Indian Army: News and Discussion

[RAM]

'Yodha Shakti': Army exhibits ability to strike

NEW DELHI: The elite Strike Corps I of the Indian Army on Saturday concluded the largest summer war games in Rajasthan, named 'Yodha Shakti', during which various maneuvers to strike behind enemy lines were practised.As the mercury stayed above 45 degree celsius mark during April, in the Thar, the troops of Mathura-based 1 Corps took part in the drills in the southwestern theatre, exhibiting the Indian Army's capacity to launch strikes with speed and even in the cover of darkness.Army Chief General V K Singh joined the troops on the last day of the exercise and examined the results of the gruelling exercise. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General C K S Sabu, commander in chief of Southwestern command and other top military leaders.Displaying the leadership skills, vice chief Lieutenant General P K Bhardwaj himself led para dropping operations.Bhardwaj had been an ace para officer.One of the concepts that the Army is putting in place is the doctrine of cold start, in which the time taken to launch a strike across the border is reduced considerably.The commander of Strike Corps 1, Lieutenant General A K Singh briefed the Army chief about the operational readiness and the optimisation of force multipliers.Another key aspect of the Army's exercise was exhibiting synergy with the Air Force. The IAF was used in assisting mechanised operations and insertion of troops behind the enemy lines.The Army officials said that the operations 'were executed with overwhelming momentum and tempo'. They were backed by new technology. The night blindness of Indian mechanised forces had not been tacked and they can operate even after sunset.The idea practised is to shock the enemy with the ferocity of the first strike and hold the territory claimed.The exercise was also meant to deliver a strong message across the border where the Pakistan Army had amassed large number of troops for its largest drill ever named Azm-e-Nau 3.The two sides almost simultaneously conducted war drills to counter each other even though they maintained the two events were un-related. The Pakistani Army is learnt to have practiced maneuvers to counter India's cold start strategy.

http://expressbuzz.com/nation/yodha-shakti-army-exhibits-ability-to-strike/171968.html

 

[RAM]

Army prepares for future conflict with largest summer wargame
The Army's largest summer wargame in recent years today concluded in the Rajasthan deserts along the borders with Pakistan, showcasing its ability to inflict maximum damage on enemy targets in shortest possible time.The elite 1 'Strike' Corps participated in the exercise named 'Yodha Shakti' that exhibited the resolve and the capability of the Indian Army to operate in most hostile weather conditions to achieve decisive victory for the nation, an Army spokesperson said in a press statement.

The final phase of the exercise was witnessed by Army Chief General VK Singh along with South Western Army Commander Lt Gen CKS Sabu, and a large number of senior officers of the Army and Air Force.
Army's Southern and Western Commanders and Western Air Command and South Western Air Command chiefs too were present on the occasion.Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Singh briefed the Army Chief on the operational readiness, new concepts which were tried and the optimisation of force multipliers.

The Army Chief also interacted with the rank and file of the Strike Corps and expressed his appreciation on their high standard of professionalism, training and motivation.Yodha Shakti' fused the synergy of all arms and services of the Army and the land-air synergy between the Army and the Air Force essential for conducting mechanised predominant operations deep inside enemy territory."The operations were executed with overwhelming momentum and tempo. State-of-the-art technology provided the cutting edge. The induction of night vision capabilities in the mechanised forces enables a 24/7 dynamic operational capability," the spokesperson said.

The Army Chiefs and other senior officials also witnessed operational manoeuvres including the mechanised forces predominant attack, heliborne operations behind the 'enemy' lines, airborne drop by paratroopers and multiple manoeuvres by the mechanised forces and attack helicopters in the operational depth with intense synergy and integration between the Army and Air Force.The aerial re-supply to the armoured division deep inside enemy territory provided it with requisite logistics surge capability for enhanced operational reach, the release said."As a reflection of the leadership ethos of the Indian Army, the para drop was led by Army Vice Chief Lt Gen P Bhardwaj, a highly experienced and decorated Para Officer," the spokesperson said.The Army Chief expressed satisfaction at the meaningful training conducted to prepare for the future security challenges to the nation and complimented the operational readiness of the troops that will enable it to achieve a decisive victory in any future conflict, he added.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Army-...h-largest-summer-wargame/Article1-540966.aspx

 

[RAM]

BSF to intensify border check along Indo-Bangladesh border

Aizawl: The Border Security Force will now be keeping extra vigilance along the Indo-Indian border in Mizoram.This assurance was given to the State's chief minister Pu Lal Thannhawla by BSF director general Raman Srivaastava here on May 6 during a visit to the state capital.General Srivastava also called on Governor, Lt.Gen. M.M Lakher.In the discussion held with the Chief Minister, they were understood to have discussed deployment of more BSF personnel in Indo-Bangladesh border area to check infiltration and clandestine movement of contraband goods, local media reports said.


http://mizoramexpress.com/index.php/2010/05/bsf-to-indo-bangladesh-border/

 

[RAM]

Army undertakes recruitment drive in Kashmir Valley

Kupwara (Jammu and Kashmir), May 9 (ANI): The Indian Army is conducting a recruitment rally in the Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir to provide an opportunity to unemployed youth to join.
Buzz up!The rally is being conducted in phases. Currently, it is being held at the headquarters of 28 Infantry Division in Kupwara."We started the recruitment rally on April 30. The phase one of the rally was conducted in Tangdhar and Vajra Shakti Bridage (It involves exercising an infantry division and an independent mechanized brigade of 11 Corps). They requested us and you know that it is a difficult and remote region of the country. The second phase is being conducted here in Trigram, as you can see. This is the Vajra Division; the rally is being conducted here on their request," said Brigadier K D Malhotra, 28 Infantry Division, Kupwara.

He also said that several candidates have turned up in spite of bad weather. Passion for joining the army could be seen in every candidate, he added."Sir, I would love to join the army. I had a brother who was in the army. One day we went to a forest just like that, where he was shot dead in front of me. That day, I took a pledge to join the army. I feel that even if I have to sacrifice my life, I would do that because I have seen so much," said Ghulam Qadir, a candidate.Unemployment is a major problem in the border and militancy prone areas of the Kashmir Valley. Such rallies are seen as a good opportunity for the unemployed young generation of the region.Such rallies are held more in the backward and underdeveloped areas of Kashmir like Tangdhar, Gurez, Keran, Machil. (ANI)

http://news.oneindia.in/2010/05/09/armyundertakes-recruitment-drive-in-kashmirvalley.html

 

[plugwater]

Upgrade body armour for forces: Govt panel

New Delhi: As counter-terror and counter-militancy operations take an increasing toll on security personnel, a parliamentary panel has asked the government to upgrade the quality of body armour and provide them to all paramilitary forces deployed in combat zones.

The recommendation was made by the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Home Affairs headed by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Venkaiah Naidu in its latest report.

"The Committee is of the considered view that the level of body armour (bullet-proof jackets) provided to the central paramilitary forces should be raised to level IV category (of upgraded quality, able to provide protection against hard steel core ammunition)," the panel said in its report tabled in parliament April 27.

"The ministry should make concerted efforts to ensure that the next procurement takes place on time as per level IV category, so that those could be used by our forces in combat operations," the panel added.

The issue of upgrading the quality of bullet proof jackets for paramilitary personnel cropped up in the panel's meeting March 22 when one of its members suggested the term 'Body Armour' for bullet proof jackets, saying that the latter was not a right terminology for it as there is no jacket which is completely bullet proof.

Responding to the member's suggestion, home ministry officials conceded to the panel that "the name 'Bullet Proof Jacket' is a misnomer and instead it should be called 'Bullet Resistant Jacket' or 'Body Armour' because no bullet proof jacket can be 100 percent resistant to all types of bullets at all times".

A jacket resists a bullet up to the level of protection for which it has been designed, the ministry officials said.

The officials told the panel that the jackets, chosen and adopted by the ministry for central paramilitary forces, are "light weight bullet proof jackets" technically known as Level III protection jacket.

Such jackets are able to resist the bullets fired by 7.62 mm Self loading Rifles and 9 mm carbine pistols besides the soft lead core ammunition but not the hard steel core ammunition, fired from 7.62 mm x 39 mm AK-47 rifles, ministry officials said.

The home ministry adopted the Level III jackets for paramilitary personnel after it was approved by an expert panel headed by director general for the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) and comprising members from various central paramilitary forces and Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi.

Ministry officials said that Level IV category of jackets provide protection against the hard core steel ammunitions, and that the BPRD is still working on various qualitative specifications for the Level IV jackets. They hope the ministry would be able to procure the Level IV jackets from the next procurement batch onwards.

The panel has asked the government to expedite the development for Level IV jackets and procure the same expeditiously.

http://www.zeenews.com/news625615.html

 

[Anshu Attri]

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=12867

Military Might
On display, Army's swift-strike capability ,Summer war game Yodha Shakti conclude

First armored division the 'black elephant' also equipped with T-90S, the paint scheme probable put because of its use in Punjab and northern states!


New Delhi, May 9
The Army's four-week long summer war game "Yodha Shakti" --- which showcased its ability to inflict maximum damage on enemy targets in shortest possible time --- concluded in the Rajasthan deserts on Friday. The exercise, which saw the Army using a sizeable component of its strike corps formations with an active operational support from the IAF, is a part of cold-start doctrine formulated after operation Parakaram in 2001.

During the latest exercise, nearly12,000-14,000 troops were pulled out from the Mathura-based 1 Strike Corps, the armoured formations at Patiala, Hissar and Jhansi. They practised battle maneuvers in hostile conditions in the Mahajan ranges of the desert state.

The new night vision devices fitted on the T-90 tanks were also tested for the first time. The tanks had come a cropper in this category when these were pitted against the home-built Arjun in a shootout in February. Removing "night blindness" on the T-90 is one of the immediate tasks of the Army.

The land-air synergy between the Army and the Air Force, which is essential for conducting operations deep inside enemy territory was best displayed. The war game witnessed heliborne operations behind the 'enemy' lines, airborne drop by paratroopers and multiple manoeuvres by the mechanised forces and attack helicopters in the operational depth with intense synergy and integration between the Army and Air Force.

The IAF also demonstrated how the aerial route could be used to send supplies to an armoured division deep inside enemy territory. Notably, leading the paradrop was the second senior-most officer of the Indian Army, Vice Chief Lt Gen P Bhardwaj. The Army Chief Gen VK Singh, the South Western Army commander Lt Gen CKS Sabu along with Chief of the Western Air Command Air Marshall NAK Browne attended the final phase of the exercise.

 

[nandu]

Meet The First Woman Officer Of GREF !!!

I was clearly quite surprised when I first saw her at the BRO Golden Jubilee function, as I could not relate to women being in GREF/BRO.
Meet Bindu Sehgal, Assistant Director (OL) at the BRO headquarters in Delhi, in an administrative role.

Sehgal joined GREF- General Reserve Engineer Force, in October 1986, as Hindi Officer, through UPSC. "I've never faced difficulties or discrimination in a male-dominated place like GREF. They treat me with a lot of respect," said Sehgal, in a one-to-one with Chindits.

Basically engaged in implementation of Official Language in the Deptt, Sehgal says she would like to see more women officers joining GREF. "There are a few working in this department on compassionate grounds," she adds.

Though the lady had traveled all over the country, on work, she has largely been at the Delhi-based headquarters of the organisation.

http://chhindits.blogspot.com/

 

[nandu]

Indian DG Artillery's Speech Today At The 3rd International Artillery Seminar

Artillery Vision 2027

For the coming next 15 to 20 years, the philosophy of the artillery should continue to achieve "destruction" by synergized orchestration of all available fire power resources provided by variety of agencies cutting across the three services based on a joint targetting doctrine, including effective use of "Fourth Dimension". Reliance will be placed on use of seamless networking of acquisition means, passage of information, rapid management of heavy volume of data, automated fire control systems and integration of all fire power platforms. In this context, we need to reduce hierarchies in our Battery Command Posts, Regiment Command Posts, Fire Control/Direction Centres and all our information networked Artillery Fire Control and Surveillance systems.

The futuristic artillery platforms should be independent and autonomous firing identities, capable of firing on their own, achieved by introducing automatic alignment, laying and loading of ammunition. These platforms should have matching mobility in case of towed guns, adequate protection in case of self propelled guns, and portability by helicopters and aircrafts in case of light guns. Large operational frontages will dictate platforms capable of achieving longer ranges, which help us in achieving concentrated fire power in preference to concentrating fire power units. However, there should be a balance between mobility and longer range.

The aim of all developments in the field of ammunition should be: (a) Increase lethality by increasing the content of high explosive (HE) and reduce the overall weight of shell by having casing of better metal. (b) Increased density of fire power on target will reduce correspondingly by introduction of PGMs. However, we need to balance the requirement of PGMs and "duds". (c) Complement long range capability of artillery by introduction of wide variety of ammunition capable of generating varied affects, both lethal and non-lethal. (d) All the above needs to be backed by accuracy, improved target designation and trajectory correction systems.

We should also not gloss over the important aspect of efficient ammunition management in the field, which becomes a crucial battle winning factor rather than the number of tubes available. If two second lines can be handled in 24 hours instead of one, the available artillery will be perhaps twice as effective.

Modernisation of Indian Artillery

Keeping Artillery Vision 2027 in mind, it is imperative that we modernize Indian Artillery systematically to compete with the best in the world. In this regard, it should be well understood by us that while other advanced nations have leapt far ahead in the field of Artillery, we are still lagging behind. We certainly need to catch up, and catch up fast. During the time spectrum of 2010 to 2027, we have to take much longer strides and accelerate our efforts, failing which the gap between the front runners and laggers will be huge, rendering it impossible to be narrowed. Ramifications of such slow progress should not be difficult for this elite gathering to fathom.

Today Artillery is already in the process of major modernisation. Modern delivery means and supporting systems like BRAHMOS Missiles, Smerch long rg rkt sys, Pinaka rkts, UAVs, WLRs and LORROS have either been inducted or in the process of induction.. However, the induction of 155mm/52 Cal guns, Ultra Light Howitzer, Wheeled and Tracked SP guns are not following the desired pace. But, are we not late vis-à-vis other modern Artilleries. Take example of Smerch that has been in Service in Russia since 1990 and we are still inducting it in our Army. The so called modern weapons are, infact, already in the process of replacement in developed countries, whereas we, in some cases are still working on the road map. Such a state is disturbing and most unwarranted, and merits urgent rectification. This seminar is one such positive step to throw up seminal ideas and to speed up our efforts at modernisation.

In the pursuit of modernisation, we must not forget upgradation of our existing equipment to make it somewhat akin to the state of the art, and provide it with extra life. Upgradation of 130mm guns to 155mm 45 cal guns is nearly complete and the upgradation of the 155mm 39 Cal guns is being progressed. Our age old 120mm Mortars also require immediate upgradation and we need to look at long rg mors with enhance rg and precision capabilities.

I am sure, different aspects related to modernisation and upgradation of the Indian Artillery will be deliberated upon in this particular forum and we will come out with viable options to tide over all hurdles and trace out a most befitting roadmap for modernisation.

User, Designer and Manufacturer Interaction

I am very pleased to note that the three main players, i.e. designer, manufacturer and the users have been closely associated with each other and have chosen interactive and coordinated approach towards modernisation. Such concerted and coordinated efforts would surely lead to a technologically modernized Indian Army in a foreseeable future. However, such an approach can only be successful if there is a high degree of understanding amongst the partners. However, this august gathering will agree that such an interactive and well blended pursuit can suffer a great set back if there is an element of ego in any of the partners. To ensure that such an imbroglio does not ever emerge and our efforts are not eroded, there is a need to have more interactive seminars of this nature. In this regard, we have taken the initiative and coordinated this Seminar, which I propose should be conducted more frequently. We all can easily crystal gaze into the enormous merits of such forum, accordingly, we must ensure to continue with such pursuits in future too.

It is prudent to mention that, at times, some of the us, harbour a belief that indigenous designs and manufactured products can not be compared with the best in the world. Such a belief, more often that not, is misplaced. Notwithstanding such an unwarranted presumption, if we, as users, are convinced that some of the foreign industrial establishments have already produced state of the art and technologically advanced equipment, and if it also meets the laid down qualitative requirements, we must subordinate our ego and explore the possibility of buying off the shelf. In any case, the option of acquisition of TOT continues to remain with the users. It is my earnest desire that such an arrangement of procurement must not be viewed negatively by either DRDO or the Indian manufacturers. However, over dependence on import has to be an exception than rule. Over indulgence in only import is fraught with numerous financial and self sufficiency related implications. Options of import and indigenous production must be weighed realistically. We ought to take pride in the fact that we have splendid manufacturing facilities backed with world class designers and scientists.

Conclusion

There is no denying the fact that in a futuristic battlefield, Artillery will be the dominant tactical weapon, because it can respond in seconds, land on the target within minutes, is impervious to weather, never runs out of fuel, provides smoke cover, illuminates targets and suppresses the fires of enemy guns and other lethal weapons.

The Regiment of Artillery has a glorious record of past achievements and we look forward to the future with pride and confidence – confidence in the capabilities of the guns and missiles, confidence in the ability of the man behind the guns to fire them with traditional courage and professional competence.

(Lt Gen KR Rao is the Director General Artillery of the Indian Army. This is an excerpt from the speech he delivered this morning at the 3rd International Artillery Seminar conducted jointly by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, CII and the Regiment of Artillery)


http://livefist.blogspot.com/

 

[RAM]

Artillery 'decisive arm' in battlefield: Army Chief

New Delhi, May 10 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff General Vijay Kumar Singh on Monday described artillery as the decisive arm in a battlefield.



Buzz up!General Singh said that the role of artillery has been proved beyond doubt in the US war in Iraq and in the Kargil war a decade ago in India


"During the Kargil episode, the artillery firepower became a battle-winning factor in ensuring that the will of the enemy was seriously degraded. For, desired degradation is well appreciated," said General Singh at the International Seminar on Artillery Technology organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

General Singh also said that with induction of latest weapon systems, Indian army has achieved a long-range destruction capability.

"We have already inducted equipment like BrahMos missiles, Smerch, and Pinaka (Russian-made artillery systems) and achieved a fair amount of long-range destruction capability," he added.
Meanwhile, Director General Artillery, Lt. Gen. Kammula Ramchandra Rao, admitted that Indian artillery technology still needs to catch up with the changing demand of modern warfare, but added that even in the present form, it is capable of taking on any adversary.

"We can certainly take on any of the adversaries in the present form. The artillery will not lag behind. There is adequate amount of life in the equipment that is there. Yes, we got to catch up because the process of modernization is such that while some equipment, which is in service, some is phasing out, some should be the modern equipment," said Lt. Gen. Rao.
"So, I am very sure we will be able to catch up. It is not as alarming as we are really listening. There are problem areas, I cannot say there are no problem areas, but I am very positive that we will be able to catch up," he added. (ANI)

http://news.oneindia.in/2010/05/10/artillerydecisive-arm-in-battlefield-armychief.html

 

[Anshu Attri]

http://www.zeenews.com/news625953.html

Focus on developing strategic infra: Govt to BRO

New Delhi: Government on Tuesday directed Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to focus on developing strategic infrastructure in border areas only and said it was contemplating to set up a different body to build roads in other areas.

"BRO has been directed to focus on strategic infrastructures in border areas and not to diffuse their resources in other States for the time being," Defence Minister A K Antony said here today.

He was speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Defence Ministry.

The Defence Minister added the government was contemplating setting up another organisation to take care of roads in other areas.

Recently, the BRO had decided to move out of the NH-16 project, which passes through the Naxal-affected areas in Chhattisgarh.

Noting that BRO was is in the process of "transformation and modernisation" and many important projects in various stages of implementation, Antony said, "it will be our endeavour to see that BRO's capabilities are in consonance with India's strategic and developmental requirements."

BRO has been entrusted with construction of 61 roads with a total length of 3,429 kms along the India-China border and has a Long-term Perspective Plan Priority-I (LTTP-I) for construction of 130 roads with a total length of 4,881 kms.

Under the LTPP-II, BROP plans to construct 255 roads with and an all-weather road to Leh as well as 8.8 km long Rohtang Tunnel.

Pointing out that Air Force's air-lift assets were overstretched, the Defence Minister said, "we have decided to outsource air efforts, especially through rotary wing for carrying of necessary equipment, plants, materials and manpower (to difficult terrains)."

The BRO uses IAF's Mi-17s for airlifting its heavy machinery to difficult terrain and is looking to hire Pawanhans helicopters for the purpose.

Commenting on the environmental clearances for BRO projects, Antony said the Ministry has made substantial headway in resolving the issue with the cooperation of respective state governments and the Environment Ministry.

The Defence Minister said the manpower needs of the BRO and "are being further augmented by recruitment of officers through UPSC and other staffs through Ground Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) Centre, Pune."

He said quality control set up and vigilance mechanisms in BRO have been strengthened to bring about improvement in work standards, ethics and transparency in the organisation.

 

[nandu]

Infrastructure in border areas on fast-track: Antony

In a bid to upgrade infrastructure in border areas, the Government has now initiated a series of measures to augment and streamline the resources at hand for the purpose. Giving details of the steps taken by the Government, at a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony said the Government has authorized Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to outsource the job of airlifting machinery and material to difficult terrains as the assets of Indian Air Force in this regard is overstretched. He said, BRO has also been directed to focus on strategic infrastructures in border areas and not to diffuse their resources in other States for the time being. Shri Antony said the Government is contemplating to set up another organisation to take care of roads in other areas.
"Today, the BRO is in the process of considerable transformation and modernisation. There are many important projects in various stages of implementation. It will be our endeavour to see that BRO's capabilities are in consonance with India's strategic and developmental requirements. We have decided to outsource air efforts, especially through rotary wing for carrying of necessary equipment, plants, materials and manpower" he said.
Cutting across party lines, the Members of Parliament complimented BRO, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee last week, for their dedication and contribution to national security. They also suggested that the Government should take immediate steps to remove all bottlenecks such as environmental clearance, budget and manpower to accelerate the work in the border areas. They also wanted that the Service condition of the workers and officers of BRO should be improved substantially.
Intervening in the discussions, Shri Antony said the Ministry has made substantial headway in resolving forest clearances for the projects with the cooperation and support of respective State Governments and the Ministry of Environment and Forrest. He said quality control set up and vigilance mechanisms have been strengthened to bring about improvement in work standards, ethics and transparency in the organisation. The Defence Minister said manpower needs are being further augmented by recruitment of officers through UPSC and other staffs through Ground Reserve Engineering Force (GREF) Centre, Pune. He hoped that these steps will infuse more dynamism into the organisation so that it can achieve its targets.
Currently, BRO has been entrusted with the construction of 61 India – China border roads with a total length of 3,429 kms and has a Long-Term Perspective Plan Priority – I (LTTP-I) for construction/development of 130 roads with a total length of 4,881 kms. LTPP-II comprises 255 roads with a total length of 10.104 km and an all-weather road to Leh as well as 8.8 km long Rohtang Tunnel.
The Members of Parliament, who attended today's meeting included Shri Naveen Jindal, Shri Shivaji Adhalrao Patil, Shri Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, Shri Harsh Vardhan, Shri Rakesh Singh, Shri NSV Chitthan, Shri Lalit Mohan Suklabaidya, Shri SS Ramasubbu and Shri Gopal Singh Shekhawat from Lok Sabha and Shri Ram Chandra Khutia, Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, Shri Balwant Alias Bal Apte, Shri Veer Singh, Dr. Mahendra Prasad and Shri HK Dua from Rajya Sabha.
Others who attended the meeting included the Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju, the Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, Secretary Defence Production Shri Rajkumar Singh, Secretary DRDO Dr VK Saraswat and Secretary Defence Finance Smt Indu Liberhan.

http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/

 

[nandu]

And, the girls are ready: Twenty students commissioned into Military Nursing Service

Photo 1: Air Vice-Marshal AK Behl, Commandant, Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore presenting the overall Trophy to Lieutenant Aahuti at the Passing Out Parade of Military Nursing Officers held at the Command Hospital Air Force in Bangalore on May 12, 2010. Photo
2: Newly Commissioned Military Nursing Officers with AVM AK Behl.

In a colorful ceremony, 20 students of 34th batch of General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Course of the School of Nursing, Command Hospital Air Force, Bangalore were commissioned into the Military Nursing Service in the rank of Lieutenant after their successful completion of 42 months training.
Air Vice Marshal AK Behl, Commandant, Command Hospital, Air Force Bangalore was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his address he exhorted the young Commissioned Nursing Officers to face the challenges keeping in mind the motto of nursing services "SERVICE WITH A SMILE".
These students have brought laurels to the institution by bringing not only the coveted All India first rank but also securing six places among the first 10 meritorious positions with overall distinction at the All India level.
Lieutenant Aahuti was awarded the newly introduced Commandant"s Rolling Trophy for standing first in the DGAFMS Board Examination. She also won the gold medal and the Air Force Station Jalahalli Rolling Trophy for securing the first position in the school. Lieutenant Aahuti also adjudged as the Best Outgoing Student Nurse of the batch and also won the Headquarters Training Command Rolling Trophy. Lieutenant Seeba Baby was declared the Best Bedside Nurse.

http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/

 

[nandu]

Army chief to review promotion policy

NEW DELHI: When he took over as Army chief last month, General V K Singh promised to improve the "internal health'' of his 1.13-million force. He has set the ball rolling now.

Gen Singh is putting his weight behind a comprehensive review of the "quantification-based'' promotion policy for officers, which was ushered in by his predecessor Gen Deepak Kapoor and the now-retired military secretary (MS) Lt-Gen Avadhesh Prakash in January 2009, say sources.

The steeply-hierarchical armed forces certainly need a "healthy'' promotion policy to ensure that officers with "robust moral fibre'' reach the upper echelons.

This has become crucial after a flurry of liquor, ration, fuel and meat scandals, with several senior officers in the dock, has rocked the traditional high standards of probity and discipline in armed forces like never before.

Incidentally, Prakash, who as MS was in charge of all promotions and postings in Army, is himself embroiled in the alleged Sukna land scam case with three other generals.

Sources say Gen Singh has tasked a committee led by director-general of artillery Lt-Gen K R Rao to suggest changes in the January 2009 promotion policy, which are likely to be discussed in the Army commanders' conference next week.

This comes in the backdrop of "negative feedback'' from the "environment'' (Army parlance for its formations spread across the country) about the policy.

Under it, 95% marks are given for "quantified parameters'' like ACRs (annual confidential reports), courses, honours and awards. Only 5% is kept for "value judgement'' by selection board members on criteria like performance, recommendations, potential for employability in higher ranks and, importantly, "degree of difficulty'' in tenures.

"This policy ignores environmental reality by relying too much on quantification. It virtually eliminates the human angle,'' said a senior officer.

Added another, "It gives little credit to officers for serving in tough field postings like high-altitude areas or counter-insurgency operations. Earlier, gallantry awards and field service had much more weightage.''

The bifurcation of major-generals and lieutenant-generals into "command'' and "staff'' streams, with the former heading operational formations and the latter administrative duties, has also not gone down well in several quarters.

The counter-view is the policy quantifies as many selection criteria as is feasible for "greater objectivity'' and enables the "most deserving'' officers from a batch are picked for higher ranks. "It keeps human subjectivity down to a minimum,'' said an officer.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...iew-promotion-policy-/articleshow/5918224.cms

 

[nitesh]

a good move:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...-yrs-after-retirement/articleshow/5921562.cms

 

[nandu]

Antony wants arrears to Ex-Servicemen cleared

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has called for early disbursal of revised pension and arrears to Ex-Servicemen. Inaugurating the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department here today, Shri Antony asked the Defence Finance officials to expedite and further streamline the pension system for the Armed Forces personnel.
"Even now, I am getting a lot of complaints from people that they are not getting pensions... Considering the past, things have improved, but even then complaints are there still... So you must take all steps possible so that they get their dues at the earliest," Shri Antony said. Commending the Defence Accounts Department for facilitating the procurement of weapons and systems, Shri Antony noted that the capital expenditure, utilised last year, has been an all-time record. He called for transparent, timely and judicious use of Defence Expenditure. He said that the Government has tried to infuse more transparency in the huge Defence outlay, which is over Rs. 1.52 lakh crores for the current financial year.
"Defence expenditure and procurement issues are complex and time-consuming and have a direct bearing on our national security. We have tried to infuse more transparency and efficiency into our procedures and systems. It is my firm belief that expenditure of public money must have an appropriate system of checks and balances", he said.
In his address to the gathering, the Minister of State for Defence Dr. MM Pallam Raju said that the Defence Pension Adalats have become an effective mechanism for grievance redressal on the ground. He hoped that the pension arrears for pre-2006 PBORs would soon be disbursed. Dr. Pallam Raju said that the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA) would soon roll out the e-ticketing system for air travel. The PCDA Rail Booking System for e-ticketing would be introduced in another 200 Armed Forces units by next month and all units would be covered by the yearend, added Smt Nita Kapoor, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). The Secretary Defence Finance, Smt Indu Liberhan stressed the need for continuing institutionalized interaction between the Defence Finance and the three Services. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India Shri Vinod Rai said that since Defence Finance relates to a sensitive national security concern, the keyword for its success is the outcome and not simple accounting.
The Chief of the Army Staff General VK Singh and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister Dr. VK Saraswat were among the dignitaries present at the inauguration of the three-day biennial conference.

http://tarmak007.blogspot.com/

 

[plugwater]

Indian MOD issues RFI for 60 man-portable target designators

The Indian MOD has issued an RFI to procure 60 light weight portable target laser designators(LWPTD) to carry out laser designation missions by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The LWPTD are to be man-portable.

The last date for responding to the RFI has been fixed for May 25 and the bidders are to subject their equipment to a trial on a 'no cost and no commitment' basis as is the standard practice of the Indian MOD's procurement system and the offers are to be valid for a period of 18 months from the date of submission.

In case the procurement process carries forward beyond 18 months, the bidders can put in a fresh bid at an increased cost if felt necessary.

All bids received will be evaluated by the technical evaluations committee of the IAF and only the successfully evaluated bidders will be invited for field trails.

The successful bidder is expected to meet the guidelines of the Indian Defence procurement policy which includes 30% offsets.

Technical requirements: Configuration should be man portable and have LRF, Laser Designator compatible with a NATO laser kits including Pave way and Griffin Laser kits.

Laser Designation LOS range upto 10 km. Should have capability selectable PRF codes from 0 to 20 pps.

TI Sight Should have good optical cameras with adequate Field of View for recognition of combat vehicles and troops. Position fixation Capability to fix own position and give locations of target systems with high degree of accuracy. Life Total Technical Life of more than 10 years.

Companies such as Thales, a global leader in defence electronics and several Israeli firms manufacture target designators.

http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?catid=20&id=4494

 

[nandu]

Indian National Defence University plan finally gets rolling

13 May 2010 : An empowered group of ministers, while reviewing the report of a committee that examined the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan, had also reviewed the entire spectrum of defence and security management and recommended in 2000 the setting up of the INDU. The aim was to bring various defence colleges under one umbrella and also increase the co-ordination between the civil administration and defence management. The committee had recommended that the INDU President to be a serving three-star officer from the armed services. The Vice-President of the INDU is expected to be an officer from the Foreign Service.

Times of India now reports that the Union Cabinet on Thursday will take up the proposal to set up INDU, as a fully-autonomous institution to be created by an Act of Parliament, decades after it was first mooted. INDU aims to integrate all defence colleges, like the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College etc, which are affiliated to different universities as of now. In the future also all defence academic institutions will come under INDU. Incidentally, India will only be the third country in the world to have a dedicated defence university after China and America.

The university will conduct courses for the Military, Para-military and Civil administration and work towards building recognition and harmony by awarding degrees, short-term diploma's and credits for courses the officers undertake. The university will be setup at village Binola near Gurgaon in Haryana with the initial investment of Rs 230 crores and would take nearly three years to come up.

http://www.8ak.in/

 

[nandu]

Cabinet approves Indian National Defence University

NEW DELHI: The cabinet on Thursday sanctioned Rs 295 crore for establishing an Indian National Defence University (INDU) to create synergy between existing institutes of learning in the sector and address strategic security challenges.

"The Union Chas accorded in-principle approval for setting up of INDU as a fully autonomous institution to be constituted under an act of parliament at an estimated cost of Rs 295 crore," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters after a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The Cabinet also accorded approval for acquisition of 200 acres of land at Binola in Haryana's Gurgaon district for the proposed site of INDU at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore, Soni added.

"INDU will undertake long-term defence and strategic studies and create synergy between the academic community and government functionaries," the minister said.

"It will promote policy oriented research on all aspects relating to national security as an input to strategic national policy making.

"It will encourage awareness of national security issues by reaching out to scholars and an audience beyond the official machinery.

"INDU will also educate national security leaders on aspects of national security strategy, national military strategy, national information strategy and national technology strategy through teaching and research," Soni added.

The establishment of INDU was one of the recommendations made by a committee headed by eminent security analyst K Subrahmaniam after the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com...al-Defence-University/articleshow/5926141.cms

 

[RAM]

India fast-tracks roads along LAC

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/68997/india-fast-tracks-roads-along.html

Giving details of the government's action plan to catch up with the modernisation of Chinese rail, road and airlinks along the borders, Defence Minister A K Antony told a consultative group of parliamentarians attached to his ministry here on Tuesday that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would be completely preoccupied with the work on building strategic roads.He even said a new outfit might be created in order to construct other important roads within the country along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

China has made rapid strides in improving its road, rail and air connectivity to the Indian border, giving it an edge in rapid troop mobilisation in case of an emergency.
Beijing has constructed nearly 40,000 km of road, 1118 of rail track and several airstrips in Tibet that enables it to move large troops to close to the border within a month's time.

Strategic points

Once completed, well laid-out roads up to the India-China borders in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh regions will help the army in rapidly ferrying armoured vehicles, tanks and troops in strategic points close to the border to face a potential war situation. India and China though have an agreement since 1993 that has helped maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC. Two years ago a special China Strategy Group that consisted of defence secretary, foreign secretary and chiefs of various intelligence agencies had recommended to the government the urgent need to build up strategic road links along the LAC in view of the upgraded strategic infrastructure on the Chinese side. It had recommended construction/modernisation of 72 roads along the borders. Last month the National Security Council had reviewed the situation.

Currently, the Border Roads Organisation is constructing 61 India-China border roads with a total length of 3,429 km.BRO plans to complete 43 by 2012. Another nine will be completed by 2013 and the rest are likely to be completed by 2018. This is a part of BRO's first phase of long-term road construction project in which 130 roads totalling 4,881 km will be built. The organisation has reasons to step up the tempo. With the Centre's increased realisation that Beijing is in a superior position to quickly position its army on the Indian border, the defence ministry is working overtime to keep pace with China. For long, BRO has blamed the environment ministry's delayed approvals for the tardy progress of road construction work.Now, for speedy construction, BRO had been permitted to outsource the airlifting operations to ferry heavy equipment to difficult-to-reach places in Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh. Renewed focus has been given to road construction work in Arunachal, where BRO has started a new project, Arunak, to complete many hill roads leading to the border.

In the second phase, BRO will complete 255 roads with a total length of 10,104 km and an all-weather road to Leh as well as 8.8 km-long Rohtang Tunnel. The contract for the Rs 1,450 crore project has been awarded and construction may begin on July 1. Once ready, the tunnel under the 13,000 ft Rohtang Pass will help establish an all-weather alternate route to Leh rather than depending on the Srinagar-Leh highway all the time. Two more critical tunnels — a 12 km-long one at Zojila and a 3.1-km tunnel at Z-morh on Srinagar-Leh Road will also be constructed later

 

[nandu]

Mortar explosion injures nine soldiers in MP

Sagar (MP), May 13 (PTI) Nine soldiers were injured, two of them critically, when a mortar exploded accidentally in Army firing range near Bamhori here, defence sources said today.

A mortar being test fired exploded midway, injuring nine soldiers last evening, a senior army officer said on condition of anonymity.

He said that two critically injured soldiers have been airlifted to Delhi, while the rest of the injured have been admitted to Sagar district hospital.