BANGALORE: The Indian Army is riding on a vision that is aimed at becoming a highly motivated, modernised, optimally-equipped and operationally ready force. Chief of the Army Staff General V K Singh is swearing by a transformation of his forces through a re-organisation with stronger military values and traditions, better training and an outlook loaded with the best practices for the future. In an interview to Sainik Samachar, a restricted internal publication of Ministry of Defence, the Army Chief touches upon some topics relevant to these times.
Joint Doctrine: The three Services have gone a long way towards achieving ‘jointness’ in various operational, training and administrative fields. The structures for joint intelligent, planning and conduct of operations at the highest levels are already in place and joint doctrines have been formulated. We have made considerable progress and are confident of undertaking integrated operations in future. The establishment of defence intelligence agencies and creation of the Strategic Forces Command and Andaman-Nicobar Command have demonstrated the capabilities for joint operations. Greater synergy has been achieved amongst the Services for the conduct of integrated operations.
Tackling Naxals : Law and order situation is a State subject and dealt by the police and the Central para- military forces. The government has evolved a comprehensive plan to tackle the Naxal menace. We should allow it to fructify and mature without basing its efficacy on a few incidents. It is our concentrated view that the problem is manageable by the Central paramilitary forces, which are combatant to face the challenge with adequate resources being made available to them. We are training police and para forces to fight the Naxals.
Delays in Procurements: The procurement process is long and fairly detailed and there are a large number of stakeholders at each stage. Also military modernisation and capability development is a capital-intensive venture with long gestation periods. To overcome delays, Defence Procurement Procedure is am-ended on a regular basis.
Stress Management : We are undertaking prompt attendance of variance grievances. Frequent interactions and counseling are being conducted.