NEW DELHI: The first Chief of Defence Staff and principal military advisor of the country will take charge on January 1 wearing a uniform decked up with distinct accoutrement and badges reflecting the tri-service ethos of integration and synergy. As for the uniform, CDS shall have parent Service uniform but will have a distinct design of belt, button, shoulder, cap and collar badges reflecting jointness, integration and synergy between the Army, Navy and Air Force.
As a new addition, national flower Lotus has entered as part of CDS’s uniform. The tri-services badge on the shoulder, with national emblem Ashoka over it, surrounded by a half-ring of Lotus. The Oak Leaf has been used to adorn the belt and cap, while the base colour covering the badge plate on the shoulder will be in maroon.
As like the Commanders of the forces, CDS will have a new flag which will be raised at the residence, the office and the car flag. The flag will contain existing Tri-Service Emblem containing Swords of Army, Anchor of Navy and the Eagle with its wings spread out. An olive wreath is placed beneath the emblem and the National Flag on the canton (upper left corner) of the flag. The base for the emblem and the flag is maroon.
“The insignia, badges and flag have been selected to reflect the idea behind the rank which is synergy and integration,” revealed a source and added that it will have no links with the regiment, unit, squadron or warship. Peaked Cap will have its band in maroon which for Army is red and the overall colour shall be of the parent service of the incumbent. The belt buckle badge will be the one depicting tri-services.
Bringing synergy between forces and bureaucracy
The primary responsibility of the Chief of Defence Staff is to bring in synergy among the three forces and act as a bridge between the civilian bureaucracy and the armed forces