Making Army leaner, meaner

The Indian Army’s modernisation is being kickstarted not a moment too soon. The operational flab must be cut so that India has a lean and mean force to safeguard its borders. A lot has changed since 1947, we live in an era where communications technologies have transformed, with the Internet, cellphones and eyes in the sky, but the Indian Army still runs a postal network to deliver mail (in hard copy) to soldiers on the front lines. Of more interest would be the keeping of 25,000 cattle in 39 military farms, when milk is available in sachets at peace stations and military logistics is anyway responsible for supplies to forward posts.

To redeploy our fighting men and women effectively at a time when India needs to be on 24x7 alert on at least two fronts is the key priority. In light of the recommendations of the D.B. Shekatkar Committee, the restructuring of the roles of 57,000 officers, soldiers and civilians in a force that is over 1.2 million strong is no mean exercise. It is not like bureaucratic transfers and reshuffles. Combat capability is the most critical factor, with China and Pakistan inimical to India’s basic strategic interests. A stronger Indian Army, known for its apolitical character and famous for the sacrifices of men in rugged forward positions, will be the country’s best insurance. Ensuring this is not just the responsibility of the military top brass but that of the nation as a whole, backing one of the world’s finest fighting forces.