No strength in numbers

IN what is the beginning of the first full-cadre review of the Army in over 30 years, and the restructuring of the Army Headquarters in New Delhi, the Ministry of Defence has decided to cut officer posts by about 20 per cent and combine weapons and systems procurement agencies. This was long due. Keeping in sight the emerging security matrix and the abiding challenge of sprucing up the force and equipping it with cutting-edge armoury and equipment on a budget, this can but be a part in a series of changes that must be executed to achieve the objectives of a competitive force. 

Twofold restructuring comprising internal recast and higher defence management must drive the endeavour. While the closure of 39 military farms in 2017 — recommended by Shekatkar Committee — and integrated battle groups are part of the reforms, the post of Chief of Defence Staff is still to be created. This is critical to check inter-service delays and plug communication gaps in an age of swift warfare. The US, UK, Russia and China, all have a single unified command structure. The reforms, also recommended by Ajai Vikram Singh Committee and Naresh Chandra Task Force, must be carried out in toto at multiple levels to ensure jointness in operations and planning. Decadal discussions have gone on for too long. In 1998, the then Army Chief, Gen VP Malik, had come up with a plan to snip manpower by 1.5 lakh over three years. However, Kargil happened, imposing status quo. The incumbent Army Chief, too, has underscored remodelling the force for future requirements. 

The other components that need brisk attention are rightsizing, cadre review and terms of engagement of rank and file for a younger, future-ready force. For the second largest army in the world, we are trudging along a piecemeal approach, undermining cost and combat effectiveness. The clock is ticking furiously. The force needs to be prepared to face the enemy at the door, any time, and have an edge.