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Popeye

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But according to that Nitin Gokhale's tweet If Eastern Theatre Command is Created then it will be located in Lucknow, Soo automatically Power & control will shift there.
 

ezsasa

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But then 1962 took place and Nehru shown his place by Chou Enlie.
Calcutta is very very sensitive strategic location. It used to be and still is a gateway to East, a hub of Economy, Industry, Communication and Politics. Located at the base of four countries - Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and China. British ear locations were designed for territorial control of India rather than to protect Indian borders.

Eastern Command deals with Five foregn countries and Seven Indian States. If one counts its territorial jurisdiction then it is eleven Indian states. Say half of India.

What is required is splitting Eastern Command into Tow Army Commands rather than such irrational ideas as shifting Eastern Command out of calcutta. That is what land shark politicians and bureaucrats would dream of.
It better to recognise the difference between whispers from a journalist and a formulated policy which does not exist right now on this matter.
 

Bhadra

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CDS (1.0): Welcome & evolutionary initiative in defence reforms
January 5, 2020, 9:03 AM IST Lt General K J Singh
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...e-evolutionary-initiative-in-defence-reforms/
Appointment of CDS, though much belated, is welcome reality and Government needs to be complimented for giving shape to defining reform. Armed Forces have been elevated from attached office to formally designated Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and included in Allocation of Business Rules. While it has been widely acclaimed, skeptics term it as clever ploy engineered by bureaucracy to preserve their turf and further downgrade apex military leadership. On balance, the current avatar is CDS (1.0) and as stated in its charter, evolutionary in conception. CDS was part of ruling party’s manifesto and has been actualised primarily due to PM’s commitment on this issue, articulated by him repeatedly in Combined Commanders conferences, starting with Dec 2015 .

It is well known fact that despite PM’s prodding, status-quo oriented bureaucracy managed to stall serious push by late RM, Manohar Parrikar to actualise this reform. Creation of non-functional DPC, in some ways was an interim solution and its relevance, is now debatable. Another crafty construct, to derail and dilute CDS was Naresh Chandra Task Force’s ingenious term, Permanent Chairman Chief of Staff Committee (PCCoS), hopefully buried now. Civilian lobbies had managed to make PCCoS, more acceptable, in line with their needless paranoia of coup proofing. It is probably due to PM’s persistence that bureaucrats have yielded some ground after having stalled the process for more than two decades.

Gen Rawat has been given fair share of responsibilities though Defence Secretary still retains responsibility for Defence of India, including preparation for war and defence policy. Notwithstanding, bureaucratise of splitting defence and military advice, NSA and CDS are really responsible for national security. Think of Bangladesh and Kargil Operations, instantly one connects with FM Sam Manekshaw and Gen Ved Malik, respectively. No one can really recall, Defence Secretaries during these campaigns. It is difficult to reconcile, facade of Defence Secretary, retained as prima donna in business rules. It is high time, bureaucrats are held accountable for serious issues like ‘hollowness in equipment’ as Armed Forces continue to be in firing line, in front of parliamentary standing committee hearings, media and populace, with Babus conveniently hiding behind cloak of anonymity.

It is equally baffling to find premier joint service institution, NDC being retained in the remit of bureaucrats, reflecting continued turf centricity. It is hoped that this will not be precursor to gaining control on National Defence University, when it comes up. The same trend is evident for Coast Guard, which needs to synergise with Navy, for maritime security and placed under CDS. He should also exercise full control and authority on Armed Forces Medical Services to forge jointness in medical care, as part of logistics grid.
 

Bhadra

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contd.....

CDS has been given three year stipulation for rather difficult task of restructuring, forging jointness and establishing theatre commands. The current incumbent, with his proximity to political hierarchy and having spent last three years plus in South Block, is probably best suited to push this agenda. It will also be good to give him traditional honey moon period, without daily post-mortems, to let CDS vision gain traction. Constructive dialogue should avoid targeting individuals and politicisation. Concurrently, there is urgent need to address stalled procurement process and make additional budgetary allocation in impending budget to kick start defence manufacturing eco system.

This nascent concept needs to be mentored, invested and incentivised. The first requirement is to populate DMA with best talent and remain wary of elements wanting to derail this initiative. It will be good idea to consider additional financial incentives like instructional or deputation allowance, as officers have to operate objectively in new and different environment keeping inherited parochialism under check. This can be supplemented with distinctive badge or even medal for completing meaningful tenures. Currently, CDS is odd General out, dressed in customised accoutrements with others in IDS retaining their respective service uniforms. Armed Forces personnel on deputation with Assam Rifles, NSG and UN adopt distinctive uniform for their tenures and same norms need to be applied in joint staff organisations.
 

Bhadra

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DMA is unique department with four cabinet secretary ranked officers, yet it has to be functionally headed by VCDS to retain protocol parity. CISC should accordingly be formally designated and entrusted with onerous responsibility. It is learnt that the original plan was to create separate departments for each service and fourth one for CDS. The credit for having unified DMA goes to PMO and it is hoped that message will percolate down to skeptics. It is most pragmatic that CDS, on HR issues like placement and promotion will exercise functional autonomy and enjoy direct access to CCS through RM. The acid test on commitment will be operationalising it without any dilution and shedding bureaucratic control for political one.

It is good that jointness is proposed to be taken forward, another notch in functional stream by creating joint Air Defence command, something Pakistan has had for many years, albeit at Corps level. Joint Regional Theatre Command being complex subject is likely to be taken up later. Essential pre-requisite is autonomy to regional commanders, as evidenced in successful CDS models, which currently is conspicuous by its near total absence.

The present reforms merit encouragement, “well begun is half done”. It will be equally pertinent to remain committed to seminal wisdom, “miles to go, before we sleep”. It is hoped that system will be refined as also customised to cater for emerging security challenges, remaining focused on value additions and evolution of CDS (2.0).

The writer is former Army Commander, Western Command
 

Bhadra

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It is very nice reading balanced and nuanced views ofa former Army Commander.

However, I must say here that issue like Uniforms, deputation allowances are very superfluous and will take its own course. What the first CDS must single mindedly pay attention to is to make the MoD and Cabinet realises that the institution of CDS is a good idea and worth the penny. For that CDS office must pay attention to issues that are critical joint Service issues and civilian bureaucracy issues. Over the years, MoD has done great disservice to the Service interests and dealt severe blows to the prestige and morale of the Services for their parochial and narrow minded interest civilian bureaucracy is best known for. Those irritating issues have unnecessarily occupied the minds of the Political leadership. CDS must nip those in the bud.

The Armed forces would expect the CDS to deal with issues like Pay, Perks, Condition of Service, Pensionary awards, litigation and welfare as joint Service issues and iron out discrepancies there as those issues have unnecessarily occupied Armed Forces personnel's indulgence at the cost of other important professional issues. Any issue that effects all members of the Armed Forces in equal manner such as their travel, education, billeting, accomodations, infrastructures etc must have a say of the CDS.

Besides at operational level, the CDS must have integration of ICG and Assam Rifles with MoD as highest priority. With abolition of Article 370 in J&K, important issues of integration of some forces, issues of Land and space also needs immediate attention. Conceptualization and execution of common Logistic support, Repair and Recovery Services, Ordnance Services, Engineer Support Services, Communication Support Service and Medical support are areas which are openly and easily available areas to be worked upon. In this direction bringing DGAFMS and Works, MAPS etc under CDS must be the first and foremost task.

CDS should also take care of NIM and HMI and utilise those for imparting some vital training to some members of Armed Forces.
 

Bhadra

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It has been stated that NDC will be retained by MoD under their control. Means DoD will continue to administer it ? It is a tri servece institute and should rightfully be put under CDA and DMA.

Any ideas on that ???
 

ezsasa

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More info on DMA and what it handles under CDS . Govt has slowly and steadily taking small baby steps towards full power CDS.

View attachment 41747
CDS businesses rules are clearly defined, it was released on the first day.

It’s better to cross check any new Info, with the rule book. Govt rule book doesn’t change that often, much thought goes into framing each of those sentences.
 

captscooby81

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don't know did they changed rule book or it was already existed before and its just coming out in media now . This was posted by Manupubbie today

CDS businesses rules are clearly defined, it was released on the first day.

It’s better to cross check any new Info, with the rule book. Govt rule book doesn’t change that often, much thought goes into framing each of those sentences.
 

ezsasa

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don't know did they changed rule book or it was already existed before and its just coming out in media now . This was posted by Manupubbie today
Coupta is giving a gist of roles and responsibilities, you can see the document in the video.

It must be available on MoD website..

 

Prashant12

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CDS to oversee all border matters with China, Pakistan

Supply of arms and ammunition to friendly neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives will also come under the purview of the department of military affairs (DMA) headed by General Bipin Rawat.



India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat will oversee key matters relating to India’s neighbouring countries including border disputes and incidents, development of infrastructure in forward areas and deployment of forces.(Arvind Yadav/HT PHOTO)


The newly-created department of military affairs (DMA), headed by chief of defence staff General Bipin Rawat, will oversee key matters relating to India’s neighbouring countries including border disputes and incidents, development of infrastructure in forward areas and deployment of forces, according to new defence ministry order.

These countries include China, Pakistan and Bhutan.

Supply of arms and ammunition to friendly neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives will also come under the purview of the DMA, states the order published on Friday. It gives out details of work transferred from the ministry’s department of defence (DoD) to the DMA.

The new department is an addition to the four existing verticals in the defence ministry --- the departments of defence, defence production, defence research and development and ex-service welfare.


The DMA will be staffed with two joint secretaries, 13 deputy secretaries, 25 under secretaries and 22 section officers.

Monitoring developments in the Indian Ocean region, Afghanistan, West Asia and South East Asia will also be the responsibility of the DMA, according to the order. It clarified that notwithstanding the distribution of work, “any matter that has an import on the defence policy” will be dealt by the DoD, headed by the defence secretary.

General Rawat, who took over as India’s first CDS on December 31, is the principal military adviser to the defence minister on all matters related to the tri-services.


Issues related to counter-insurgency operations and Siachen glacier will be dealt by the DMA.

Some of the other significant responsibilities assigned to the DMA include restructuring of the army, operational matters of the Indian Air Force, overseas deployment of warships, coastal security, revenue procurements and war wastage reserves (WWR) of the three services and.

The armed forces are authorised to stockpile ammunition for a specified period of intense fighting, known as WWR in military parlance.


Experts said the vast mandate of the DMA will bring about greater jointmanship in the military, accelerate decision making and avoid duplication of efforts. Jointmanship refers to a degree of co-ordination and integration in terms of strategy, capabilities and execution across the three services.

“Until now, the DoD was shouldering large responsibilities without having military officers in key positions. The DMA will foster better integration as it will be staffed with experts from the three services and also bureaucrats,” said Lieutenant General Satish Dua (retd), a leading expert on tri-services matters.

The secretariat of the defence acquisition council (DAC), the ministry’s apex capital procurement body, will function under the DoD. “The secretariat for DAC presently under the HQs Integrated Defence Staff will be shifted to the Director General, Acquisition Wing of DoD,” the order reads.


The DMA will, however, deal with procurement of air-to-air missiles and air-to-air guided weapons. It will also oversee the postings of senior officers (two-stars and above), matters relating to India’s military attaches posted abroad and humanitarian aid to foreign countries.

The DMA will work towards promoting the use of indigenous equipment by the services at a time when the armed forces are heavily dependent on imported military hardware.

The government expects the CDS to bring about jointness among the three services within three years. One of the key objectives behind jointmanship is the setting up of joint/theatre commands for the best use of military resources to fight future battles. While the army and the navy have been open to the idea, the IAF has concerns about theaterisation.


The appointment of a CDS was one of the most significant recommendations made by the K Subrahmanyam-led Kargil Review Committee (KRC) that was constituted in the immediate aftermath of the 1999 Kargil war to examine lapses that allowed Pakistani soldiers to occupy strategic heights, the initial sluggish Indian response, and suggest measures to strengthen national security.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...na-pakistan/story-xvkFg5tu4naLUsXi9TLR9M.html
 

ezsasa

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Just a thought:

A PR team needs to be attached to CDS permanently.

Atleast rules and standards can be set centrally and disseminated to all branches of Indian military more efficiently.

My biggest gripes with Indian military PR:
1) they end up using American military personnel as silhouettes in advertisements
2) Indian defence journos cannot identify Indian military equipment
3) prevalent use of non-HD cameras, both photos and videos
4) childish/immature graphics used in current defence videos
5) very little discussion on future technologies
6) amateurish photos & videos in demonstration videos
7) create batches of defence chaps who are dedicated to capturing visuals , fund them with proper camera and software. They can take it up as a profession after retirement.
8) stop asking defence photographers to focusing on ministers and generals, ask them to focus on men and material.

Better to start having professionals to guide the PR standards, not the govt PROs.
 
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sorcerer

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Just a thought:

A PR team needs to be attached to CDS permanently.

Atleast rules and standards can be set centrally and disseminated to all branches of Indian military more efficiently.

My biggest gripes with Indian military PR:
1) they end up using American military personnel as silhouettes in advertisements
2) Indian defence journos cannot identify Indian military equipment
3) prevalent use of non-HD cameras, both photos and videos
4) childish/immature graphics used in current defence videos
5) very little discussion on future technologies
6) amateurish photos & videos in demonstration videos
7) create batches of defence chaps who are dedicated to capturing visuals , fund them with proper camera and software. They can take it up as a profession after retirement.
8) stop asking defence photographers to focusing on ministers and generals, ask them to focus on men and material.

Better to start having professionals to guide the PR standards, not the govt PROs.
Them DRDO should have better PR team I suppose..
They should learn from ISRO. If they cant do it they can outsource it to some wonderful ad makers in India. Them boys will do a bloody brilliant job with it.
 

samsaptaka

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Them DRDO should have better PR team I suppose..
They should learn from ISRO. If they cant do it they can outsource it to some wonderful ad makers in India. Them boys will do a bloody brilliant job with it.
Learn from ISRO ? ISRO which still uses 320x240 res video cameras for launches and shows that pathetic yellow graph for marking the progress of a launch ? Yeah right !
 

Why so serious?

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India To Get Military Commands In 3 Years, Biggest Restructuring Ever
Each Theatre Command would have an integral Air Force element and depending on the nature of the requirement, additional aircraft could be deployed.
All India Written by Vishnu Som
Updated : February 04, 2020 08:32 pm IST


Highlights
  • Bipin Rawat said his goal was "to develop the services as an armed force"
  • The goal is to bring down expenses and rationalise manpower
  • India would also have Peninsula and Space Commands, among others
New Delhi:
In three years from now, India will begin operationalising Military Commands which integrate the operations of the Army, Air Force and Navy, in the biggest restructuring in India's military history.

In a select briefing, his first since he took over as India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat said it was his goal to "develop the services as an armed force," integrating capabilities, logistics and manpower within the new Military Commands. The goal is to bring down expenses, rationalise manpower and ensure that the armed forces fight as a cohesive unit.

While the number of commands has not been finalised, the Chief of Defence Staff is looking at the creation of proposals which would result in the creation of a Western Theatre Command, and at least one Northern Theatre Command. An Eastern Theatre Command would likely cover the border areas along the China frontier. The exact number of these Theatre Commands has still not been decided.



In addition to Commands which cover the land frontier against Pakistan and China, India would also have a Peninsula Command , an Air Defence Command and Space Command and a multi-service Logistics Command and Training Command.

Each Theatre Command would have an integral Air Force element and depending on the nature of the requirement, additional aircraft could be deployed.



Significant cost cutting in each Command would be achieved through common stores management, shared bases, maintenance stocks and through the utilisation of similar weapons. "In co-located stations, there is tremendous scope for the management of resources," General Rawat said.

Preliminary discussions have been held between the Chief of Defence Staff and the three service chiefs with the CDS making it clear that it was his intention to begin the process of setting up the Commands within a finite period of time.



High-value military acquisitions, such as a proposed third aircraft carrier for Navy, "depends on how the economy progresses," said General Rawat as this costly acquisition would have "an impact on the other services." The Navy has fought for years for the government to sanction a third made-in-India carrier which would supplement INS Vikramaditya which is in service and INS Vikrant which enters trials soon before being inducted.

Similarly, for the Indian Air Force, the Chief of Defence Staff felt it is important to stagger the purchases of expensive fighter aircraft to ensure higher serviceability. India is looking closely at a deal to acquire 114 fighter aircraft for which a global tender is now under way. "Look at the maintenance cycle," said General Rawat explaining that several newly acquired aircraft would need to be simultaneously serviced if they were acquired within a short period of time. This would mean that many of these assets would be simultaneously out of commission for a period of time. Instead, a system of staggered acquisitions for the Air Force would mean that at least some key operational platforms such as fighters, helicopters and drones would be available while others were being serviced.



Another cost cutting measure would be the indigenous manufacture of ammunition to a very high standard. "If ammunition has a shelf life of ten years, must you stock ammunition for twenty years?" asked the General, pointing out that it was "important to develop surge capacity" in quickly manufacturing ammunition if there was a crisis.

One of the most far reaching proposals, directly linked to the need to cut down on the whopping Rs 1.33 lakh crore pension budget of the Indian Armed forces would be to enable non-officer ranks to be employed till the age of 58. "One third of the Army, I believe, can work till the age of 58," explained General Rawat. At the moment, soldiers in the armed forces are retired between the ages of 37 and 38 as opposed to officers who usually retire at 58. "The pension budget is huge. Is this sustainable?" said the Chief of Defence Staff.



Summing up his immediate priorities, the Chief of Defence Staff said he would try to "minimise wastages", "prevent overstocking" supplies and if possible begin a possibility of "nil stocking" of supplies such as generators and auto components which are immediately available from commercial vendors. "Surplus and deficiencies need to be better managed. Jointmanship and optimisation is the need of the hour," he said.
 

captscooby81

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DMA is going to get three 2* Rank officers as Joint Secretaries,

Major Gen Narayanan
Read Adml R K Dhir
AVM S K Jha

Proposal also sent to govt for appointment of 3* Rank officers as Additional secretaries
 

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