospital located in Bengaluru has already been nominated as one. Select army hospitals have also been earmarked for handling Coronavirus cases. Similarly, ordnance factories and other defence industrial units are being used to manufacture masks, and sanitizers. The DRDO has developed ventilators, which will now be manufactured by the private sector. They may begin taking on other essential products.

Without being involved in managing law and order there are other roles which the armed forces can undertake to back the actions of the state and central governments. For direct involvement, the government at the state would need to take a call. Presently, the armed forces should support those organizations presently in the frontline implementing government directions.

The first task which the army should undertake is to establish camps on its traditional camping grounds employing its own resources. These camps would cater for the hundreds trekking on foot to their villages post the stopping of road and rail movement. This is an immediate requirement. These camps would, apart from providing those travelling a place to stay and meals till restrictions are lifted, also enable checking the trekkers for any signs of the virus, curtailing its spread and segregating those tested positive.

The second task is monitoring major highways and establishing meal and rest camps for truckers. The imposition of the lockdown has led to closure of most private outlets on major highways, while traffic, mainly of essential commodities continues. To ensure their safety and assist in case of any difficulties the army can establish monitoring posts, meal outlets, repair facilities and mobile patrols. These would boost the movement of essential goods. The army has vast experience in establishing such facilities during their own operational moves.

Another task which can be undertaken by the forces based on its trained manpower is fumigation of areas when the decision is undertaken. It can also have vehicles modified for the task for faster and more effective action.

In the current environment, armed forces facilities like the ECHS (Ex-servicemen Contributary Health Scheme) clinics have been largely closed. There are trained medical personnel available within these clinics which could be employed for running existing military hospitals from where medical personnel could be moved to managing positive cases of the Coronavirus.

In the current environment the armed forces should be considered for inclusion in areas, where they do not interfere in the functioning of the state and remain in the background. Their open involvement should only be a decision at the central level as it could convey that the situation is currently grave. The government should invoke the embodiment of the Territorial Army around the same time as it considers the open employment of the army. India should not ape the west. Any premeditated decision of employing the army would only add to panic within our society.