Category: Indian armed forces

Restructuring of the army has been long overdue CENJOWS 28 Aug 18

The Indian army’s organization structure has remained unchanged since Independence. It has continued to follow the Command, Corps, Division and Brigade model. Its training pamphlets mention that the Division is the basic fighting formation. There has been no change in its organization structure despite changes in almost everything, equipment profile, technology, communications, mobility, nuclear warfare, concept of operations etc. In […]

Review the intake process to reduce shortfall levels in the armed forces CENJOWS 06 Aug 18

In a reply to a question raised in parliament, the government stated that the army faces a shortfall of 7,298 officers. The statement read, ‘As on 01 Jan 2018, the authorised strength of the army was 49,933 but it has 42, 635’. This shortfall impacts the lowest levels of leadership. It is this cutting edge of leadership which has ensured […]

Theatre commands back in the limelight CENJOWS 30 Jul 18

Theatre commands are back in the limelight. Multiple articles have appeared in the press recently, either justifying or seeking to delay its implementation. It does appear that services, other than the air force have been seeking its implementation, while the air force and its supporters have been criticizing the same. The commencement of the debate was an article in CENJOWS […]

The Integrated Defence Staff must be effectively utilized CENJOWS 26 Jul 18

The three services appear to be moving in different directions, ignoring the one binding factor, which should have been exploited to the hilt, the HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). Though without the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), this body remains toothless, yet if utilized imaginatively under the guidance of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), it could […]

Funds crunch forcing army to slow down raising of mountain strike corps ORF 19 Jul 18

The armed forces for once are facing a shortfall of funds impacting every sphere of their activity, whether it be stocking of critical ammunition, upgrading military capabilities or the raising of the mountain strike corps. Maintaining a modern military is essential as also is internal development and provision for social projects within the country, the constant ‘bread versus butter battle’. […]

Cadre review requires considering harsh realities CENJOWS 12 Jul 18

General The army is in the process of carrying out its cadre review for officers after a gap of 35 years. As per government orders, the same is to be scheduled every 5 years. Immense water has flowed under the bridge during the gap between the reviews. Internal concepts and promotional procedures are still based on the era of seventies, […]

Give short service a fillip in army Deccan Herald 04 Jun 18

Reports surfaced last week that the army, faced with a growing salary budget and an immense officer shortfall, has moved a proposal to increase intake of Short Service Commission (SSC) and correspondingly reduce the number of permanent commission officers. The MoD appears satisfied with the proposal, which also involves offering some lumpsum payments to those who serve 10 or 14 […]

DPC commences its act CENJOWS 23 May 18

The first meeting of the Defence Planning Committee (DPC) headed by the NSA, Ajit Doval, was held early this month. It being the first meeting, a statement mentioned, ‘No major decision was taken. The meeting, which lasted for around two hours, discussed the key challenges ahead and how to address them’. Another statement mentioned, ‘The members deliberated on the geo-strategic […]

Army faces shortfalls in high-end ammunition (English Version) Rakshak News 25 Apr 18

A report in the press last week stated that the army, in its latest conference of senior officials termed the army commanders conference, deliberated on its holding of ammunition stocks, both in quality and quantity. The army, as per government directives is expected to be prepared for a two-front war, involving both China and Pak operating in collusion. Adding a […]

Are calls for downsizing of the army realistic? CENJOWS 06 Apr 18

Introduction There has been a spurt in suggestions on downsizing of the Indian army, since China took the giant step of announcing last year that it would cut its PLA strength, while increasing the strength of the PLA navy and strategic forces. The calls gained pace post the announcement of the defence budget, picking up steam after the release of […]