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Battle groups to boost force: Army Chief

Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 3

The Army’s review of its cadre — to decide on strength of officers, pace of promotions and level of ranks — is linked to the outcome of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) which has been proposed to the government, the newly appointed Army Chief Gen MM Naravane told The Tribune on Friday evening.

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The last cadre review was conducted in 1984. The recommendations of the Ajai Vikram Singh Committee for reducing age profile of commanding officers by two years following the Kargil war in 1999 had resulted in an increase in higher designations. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission had also suggested periodic review of the cadre.

“A committee is looking into cadre review, but its outcome will depend on the IBGs,” said the Army Chief, adding that the approval for the integrated groups was awaited. “After the approval, it would take two years to set up an IBG,” the Army Chief said.

The IBG is the biggest restructuring of the Army’s offensive capabilities since the ‘Cold Start doctrine’ was drafted after the Operation Parakaram in 2001. It will involve integration of existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, UAVs, engineers and signals.

The IBG is expected to bring a significant operational change in the Army. The Army has carried out two field tests — one under 9 Corps in the Pathankot sector and the other in the Northeast using the mountain strike corps.

On the issue of the opening avenues for soldiers, General Naravane said training was being given to young jawans who wanted to appear for test to become officers. “We will not lower the selection standard, but are providing them Services Selection Board-level education to take the test and have more opportunities. There is an age limit,” he said.

On being asked if any changes were being considered in policies for grading officers, the Army Chief said, “Every evaluation system has to work. We are keeping an eye on sudden increase or decrease of grading by the seniors.”

On taxing pensions of disabled soldiers, the General said “The matter is with the Ministry of Defence.”