I will not serve in the military The Excelsior 25 Aug 16
I superannuated from an army I adored, after thirty-five years. Being a second generation officer, I have been a part of it since childhood. My fondest memories of life have been my days in military cantonments. It was a career of choice and joining it was fulfilling my childhood ambitions. Yet, if given an option again, I would not join the military.
The army has taught me what life implies, as I have seen death from close and even borne the remains of my colleagues, on their final journey. I have learnt to take split second decisions, when life and death is at stake and support the actions of my juniors, knowing it was taken with best intentions. I have learnt to respect all castes and creeds, having celebrated Id with my Moslem brethren, Christmas with my Christian soldiers, Gurpurab with my Sikh comrades and Diwali with the masses. Simultaneously, I have been a teacher, philosopher and guide to my juniors and soldiers, striving hard to never let them down. Fairness and equality in dealing with those that I have been responsible for, has been engrained into my system, from my seniors. These qualities have made me the man I am. Yet, if given an option, I would not serve in the army again.
From the time I joined, national fervour and sacrifice had been in my heart, engrained into us from the time we stepped into the academy at the young age of sixteen. We have been taught to care for our comrades and take them along, irrespective of how tough the going is. The bonding which I hold with my batch mates and those I have served with, is closer than relationships with most of my family. Having missed majority family events due to rigours of service, it has been my service buddies, who have always been there. Yet, if given an option again, I would not join.
I know, that at sixteen, I had choices of choosing any other service or career. The military lures the young and it was the lure of a life in uniform, serving in remotest corners, which guided my choice of career. Even today, I have not regretted my decision. I have never been envious of any other profession. I proudly state my rank, whenever I introduce myself. I have seen jealousy in the eyes of those belonging to other services, when they notice the respect that flows from society and the confidence we veterans display. Yet if given an option, I would choose another career.
The reasons are many. Primary is the fact that those who matter, have no respect or feelings for people in the military. The Prime Minister spends Diwali with the troops, the President’s first words in his speech to the nation always speaks of the sacrifices of the military, yet when it comes to giving them their due, they step back. No other service or organization has witnessed octogenarian veterans, protesting for their rightful dues, being pushed and manhandled for so called security reasons, on the orders of some unconcerned and ill-informed police officer. It hurts when I witness, those who gave the best part of their lives, in the service of the nation, are subsequently considered second class citizens.
Has the pay commission which recommended lowering the status of the military, as compared to those who appeared for a common civil services exam, ever wondered why those who serve the military chose this career. It is a decision taken at a much earlier age, when the mind is filled with national pride and determination to serve the nation. If those who are taking it today, hesitate and reconsider their options, based on the comments and opinion of the pay panel, the nation can never be secure. Have they ever wondered, that many amongst the so-called elite fraternity (civil servants), which seeks to dominate in status, would have also appeared in the same exam (everyone goes through the age of sixteen and attempts different choices of careers), but failed to clear the Services Selection Board (SSB), a gruelling four-day test, where every facet of your personality and quality is analysed? It is easy to sit on the judgement table, where there is no representation from the military, and take decisions on their behalf, knowing that it would not be questioned, as also it would get bureaucratic support.
Another reason which makes me feel that I chose the wrong career, is that I am made to go and serve in the worst of places, with the barest of compensation, but the elite, occupying chairs of comfort, in the security of government offices and accommodation, are offered so much more, mainly because the government feels that if they refuse to go, the nation’s bureaucratic machinery would collapse. I wonder if I did join the right service; maybe I should have disregarded my lure for national pride and chosen an easier career, where the selection is only through a collection of written exams and a simple personality interview, not a similarly competitive exam at a much younger age, following which, is a four day gruelling interview.
I only hope, for the security of this great nation, that the youth of the future, do not succumb to the unintelligible and needless words of the pay commission and continue to seek the armed forces as a career. I have never once regretted my choice of career, it has made me the person I am, but yes, if given an option, I would choose an easier career and aim for the civil services to become a ‘babu’. Why risk life and limb, when easier options exist, with higher status and better salary. Finally, such a negative anti-military environment exists ‘Only in India’.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army