Indian Army: News and Discussion

[12arya]

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/repor...rt-hiring-women-this-year-bipin-rawat-2595310

Corps of Military Police to start hiring women this year: Bipin Rawat

Bipin Rawat , PTI

In another step towards active deployment of women in Indian Army, chief of staff Bipin Rawat assured they would be hired in Corps of Military Police (CMP) this year. The Times of India quoted Bipin Rawat as saying that in the first year, 52 women will be recruited. All total Army plans to hire 800 women for ranks other than officers.

The Army in the past have been criticised for not recruiting women in combat roles. Rawat on Sunday in Dehradun made the statement. Regarding proposal of compulsory military service for those applying for central government jobs, Rawat was evasive in his response. However, he suggested that candidates should first join NCC.

Recently parliamentary report quoted Army vice-chief who was critical of fund-crunch for the force. Vice-Chief painted a bleak picture of Army's preparedness in case of a two-front war and was critical about government's efforts to modernise weapons. When Rawat was asked about it, he said, " Weapon procurement doesn’t happen overnight. But, this doesn’t mean we will not be able to last 10 days in case of war”.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has been particularly vocal about women's participation in army and recruitment in CMP is another step towards it.

 

[12arya]

http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-concerns-of-the-indian-army-2595146


Concerns of the Indian Army
Syed Ata Hasnain

Indian Army The Parliamentary Committee on Defence Affairs has realised that just 1.49% of the GDP cannot meet the revenue and capital needs of the defence services

In 2005 the Indian Armed Forces very zealously adopted the concept of ‘transformation’, a term borrowed from the lexicon of the US Armed Forces. Essentially it meant ‘a very big change’; that change was essential in the sphere of war fighting due to the way various technologies, with information technology (IT) at the core, were rapidly demanding a move well beyond the military capabilities of the Cold War period.

Fresh from its then recent experience of ‘Operation Parakram’, which involved massive mobilisation against Pakistan, the Indian military attempted to explain to the political and bureaucratic authorities how it was looking at the future even as ‘transformation’ was underway in various countries. Its enthusiasm found few takers and support for its ambitious projects was halfhearted. Although the 11th and 12th Plans did cater for incremental manpower needs the wherewithal just could not materialise. ‘Transformation’ died a natural death around 2011, buried under the mountain of neglect, lack of perception and inability to financially support the change which was being sought.

It’s due to the history of this neglect that finally the Army’s Vice Chief, Lt Gen Sarath Chand was recently forced to inform the Parliamentary Committee on Defence Affairs on the lack of preparedness and severe glitches in the Army’s modernisation program, a position equally applicable to the Navy and the Air Force. Most reports on this important issue affecting India’s national security have focused on the details of the failure of financial backing and the inability to remove bureaucratic hurdles. However, a simple summary projected by most of these reports conveys the message without the attached details. In an adequately prepared war machine 30% of weapons and equipment should fall in the state of the art (SOA) category, 40% in current and 30% in vintage category. The existing state of the Indian Army brought to the notice of the Committee is 8% SOA, 24% current and 68% vintage category.

With existing and emerging threats arising out of China’s consistent efforts at domination of the continental and maritime domains, exchanges on the LoC, the possibility of collusion between China and Pakistan and sponsored terrorist actions which could cross the threshold of India’s tolerance, the possibility of armed standoff against both adversaries remains live. While most analysts agree that all out conventional war is still a remote contingency this cannot be used as a dictum for the state of the nation’s military preparedness which should never be sub optimum.

Unfortunately, the idea does not seem to find favour with those who control the purse strings, that being optimally armed, equipped, trained and motivated is half the battle and sends appropriate messages of deterrence or dissuasion, as the case may be. No doubt there are competing domains for the share of national resources but the element of risk that is involved in remaining underprepared in the military domain must overshadow all other considerations. The perceptions that emerge from the military leadership cannot be dismissed lightly and trust in its professional judgment is only prudent.

It needs to be recalled that in 1965 Pakistan’s adventurous plans were based on its perception that any delay in attempting to capture its claimed areas would be risky as the Indian military was reforming and equipping itself but was then not fully prepared for war. Assumptions of military weakness tempt adversaries.

The Army’s current leadership has unnecessarily been under fire for making public utterances from time to time. The Army Chief, Vice Chief and a few Army Commanders have expressed their frank opinion about perceptions of threats and preparedness. In earlier years, the Army leadership was content with transparently placing its observations and concerns to the government through its annual reports and theme papers; these were never made public and rarely acted upon. Providing answers to parliamentary questions still adhered to what the government wished to reveal. It is the annual presentation to the Parliamentary Committee which was always considered an appropriate forum to be realistically transparent. Much depended upon the members of the committees of the past, their level of understanding and perceptions about security affairs.

The present committee’s better grasp has obviously been the trigger for the current expression of concern. It too has realized that 1.49% of the GDP at Rs 2.79 lakh crore which forms the defence budget cannot hope to meet both the revenue and capital needs of the defence services. In strong words the Army Vice Chief stated, “The 2018-19 budget has dashed our hopes; the marginal increase hardly caters for inflation…allocation of Rs 21,338 crore for modernisation is insufficient even to cater for committed payment for 125 on-going schemes, emergency procurements, and 10 days worth of ammunition at intense rates”.

What is also revealing is that gaping holes in perimeter security of major army camps remain unaddressed as the much touted allotments for this are within the existing budget. Coupled with the huge expenditure on meeting the needs for response at Doklam, it is reliably learnt that the Army’s current transportation and some other budgets ran out of funds a couple of weeks ago, well before the end of the financial year.

What is going to be the result of this transparency? Will it help in better appreciation of the grave deficiency in defence capability and capacity which is becoming more and more apparent? What the Army needs to do is to continue speaking about this and let the public perception on the deficiency become more realistic. There are ways of being transparent without upsetting any rules. In functional democracies like ours its ultimately public perception which pushes governments to adhere to norms of as basic a requirement as national security.

The writer commanded the 15 Corps in Jammu & Kashmir.

 

[12arya]

http://www.dnaindia.com/technology/...curity-tips-issued-by-the-indian-army-2595731

Chinese hackers are targeting Indians on WhatsApp: 5 security tips issued by the Indian Army

The Indian Army has issued a warning against Chinese hackers, who are now targeting Indians through messaging service, WhatsApp.

In a video posted by the official Twitter handle of the army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information, all the alleged risks have been mentioned. The tweet reads, “Be vigilant, be careful, stay safe. @भारतीयसेना social media encourages proper and NIYAMABADDH account. Hacking is on the Zoro, which is inattentive for them. Always check your social media. Be careful about personal and group account, stay safe.” Additionally, it also offers suggestions on how people can be safe. The video has also been reposted by Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani.

सजग रहे,सतर्क रहें,सुरक्षित रहें।#भारतीयसेना सोशल मीडिया उचित एवं नियमबद्ध एकाउंट को प्रोत्साहित करता है। हैकिंग जोरो पर है, उनके लिए जो असावधान हैं। अपने सोशल मीडिया को हमेशा चेक करें। व्यक्तिगत एवं ग्रुप एकाउंट के बारे में सावधान रहें, सुरक्षित रहें। @DefenceMinIndia @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/YQbdVFsmWe

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 18, 2018
Let’s take a quick look at the security measure you need to take to stay safe on WhatsApp:

1. Chinese numbers, starting with +86 are barging into the Indian Army groups which are made on WhatsApp and our trying to extract our personal data. Make sure, you keep an eye on numbers starting with +86.

2. Users need to start checking all the groups they are a part of and do regular audits to check if any unauthorized number has been added to the group. Also, all your contacts in the group should be saved by names respectively.

3. If you change your mobile number, you should inform the group admin immediately.

4. Do regular scrutiny of unknown numbers.

5. Lastly, destroy the SIM card if you change your contact number and delete the WhatsApp Group on that number.

Early last year, the Army had set up a WhatsApp number for its soldiers to post their problems directly to Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat instead of going to the social media directly. The move came after a series of videos were posted online by personnel from the army, IAF and central police forces regarding various conditions that they work under. The WhatsApp number to register complaints is - +91 9643300008.

However, many in the army are apprehensive about this move as they say that it will be impossible to keep out any unwarranted messages that can come on WhatsApp. Since it is a common WhatsApp number, it will not be just the 1.3 million-strong Indian Army personnel who can send messages to the number but also anyone in the world. And also, there will be no check on what kind of text, video or link will be sent to the number.

 

[12arya]

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/22184/Indian_Army_Places_Order_For_Upgrading_Field_Guns

Indian Army Places Order For Upgrading Field Guns

Indian Army Places Order For Upgrading Field Guns


Ordnance Factories Board (OFB), an industrial organisation functioning under India’s Department of Defence, has received an order for upgrading over 300 field guns for the Indian Army, after it successfully completed the user evaluation of 130/155 mm "upgunning".

“We successfully ‘upgunned’ the old 130mm Russian field guns to 155mm and bagged the Army’s order. The Army has already ordered 300 guns and may want more. Our factory at Nalanda has started producing the propellant for shells for these guns that we used to import earlier,” OFB Chairman S K Chourasia was quoted as saying by PTI on Monday.

"The cost of a new 155-mm artillery gun comes to around Rs 15 crore, while the upgradation has been done for just Rs one crore for each, thus saving the exchequer a lot of money," Chourasia said further.

The upgradation, involving the changing of the barrel, would mean an increase in the range of the field gun from around 27 kms to 36 kms, an OFB official explained.

OFB member (weapons, vehicles and equipment) Hari Mohan said the indigenous technological solution for upgunning the 130-mm field guns was achieved at the organisation's Nalanda facility and had emerged as the only acceptable offer to the armed forces' requirements.

Chourasia said research and development was being cultivated at the OFB's 13 ordnance development centres.

"With the assistance of premier academic institutions like the IITs at Mumbai, Kanpur and Kharagpur, the ordnance factories are not only upgrading the existing products, but also developing new weapon platforms," he added.

 

[12arya]

hey guys, does any one knows wen doordarshan will air the defence investiture ceremony???

or is it already over

 

[12arya]

https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...rters-in-indian-army/articleshow/63407293.cms

Defence ministry okays policy for porters in Indian Army

 

[12arya]

http://www.timesnownews.com/india/v...s-killed-indian-army-jammu-and-kashmir/209798

5 security personnel martyred, 5 terrorists gunned down in Kupwara encounter

Three army personnel and two policemen were martyred on Wednesday during the ongoing encounter in Kupwara's Halmatpora in Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI reported. Two other policemen were also injured. A total of five militants have been gunned down since yesterday when the encounter began in the area. The bodies of all five terrorists have been recovered so far, along with a cache of arms ammunition and other incriminating material, the Times of India reported.

Last night, the firing was stopped but resumed in the morning hours. A search operation was launched in the area and the teams were given the job to catch the terrorists. The spokesperson said the overnight operation was underway when the reports of the firing today came in.

The encounter took place after a group of militants, hiding in the forest area in Halmatpora, opened fire upon personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles and the state police's Special Operations Group, IANS reported. The area was cordoned off after the gunfight broke out and additional troops were rushed to the spot.

The Army personnel retaliated quickly, an Army official said. Four terrorists were killed in the operation last night.

 

[12arya]

https://www.oneindia.com/india/the-armed-forces-are-52000-soldiers-short-says-govt-2663483.html

'The armed forces are 52,000 soldiers short', says Govt

 

[12arya]

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...e-budget-than-demand/articleshow/63399667.cms

3 forces allocated Rs 1.21 lakh crore less in defence budget than demand

Army officers stand on vehicles displaying missiles during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (File photo: Reuters)

NEW DELHI: The government allocated Rs 76,765 crore less to the Army, Navy and Air Force in the defence budget than what they had sought to purchase new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware.
The three forces had demanded Rs 1.60 lakh crore as capital outlay but were granted Rs 83,434 crore for the year 2018-19, according to the details placed before the Lok Sabha today by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.

In the revenue outlay, which covers payment of salary, maintenance of establishments and other related expenditure, the allocation was Rs 35,371 crore less than what was demanded.

Overall the three forces were given Rs 1.21 lakh crore less than what they had demanded.

The three forces were known to be unhappy over inadequate allocation of resources, particularly for buying new weapons and platforms when the challenges on the borders with China and Pakistan were growing.

Reflecting the Army's anguish, Vice Chief of Army Lt Gen Sarath Chand has told a Parliamentary panel that the funds given to the force for the next fiscal were insufficient to deal with various security challenges.

He said the Army was struggling to make emergency procurements when China and Pakistan were modernizing their defence forces in "full swing".

According to the details provided by Bhamre in the Lok Sabha while replying to a question, the Army was given Rs 17,756 crore less in the capital outlay and Rs 24,755 crore less under the revenue head than what was sought by it.

Similarly, the Navy's demand for capital outlay was Rs 37,932 crore, but it was given Rs 20,848 crore which was Rs 17,084 less than its demand.

Under capital outlay, the Indian Air Force was given Rs 41,924 crore less than what was demanded by the force.

The minister said that if required, the schemes will be reprioritised to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities of the three forces are acquired.

An outlay of Rs 2.95 lakh crore was set aside for the defence budget for the next fiscal.

The allocation, which was 1.58 per cent of the GDP, was the lowest since 1962 when India and China fought a war.
Chand had said the inadequate allocation of funds will hit the Army's modernisation plan when the Chinese military was competing to reach the level of the US.

He had said 68 per cent of the Army's equipment is in the "vintage category", and the fund crunch will also impact the serviceability of the existing equipment and may even affect payment of installments for past purchases.

 

[12arya]

http://brighterkashmir.com/163-army-soldiers-died-in-siachen-in-last-10-years/

163 army soldiers died in Siachen in last 10 years



The Army lost 163 personnel deployed at the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, during the last 10 years, according to details provided by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Six officers were among the army personnel who lost their lives while guarding the glacier which is at an altitude of above 20,000 ft. Sitharaman gave year-wise details on the deaths in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The Siachen Glacier in the Karakorum range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where the soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds. Avalanches and landslides are common at the glacier during the winter and temperatures can drop to as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius.

India and Pakistan started deploying troops at the strategically key glacier in 1984. Sitharaman said nine army men lost their lives in 2008 followed by 13 in 2009, 50 in 2010 and 24 in 2011. Twelve army men had died in 2012, 11 in 2013 and eight in 2014. The number of deaths in 2015 was 11 while it was 20 and fi6ve in 2016 and 2017 respectively. “Indian Army soldiers deployed in extremely harsh terrain and weather conditions are suitably equipped and properly trained to undertake operational challenges and carry out their mandated tasks,” Sitharaman said.

Replying to a separate question on whether the Sahayak system in the Army has been discontinued in peace stations, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said no such decision has been taken. “A Sahayak in the Indian Army has clearly defined military duties and forms an integral part of the organisational structure of a unit and has specific functions during war and peace,” he said. Under the Sahayak or buddy system a solider is attached to officers. Sahayaks are soldiers and their duties include protecting the officers, maintaining their weapons and equipment and helping them in carrying out their responsibilities.

To another question, Bhamre said 33 ships and submarines are presently being constructed at various Indian shipyards for the Indian Navy.

 

[12arya]

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...iers-to-fight-stress/articleshow/63404805.cms

Army develops app for soldiers to fight stress

The Indian Army has developed a cellphone application for its soldiers posted in the remote and front areas along the borders to register their grievances and seek counselling from medical and psychological experts for various problems.

“We have taken a series of measures to reduce the stress level among the soldiers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). Among the measures is the cellphone app that they can use for getting their grievances resolved. If someone has a particular problem, he can use the app and upload the issue,” Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Lt-Gen. Bipin Puri said.
Speaking to TOI on the sideline of the commissioning ceremony at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) here, Lt-Gen. Puri said the AFMS was equally focused on promoting yoga, mediation and counselling.

“The stress issue is not so alarming. We believe that we have been able to take stock of it and has handled effectively,” he said, adding that AFMS remained an attractive career option for students as they could practice evidence-based medicine which is very important for them.

On the role of regimental medical officers (RMOs), he said, “These doctors are responsible for the health of the entire battalion. In fact, the doctors raise the morale of the troops as the latter get confidence that they will get all kind of medical facilities when required. We tell the young medical officers about their possible role once they get posted in the border areas.”

AFMC Commandant Air Marshal C K Ranjan said the college had, for the first time, introduced a medical capsule for its cadets to apprise them about the actual medical requirements of the forces. “This is beyond their academic (MBBS) syllabus,” he said.

“Understanding the requirements of the armed forces was imperative for us to appraise the medical students about their future roles in the very beginning of their careers. Therefore, we designed the course where experienced medical experts deliver lectures on various medical services required in high altitude areas, submarines and for fighter pilots,” Air Marshal Ranjan said.

According to the defence ministry records, over 100 personnel die every year due to suicide or fratricide (killing a fellow soldier or superior) over stress–related issues. At least 310 soldiers, including nine officers and 19 JCOs, committed suicide since 2014, while 11 cases of fratricide were also reported in 2017.

The army authorities have been taking a plethora of measures to help the soldiers reduce stress. Among the measures is provision of better quality of facilities such as clothing, food, accommodation, travel facilities, schooling, recreation and periodic welfare meeting. Yoga and meditation are used as a tool for stress management.

 

[rkhanna]

Defence modernisation hurdles: If Budget is to blame, so is Army leadership

Let us be clear. The army is well and truly broken & intellectually bankrupt. Instead of cutting numbers and focussing on a threat at hand, their own actions seem to suggest they neither take the Pakistani or Chinese threat seriously. What would an army serious about the threat do? First invest in human beings – not platforms. As every growing economy has realised it is the soldier, not the machine that wins wars. First they need to get rid of the sahayak system, and over the top perks enjoyed by the officer core, including golf courses and golf carts. Then they need to start investing in serious body armour, and rifles for soldiers, while selling their many priceless properties that they don’t need, at competitive rates – not the corruption prone sales that have made news in the past. Third they need to learn from French experiences in Africa: controlling a territory 2 times the size of India with a mere 3000 troops. This would involve giving up ruinous fantasies like cold start and ground control and move towards a highly trained, light mobile force operating in units of a dozen soldiers while rationalising equipment.

While the government needs to be roundly condemned for its lackadaisical treatment of defence, it is important we haul the army leadership over the coals, for failing at every level and letting down the average jawan.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/defence-modernisation-hurdles-if-budget-is-to-blame-so-is-army-leadership-118032200248_1.html

 

[12arya]

http://www.india.com/news/india/ind...to-get-new-rifles-light-machine-guns-2960842/

Indian Army Soldiers to Get New Rifles, Light Machine Guns

The Indian soldiers on the borders of China and Pakistan are likely to get new assault rifles, light machine guns and closequarter battle carbines, soon. Reports say that in connection to this, the requests for proposal (RFPs) or the initial tenders have been issued, the Defence Ministry sources have claimed.

On Friday, the RFP for 72,400 assault rifles, 93,895 CQB carbines and 16,479 light machine guns were issued to selected foreign armament companies. The arms and ammunition is estimated to cost Rs 5,366 crore, a report said.

Notably, the Army had first asked for new assault rifles and CQB carbines for its 382 infantry battalions way back in 2005. On the other hand, the case for the light machine guns was initiated in 2009. But the long-drawn procurement projects were repeatedly scrapped due to graft allegations or unrealistic technical parameters.

Meanwhile on March 21, it was reported that the Indian armed forces are currently facing a shortage of a total of 52,000 soldiers with the Indian Army on top. The Indian Army has 21,000 posts vacant. The details in this regard were provided by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre in the Lok Sabha.

Bhamre had said that the while Army is reeling under a shortage of 21,383 personnel, the number of vacant posts in the Navy is 16,348 and 15,010 in the Air Force. On being asked about the number of vacant officer posts in Army, he replied with 7,680. (Also Read: ‘Insufficient’ Defence Budget Dashes Hopes of Modernisation, Says Army Vice-chief)

On March 14, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Sarath Chand deposed to the Parliamentary panel on Defence Budget 2018-19 and expressed grave concern at the ‘insufficient’ allocation of funds. A marginal increase in the defence budget barely accounts for inflation, he told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence.

 

[12arya]

https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-toda...ainst-top-spy-hunky-bakshi-1196896-2018-03-24

Indian Army calls off ongoing court martial proceedings against top spy Huny Bakshi

HIGHLIGHTS

• The cases against the unit members had started soon after the retirement of General VK Singh in May 2012.
• A Havaldar from the unit was allegedly caught with classified information.
• The TSD was created by Singh in the aftermath of the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai in 2010.

A file photo of Gen VK Singh (centre), Col Huny Bakshi (third from left) with members of the Army’s Technical Support Division unit.
In a major development, the Indian Army on Friday ended the six-year ordeal of the top spy and commanding officer of the controversial snooping unit Technical Support Division (TSD) Colonel Huny Bakshi as the force called off the ongoing court-martial proceedings against him at Ambala cantonment for alleged mishandling of classified information.

The cases against members of the unit had started soon after the retirement of General VK Singh in May 2012 and continued for almost six years as the TSD commanding officer was attached for court-martial as a Havaldar from his unit was allegedly caught with classified information in 2012 by the officials of Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Kerala.

"The General Court Martial (GCM) held at Ambala decided on Thursday night at 1.30 am that a number of rules had not been complied with during the attachment of Bakshi for the disciplinary proceedings and that is why, it was decided that no further action can be taken against him and the proceedings have been called off," Army sources told Mail Today.

The TSD was created by Singh in the aftermath of the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai in 2010 which was tasked for carrying out special operations both within and outside the country.

Reacting to the development, Singh told Mail Today that he was quite relieved "that the action against the officer had been called off after such a long time" and expressed hope that these assets can now devote their time in serving the nation.

The members of the unit were termed as 'deep assets' by former defence minister Manohar Parrikar as they were involved in carrying out cross-border operations including the planting of improvised explosive devices (IED) on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (LoC) during their stint in the unit to avenge the deaths of Indian soldiers there.

The unit included members from the Corps of Military Intelligence and an explosive expert in Lt Col Birdie from the Corps of Engineers. During Singhs date of birth tussle with defence ministry, the unit was accused of being involved in snooping on conversations of the defence ministry officials.

It was also alleged that the members of the unit were behind an NGO in Kashmir, which had gone to court against Singhs successor to scuttle his chances. Soon after General Bikram Singh took over, the TSD was disbanded and the unit officers were thrown out of the Corps of Military Intelligence.

A board of officers was also formed which recommended a CBI inquiry against the unit and its actions which was rejected by the government.

The action against Bakshi continued even during the tenure of General Dalbir Singh Suhag as Bakshi was attached to a unit in Nabha in Punjab for disciplinary action. The court-martial proceedings were called off for non-compliance of Army Rule 180, which gives the right to personnel for cross-examining witnesses against them.

The court also found that the Army inquiry had not complied with the Army Rule 525 and the Confidential and Handling of Confidential Document (CHCD) manual, which deals with the ways of handling cases related to dealing with classified information loss

 

[12arya]

https://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/generals-jottings/cadre-review-in-indian-army/

Cadre review in Indian Army
Indian Army is once again preparing to carry out comprehensive review of its officer cadre. It is presumed that it will be focussed on Officers as only recently in Sept 2017, Government approved Third Cadre Review for JCOs and Other Ranks, which will benefit 1.45 lakh personnel and will be implemented over next five years. Vacancies in lower ranks will be released in phased manner with 30% in 2018; 20% each in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and 10% in 2022 in each rank thereby distributing the benefit to more batches. The two previous comprehensive reviews were done in 1979 and 1984. This review would be expected to lay out a plan, which can remain relevant for at least a decade. Most importantly, it has to grapple with issues connected with parity of ranks and rising aspirations of younger generation of officers and all these in a milieu of turf battles, where other cadres are unlikely to yield even an inch.

In fact, it will be pragmatic to consider turf realities as a limiting term of reference as most previous studies have been based on ameliorating measures like ‘peel factor’ of AV Singh committee and lateral absorption, which have been non starters, thereby negating the entire exercise. The recent recommendation of Standing Committee of Parliament suggesting compulsory tenure of five years for all government servants in defence forces is an enhanced version of earlier recommendation. In 1996, Mr IK Gujral, PM had approved induction of all officers in CAPFs (loosely referred to as para military forces) through Army after an initial term of five years. However, one seasoned bureaucrat made an interesting remark in a follow-up meeting, “PMs at times get carried away, it is our job to insulate the system from such hasty measures”. The second direction of PM to immediately absorb retiring Generals in Public Sector Undertakings and Corporations had a marginally better response as one General was indeed inducted, however, he was known to have the right connections. This was despite PM’s clear sanction and very good power point presentation, a novelty those days.

The last structured and comprehensive cadre review for officers was done in 1984 yet it has been overtaken by the famous AV Singh Committee in 2001, consequent to Kargil Review Committee report with a mandate to reduce ages of Commanding Officers(COs). In its wake it has left a fractured officer cadre engaged in bitter litigation due to vitiated formulation of ‘Command Exit Model’, which has been seen by courts as twisting of simple mathematical formulation to generate additional vacancies for some Arms at cost of others. It is hoped that current exercise will endeavour to take care of dynamic realities like introduction of women service entry and also address the latent angst in logistics stream. It will also have to take into consideration large number of court directions and rulings, which have been mandated.

Before an agency and appropriate team is picked up for this onerous responsibility, it will be pertinent to consider a few in-house realities. The most important pre-requisite is to recognise that cadre management is indeed a ‘science’ and requires both comprehensive understanding and years of application. Unfortunately, senior officers take it as their natural perk to tinker with cadre to further parochial and regimental interests. Most cadre managers in ‘Olive Greens’, who accumulate experience with their multiple tenures in MS Branch (mandated for this function) are experts in handling only placement or postings, and have limited knowledge of nitty gritty of cadre management. Luckily, we have a Chief, who has done cadre planning in his MS Branch tenure and hopefully, he will put it to good use.

Even if correct agency and team is picked up, there has to be a commitment to accept the findings and apply its recommendations. One of the most important change in our officer cadre was two year enhancement in age of retirement yet we made a hash of this measure, basically because HDMC study for its implementation was junked as it had made some unpleasant recommendations specifically affecting decision makers. This was despite the fact that report was endorsed by IIM Ahmedabad and most importantly, it was a collegiate opinion reflecting aspirations of overwhelming majority of officer cadre as study had entailed extensive interaction, field visits and sample, whose composition and distribution was endorsed by IIM.

While such a study is a deliberate exercise and will take its own time, it is recommended that automation of cadre management functions like OMR based CR forms for appraisal, computerised placement system should be implemented to create a back bone for transparent and objective cadre management system. This can result in down sizing of MS Branch and relieve more than thirty very high profile officers from mundane clerical functions and gainfully employing them in field formations. In this, MS Branch should set an example for other HQs to emulate, like they say- charity begins at home. Another in-house measure recommended is to create a ‘win-win’ model to empower Jawans to become regimental officers as part of support cadre, which currently has no takers as Short Service entry remains unpopular. This requires a change in mind set and developing an ecosystem as part of HRD policies in Army.

 

[12arya]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...ils-to-open/story-d9TWeeBqEa00bc7tPLCZmO.html

Agra: Indian Army paratrooper falls to his death after parachute doesn’t open
Lance Naik Sunil Kumar sustained head injuries after his parachute failed to open during a routine sky diving exercise.

The body of Lance Naik Sunil Kumar was brought to the military hospital in Agra for a postmortem.(Pratham Gokhale/HT File Photo/Representative image)


An Indian Army paratrooper from Para One Brigade died during routine sky diving exercise at Malpura dropping zone in Agra on Friday. Lance Naik Sunil Kumar sustained head injuries after his parachute failed to open.

“The body of Lance Naik Sunil Kumar was brought to military hospital in Agra for a postmortem on Friday. The primary reason assigned was falling from a height, leading to fatal head injury causing death,” said Ramesh Bhardwaj, incharge of Malpura police station in Agra.

“After the autopsy, the body was handed over to the army staff. The deceased was from a village in Palwal district of Haryana,” Bhardwaj added. Kumar is survived by his wife and a son.

 

[indiatester]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...ils-to-open/story-d9TWeeBqEa00bc7tPLCZmO.html

Agra: Indian Army paratrooper falls to his death after parachute doesn’t open
Lance Naik Sunil Kumar sustained head injuries after his parachute failed to open during a routine sky diving exercise.

The body of Lance Naik Sunil Kumar was brought to the military hospital in Agra for a postmortem.(Pratham Gokhale/HT File Photo/Representative image)


An Indian Army paratrooper from Para One Brigade died during routine sky diving exercise at Malpura dropping zone in Agra on Friday. Lance Naik Sunil Kumar sustained head injuries after his parachute failed to open.

“The body of Lance Naik Sunil Kumar was brought to military hospital in Agra for a postmortem on Friday. The primary reason assigned was falling from a height, leading to fatal head injury causing death,” said Ramesh Bhardwaj, incharge of Malpura police station in Agra.

“After the autopsy, the body was handed over to the army staff. The deceased was from a village in Palwal district of Haryana,” Bhardwaj added. Kumar is survived by his wife and a son.

Really shocking. I thought the process to pack the main and reserve parachutes and their verification was comprehensive. This incident should call for a reexamination of any lapses there.

 

[12arya]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...ain-command/story-iTGPB5sLbOlod11MlprWjI.html

Soon, India defence attaché at US navy Bahrain command
The Pentagon has also agreed to have an Indian military representative at the Defence Innovation Unit Experimental, a US government unit that funds private companies working on cutting-edge defence technologies.

India will have a military attaché in the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) in Bahrain, defence ministry officials said on condition of anonymity, highlighting what they term a “path-breaking” development that signals deeper defence cooperation between the two countries.

The officials added that the Pentagon has also agreed to have an Indian military representative at the Defence Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx), a US government unit that funds private companies working on cutting-edge defence technologies.

According to the officials, the decisions were finalised during defence secretary Sanjay Mitra’s visit last week to the Pentagon, during which India and the US also decided to jointly participate in tri-service amphibious exercises off the Indian coast (including in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) as well as increasing the scope of trilateral naval exercises with the Japanese Navy in the Indo-Pacific. The decision to include the Australian Navy to make it a quadrilateral exercise is still a work in progress.

The bilateral decision to post an Indian defence attaché at the Bahrain Command has huge ramifications as NAVCENT’s area of responsibility includes the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea. Comprising the Fifth Fleet and other forces, this Command is in charge of naval operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the oil-rich Gulf countries. It is also the lead player in anti-piracy and counter-terrorist operations conducted by the Combined Task Force 150 and 158.

Defence ministry officials said the Indian attaché in Bahrain will ensure that the US and Indian navies are on the same page. New Delhi’s perception of the Indo-Pacific is the area from the Gulf of Aden to the west coast of America. The Indian attaché will ensure better coordination and logistic support for warships and aircraft carriers of the two countries.

The officials said that the idea of posting a representative in the DIUx is to gain first-hand experience on how the Pentagon and the private sector work together for national security. This unit identifies and invests in companies, including start-ups that fulfil US Department of Defense hardware or software requirements. The Indian representative will be able to identify solutions for the Indian military and explore which ones could work under the “Make in India” rubric.

As a sign of increasing naval cooperation, the two countries are all for raising the complexity of the exercises, fostering joint training and validating standard operating procedures for amphibious operations. On December 21, the Indian Navy conducted a tri-services exercise off the coast of Kakinada in the Eastern Naval Command with landing ships from Andaman Nicobar Command participating in the manoeuvres. With South Block taking administrative steps towards integrated theatre commands, the Andamans Command will soon become the hub of Indian Navy’s might in the Indian Ocean in order to ensure that sea lanes of communications are not obstructed and freedom of navigation is unhampered by any third aggressive power.

Interestingly, in US Navy’s definition, India comes under Hawaii-based Pacific Command. Delhi, for the past two decades, has pushed for a liaison with NAVCENT because the latter is responsible for the Arabian Sea.

 

[12arya]

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com...-of-martyrs-children/articleshow/63410845.cms

Government to now fully fund education of martyrs' children
Highlights

• Earlier, the education of these children was funded, but only up to Rs 10,000 a month; that limitation has now been removed
• This 'educational concession' applies to the children of officers from the armed forces, 'persons below officer rank' missing in action, and those disabled or killed in action

The government will now fully fund the education of martyrs' children, said a notification today from the defence ministry.

Earlier, the education of these children was funded, but only up to Rs 10,000 a month. That limitation, on what's called "educational concession", has now been removed.

The concession applies to the children of officers from the armed forces, 'persons below officer rank' missing in action, and those disabled or killed in action. This scheme covers around 3,400 children and entails an expenditure of around Rs 5 crore a year currently.

"The educational concession will be admissible only for undertaking studies in government/government-aided schools/educational institutes/military /Sainik schools and other schools or colleges recognised by the central or state governments, including autonomous organisations financed entirely by the central/state governments," said a statement posted by the defence ministry on Twitter.

#ImportantAnnouncement : Cap on Educational Concession removed for the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs,… https://t.co/orH7dwh2g8

— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) 1521700484000
In December, TOI reported that the defence ministry is "re-examining" its decision to cap the educational expenses paid to the children of martyrs and disabled soldiers after strong protests by the affected families as well as a collective representation from the Army, Navy and IAF chiefs.

The chiefs of staff committee (CoSC), which comprises the Army, IAF and Navy chiefs,wrote to the defence ministry that the decision should be revised to ensure the Rs 10,000 cap is lifted.

"This small gesture would assure the families of our brave women and men that the nation cares for them and their sacrifices are truly appreciated by the government," said CoSC chairman and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, in a letter.

"These personnel have made the supreme sacrifice for the country and the provision of educational concessions to their wards is a small gesture to recognize their commitment to the defence of the country," he added.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also wrote to defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying the cap is 'immoral' and 'unprincipled'.

"The fee being paid to the children of martyrs and disabled soldiers was a small price in exchange for what they had given, and continued to give, to the nation," said Singh.

 

[12arya]

https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-toda...tated-for-motivating-youth-1198559-2018-03-27

Colonel Ajay Kothiyal felicitated for motivating youth

HIGHLIGHTS

• N Sitharaman asked Col Kothiyal to spread the concept of self-motivation across the country.
• He has been training over 3,000 youth, including girls, for military services free of cost.
• Kothiyal is the head of Defence Ministry's Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM).

Col Kothiyal provided free training to youth aiming to join the Army.

Impressed by a serving army officers role in motivating and preparing youth of Uttarakhand in joining the armed forces, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asked Colonel Ajay Kothiyal of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering to spread the concept of self-motivation across the country.

Kothiyal has been instrumental in training over 3,000 youth, including girls, for joining army and paramilitary services free of cost. The youth mainly belong to the areas hit badly by the 2013 Kedarnath disaster and poor families.

The state of Uttarakhand has produced many Param Vir Chakra and Victoria Cross awardees over the time and made the soil proud... The good deeds done by Col Kothiyal inspire each one of us to do good, the minister said.

The minister was attending a function to felicitate over 140 cadets from Uttarakhand selected for the Indian Military Academy and National Defence Academy.

Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was also present at the function along with Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat.

Sitharaman also took to Twitter to praise the work done by the Youth Foundation, headed by Col Kothiyal. Kothiyal as the head of Defence Ministrys Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) was the first agency to react Kedarnath floods and carried out rescue work immediately after the tragedy struck the state in 2013.

Post relief and rescue work, the responsibility of doing the reconstruction work was also entrusted to the NIM.

Kothiyal had joined the Army in 1992 as a Lieutenant in the 4 Garhwal Rifles, and received the Kirti Chakra for his role in elimination of seven terrorists in counter terrorist in operations