TeaThe decisions of the Narendra Modi government implement A cross posting policy for the armed forces is a welcome step. After some really intriguing policy decisions in the recent past, this is a step in the right direction to promote joint skills within the Services.
The policy emphasizes posting of officers in other services to the functional rank of Major and Lieutenant Colonel, and their Navy and Air Force equivalents. This will certainly lead to greater systemic awareness at key implementation levels within the Services. At a certain stage, this initiative should be taken to its logical end.
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go ahead with eagerness
As it stands, the policy includes assigning officers to tasks that are similar to the current duties of soldiers. Therefore, a Naval Missile Officer would be posted to an Air Force squadron focused on missiles. and an Army officer from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) unit would be deployed to a naval posting, performing the same role. The logistics sector will probably see the largest number of such cross postings, as the services have opened up this corps, and none of the armed forces like to let go of anyone directly involved in combat roles. However, this needs to be done.
In the context of the future of integration of the armed forces and the long-announced theater commands, this is an important but tentative step. The numbers involved are far too small, and therefore, unlikely to ruffle any empire-building feathers—the bugbear of all things military. This sets the stage for taking the process of integration forward, and it must be pursued with utmost gusto. The first step is always the most important, and so is the decision to start with Logistics Cross Posting. It’s the aspect of the soldier that doesn’t get much attention, but it’s the most important.
The Modi government can set up a logistics command because that is the importance of this corps. and secretly given the current trend deduction The numbers and capital investment of the armed forces, a tri-service logistics corps, and its respective commands, could actually save a lot of money for better budgeting. It could start with cross posting of officers as they create a work environment to take the next steps to create a joint logistics corps while furthering the trust within the military fraternity. And after all, that’s the purpose of cross posting.
Plug the Gaps in Air Defense
Another aspect of the soldier that does not get the importance it deserves, and has significant operational shortcomings, is air defence. All three services maintain their own independent air defense corps, and their integration is of utmost importance. Each service knows the shortcomings that exist and would greatly benefit from more tri-service postings in this area. And technically related to this, but coming from a completely different perspective, there is greater interaction between three different signal cores. After all, air defense needs excellent and secure communications in order to fully accomplish its tasks. And this can really best come from the Integrated Signal Officer Cadre.
The next step is to take the process forward into the Joint Operational Planning phases. And this would ideally be done by first posting officers in perspective planning directorates, after which the bar could be raised smoothly. Navy and Air Force officers Posted There will definitely be value addition as Deputy Chief of Strategy at Army HQ. Once attitudes begin to match, and jointness appears more benign than it was made out to be, it will be only a matter of time before officers flock to joint operations rooms. It is the ultimate indicator of integration.
The planning and execution of operations is clearly the desired end state, for which the armed forces may be called upon to acquire joint skills. The purpose of all military endeavor is, after all, to efficiently plan and execute received operational instructions. All of this is possible only when the last military weapon shared securely by the three services is the Annual Confidential Report (ACR), the piece of paper that can make or break a career more than a well-executed operation. more for Once the services respect each other’s ACRs and implement them, the last hurdle will be crossed.
Hardware, workforce also important
The workforce crisis that the three Services are facing today is a matter of deep concern. While the issue is the subject of much national scrutiny, the long-term result is that the armed forces are being asked to do too much with too little. And That Less Both in terms of workforce and hardware. This is the sad reality of today where tall buildings are more important than a third aircraft carrier, modern submarines and a viable number of fighter jets.
The matter will boil over when defense pensions will be of more concern than the workforce to guard the borders.
With China refusing to vacate the occupied territories, the looming shortage of workforce is bound to create more difficulties for India. And now that Manipur is on fire, they are not going to calm down for some time, further dragging the army into additional internal security duties. The only way to address these looming threats on the horizon is through increased inter-service co-operation. Cross posting is a positive step to develop the spirit of cooperation.
Manvendra Singh is a Congress leader, Editor-in-Chief of Defense and Security Alert and Chairman, Sainik Welfare Advisory Committee, Rajasthan. He tweeted @ManvendraJasol. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Hamra Like)