SP's: The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is planning to become a technology-intensive force instead of being manpower-intensive. The Indian Infantry today is a manpower intensive force. Is there any thinking in the direction of making the Infantry a technology and firepower-intensive force? What changes would you recommended achieving this?
DG: Worldwide all armies are changing their force structure from manpower-intensive to technology-intensive. PLA is therefore no exception to the rule. We in the Indian Army and particularly in the Infantry are alive to this shift and have embarked on a programme for capability enhancement of the Infantry soldier and integration of the soldier into the combat network. Technology is being exploited to increase the lethality and battlefield transparency for the Infantry soldier. Some of the technology-intensive systems being inducted are new generation weapons, target acquisition devices, computers and communication systems.
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SP's: The Infantry has been the bedrock of Indian Army's participation in the UN peacekeeping operations. What are the reasons for our good performance in such operations and how can we further improve upon our performance in the future?
DG: India is one of the largest contingent contributors of peacekeeping forces under the UN mandate. Infantry Battalions deployed in UN peacekeeping missions primarily in Central Africa and Mediterranean countries have acquitted themselves in the best traditions of our armed forces. The Infantry battalions have carved a niche for themselves and have won international accolade for their performance in UN peacekeeping missions. The main contributing factor towards the success is the high motivation level amongst all ranks. The Infantry battalions earmarked for UN peacekeeping missions are selected through a stringent process where the past performances of the unit is the guiding factor. Hence the units selected for UN peacekeeping missions consider it a matter of great pride and honour for having been given an opportunity for overseas duty and to earn name and fame for the country. Besides, the battle hardiness and vast combat experience in varied terrain gained by Infantry for such a prolonged duration has stood the test of time, trials and tribulations. It is for this reason that the Infantry has displayed professionalism with a great sense of devotion towards its duty in UN peacekeeping operations.
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SP's: Sometime back, the media had reported that the Infantry because of the tough life involved, is not a popular arm with cadets at the Indian Military Academy and hence they do not opt for the Infantry in their choice of arms. Is it true? How is the Army coping with this phenomenon? What policies has the Army evolved in this regard to make Infantry more attractive for young officers?
DG: There is no doubt that the life in the Infantry is very challenging and demands the best of an individual. It is also partially true that Infantry is not the first choice amongst the cadets at pre-commissioning training establishments. If one has to go by the statistics compiled for over last 10 years, the difference in the number of candidates opting for Infantry vis-Ã -vis the Infantry vacancies is diminishing. Nevertheless, the shortfall in Infantry officer cadre is being met by sending service officers on Infantry attachment on initial commissioning for two to three years. Besides, the intake level is also being enhanced and the situation is likely to improve in the coming years. Moreover, the cadets are also being motivated to come forward to join the Infantry by posting decorated Infantry officers to training institutions to act as a role model. Motivational lectures by war veterans and visits to Infantry battalion deployed in forward areas are also being conducted during the pre-commissioning training period. I am sure there will be a reversal of trend in the coming years.
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SP's: What are the challenges faced by your Directorate in the modernisation of the Infantry and how are you tackling them? Have sufficient funds been allotted for modernisation of the Infantry?
DG: The modernisation process of Infantry is aimed at harnessing advanced technologies to enhance the operational capabilities of Infantry across the full spectrum of conflict.
There has been development in technology, which has a profound influence on the destructive power of weapons systems in lethality and accuracy, resulting in quick obsolescence of weapons system and calling for periodic upgrading and modernisation. This is the most important challenge faced by us.
The Infantry Directorate is fully aware of the requirements of a modern Infantry and has taken a holistic view of the situation. We are constantly working towards the goal of keeping our Infantry in tune with the changing nature of the battlefield across the entire conflict spectrum.
Funds are not a constraint as regards the modernisation of Infantry. The modernisation process is well under way and we will see an advanced and well-equipped Infantry battalion in the near future.
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SP's: What steps have been taken to improve the terms and conditions of service of other ranks in the Infantry?
DG: The combat edge of the Infantry is dependent on the well-being of the infantryman. Therefore, there is a requirement to have a well-trained and motivated soldier to meet the challenges. The scheme of "Assured Career Progression" has been implemented to give automatic financial upgradation after eight years of service. To address the aspiration of other ranks, "Third Cadre Review" recommendations have been made in the Infantry. This would cater to increased vacancies in junior commissioned officers (JCOs) and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) rank. In effect the promotion prospects would also increase considerably.
The Infantry personnel retire young and more often than not they have to take up a second career. In the recent years, there has been a concerted drive to improve in-service education to enable them to work out a successful second career. Under the projects of "Gyandeep and Kshamta", a jawan can earn an associate degree.
Human Resource Development Com-missions (HRDCs) at formation level are conducting personality development programmes for the jawans to enable them to get commissioned as officers through Army Cadet College (ACC) or Short Service Commission (SCO) entry. In the Infantry, there is an emphasis on providing in-service growth opportunities to all ranks without any bias.
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SP's: In future wars, smaller, lighter and more mobile forces will dominate the battlefield. This will demand a very high standard of junior leadership. How is Infantry going to achieve this?
DG: Smaller, lighter, more mobile and well dispersed forces will demand high quality and quick decision-making ability of junior leaders. The training of junior leaders to meet the above challenges thus assume importance. Infantry is constantly endeavouring to keep pace with these developments. Some of the measures being undertaken are:
