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 […]
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’. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Post the furore created over the presentations of the vice chiefs of the three services to the Parliamentary Committee and their submitted report on poor allocation of the defence capital budget, the army chief has been constantly seeking to convey that the army’s preparedness would not suffer, despite lack of funds. In fact, in every interaction with the media, this […]
The defence ministry recently announced new directions to enhance functioning of the two joint commands of the Indian armed forces, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). These commands comprise of personnel from the three services who till now operated under their respective service rules and under directions of their respective service Headquarters (HQs), while […]
The rifle for a soldier is an extension of his body. It is the weapon on which he must possess maximum trust. Every soldier, irrespective of his nature of duties has a service weapon allocated to him, which is termed his personal weapon. It is this which he fires during peace to build confidence to operate the same in war. […]