Indian Army: News & Discussion

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 07 Jan 2011 15:19

ASPuar wrote:Chiefs of the Three services have apparently been summoned by the PAC over CSD irregularities pointed out by the CAG.

The army chief has said theyll go, but expressed unhappiness over the unprecedented move.

I wonder whether it isnt a protocol violation... Service Chiefs are much higher on the WoP than plain vanilla MP's.

From what I've read, the case pertains to the Unit run Canteens in the respective establishment. I think that PAC had asked for the accounts and Services had not submitted the same. They had cited some technical parameter which did not warrant the submission of accounts and also the fact that the same is audited internally. The CAG and/or PAC (I don't remember the exact agency) struck that down and asked for the accounts.

As per the news report, the Vice Cheif or one of the PSO will be attending the hearing.

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 07 Jan 2011 16:26

^^

That is the usual practice. Lets see what happens. I will also try to find out more and let you know.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 07 Jan 2011 17:12

a very interesting snippet from history.

this is the organistation of the mauryan army. each of the addhakshya's headed a board comprising of 5 more subordinate officers. it's incredible how similar this 2300 year old structure is to the general staff of modern armies.

admittedly there are many more specialised staff positions nowadays but the equivalence of a DG mech forces to the Rathadhakshya or Pattadhakshya to the DG of Infantry is near obvious.

Code: Select all

                                                          Senapati
                                                           |     |
                                                           |     |
      _______________________________________________________________________________________
     ||               ||                ||                ||     |      ||                  ||                
Navadhakshya     Rathadhakshya     Hastadhakshya     Asvadhakshya| Pattadhakshya     Ayudhgaradhakshya      
 Chief of          Chief of          Chief of          Chief of  |   Chief of           Director of            
Admiralty        Chariot Corps     Elephant Corps      Cavalry   |   Infantry        Weapons & Equipment   
                                                                 |
                                                                 | 
                                                                 |
                                                           Commanders of 
                                                       Field Army formations

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 08 Jan 2011 06:01

^^

Interesting snippet indeed. Where did you get this from? I would like to know more about it.

Attended an event at which the COAS was present today. His proximate security is very intense. And he has a sigs detachment with him at all times.

kittoo · Post by **kittoo** » 08 Jan 2011 21:20

Changing channels, I stumbled upon NDTV a few minutes back and was so surprised too see NDTV not only reporting about armed forces, but in postivie light and advocating for them! They were showing how our brave jawaans are fighting with obsolete machines. Tanks that cant see in night, lacs of stanguns in the army, poor state of artillery, submarines, aircraft careers etc! The tone too was as if they understood how bad the condition is (quote- 'Only Indian soldiers are such soldiers in the whole world who still fight in such tanks, and win!). Wow! NDTV trying to improve image after Barkhagate?

P.S.- They said that Pak has 80% tanks with night-vision while China has 100. Same for India is 20!

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 08 Jan 2011 22:02

ASPuar wrote:^^

Interesting snippet indeed. Where did you get this from? I would like to know more about it.

Attended an event at which the COAS was present today. His proximate security is very intense. And he has a sigs detachment with him at all times.

the information is common enough in any book on the mauryan period. the arthshastra goes into it in some detail, including pay structure and such. only problem is no one has bothered to put it in tabular form before this AFAIK.

p.s. you could look at military history of ancient India by Maj.Gen Gurcharn Singh Sandhu. apparently it is out of print at the moment and I'm expecting one of the remaining copies to arrive any day now.

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 09 Jan 2011 01:41

http://www.bharatrakshak.com/NEWS/newsr ... wsid=14128

Perhaps IA could also use such a platform., especially a Nag optimized Unmanned Dhruv, may be carrying 25 nags in each, that a squadron of such unmanned dhruvs, could finish off a big task in no time joysticked from base.

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 09 Jan 2011 14:59

Latest news on Service Chiefs before PAC item is that, since the government wants to build PAC up as an important body for the 2G scam case, they are going to force service chiefs to come before it, to raise its profile. I still wonder whether this isnt a protocol violation. Vice Chiefs and Secys to GoI are below MPs in WOP, but Service Chiefs and Cabinet Secretary are higher.

sumshyam · Post by **sumshyam** » 09 Jan 2011 21:14

deleted.

Sachin · Post by **Sachin** » 10 Jan 2011 10:38

ASPuar wrote:Latest news on Service Chiefs before PAC item is that, since the government wants to build PAC up as an important body for the 2G scam case, they are going to force service chiefs to come before it, to raise its profile.

A local vernacular media also had reported the same. But if it is a protocol violation why are'nt the chiefs complaining? They ought to raise this to the concerned departments/authority (or not turn up at the PAC). If I am not mistaken the IAF and IA chiefs would attend, while the IN Chief would not attend, as he is on an official visit outside India. The Vice Chief who represent him. INC would use every means to avoid the JPC looking into 2G scam, but then the service chiefs should have planned for opposing such gimmicks.

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 10 Jan 2011 12:20

The ministry feels that it wants to "avoid a conflict with the PAC". Service Chiefs have agreed to appear to please ministry, which seems to have taken advantage of the fact that service officers are disciplined and generally follow orders. I Did some checking, and it is a protocol violation, but so, of course, would be the appearance of the PM before PAC (which I doubt wil happen).

It is more in the nature of a discourtesy. No bureaucrat who could avoid it would do it. Cabsec would never appear. Why? Because, in government, unless you stand up for yourself, you will be trampled underfoot. This is also the reason that Sankaran Nair gave for why he resigned as Secy (R), when the post was downgraded to DG R&AW.

However, the ministry has also told the chiefs that they have till Jan 12 to take leave of absence for sickness, or other reasons. So, a backdoor exit?

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 10 Jan 2011 12:25

@Sachin: Not just a vernacular, but The Hindu is also saying so. Presumably if the service chiefs dont appear before the PAC, the govt fears oppo will make a fuss that this is not an important body, and use the JPC.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a ... 072882.ece

Chiefs of Army, IAF to appear before PAC
In an unprecedented development, chiefs of the Army and the Air Force will appear before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday in connection with alleged irregularities in the Canteen Stores Department supplies.

Naval Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma, who has also been called along with his counterparts of the Army and the Air Force to appear before the PAC, would, however, be represented by Vice Chief Vice Admiral D K Deewan as he will be travelling to Indonesia on a “pre-scheduled” four-day visit beginning on Sunday, sources said on Saturday.

The PAC had called the Chiefs of the three Defence Services for a hearing on January 12 based on a CAG report which has pointed out irregularities in the supply chain management of rations by CSD.

The Defence Ministry, which received the communication, advised the Service Chiefs to appear before the PAC apparently to underline the committee’s immense significance at a time when the government is seeking to project it as a body as important as the Joint Parliamentary Committee in the 2G spectrum issue, the sources said.

Accordingly, the PAC has been informed that Army chief General V.K. Singh and Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik would be appearing before it, they said.

This would be the first time that the chiefs of armed forces would appear before the PAC as usually the Defence Secretary attends such meetings of the Parliamentary Committees along with Vice Chiefs of the Services.

However, soon after the Defence Ministry received the PAC letter, Army sources had said that the Service chiefs were unlikely to appear before the Committee and instead Vice Chiefs and Quarter Master General equivalents would represent their forces.

The Army chief had also wondered if there was any “extra requirement” for the chiefs to appear before the PAC.

Highlighting the irregularities in the CSD, the CAG had said, “The existing procedure for provisioning of dry rations failed to assess the requirement realistically. The failure was mainly due to systemic deficiencies due to which different quantities were worked out at different echelons applying different parameters...”

The report had said that the risk of existence of “cartels” affecting the quantity and quality of rations is too serious to be ignored.

“The Ministry of Defence should set clear targets regarding expansion of vendor base and progress should be closely monitored. The list of vendors should be put on the website of the Army Service Corps,” it had said.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 10 Jan 2011 13:27

Col Ajai shukla has a interesting kabul visit story in his blog - ajaishukla.blogspot.com

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 11 Jan 2011 13:55

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_p ... op_1486236

PCB projects in limbo: CEO flip-flop
Published: Sunday, Dec 26, 2010, 10:50 IST
By Arun Jayan | Place: Pune | Agency: DNA

The confusion over the frequent transfers of the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has had an adverse effect on a number of ongoing and pending projects in the cantonment.

A majority of the projects and proposals have come to a standstill due to the administrative delay ever since the flip-flop over the appointment and transfer of CEOs Rachel Koshy and BA Dhayalan two months ago.

On October 5, the board was in the eye of a storm following Koshy’s hasty transfer by the director general of defence estates (DGDE). BA Dhayalan was appointed in her place.

Taking everyone by surprise, the DGDE reinstated Koshy as the CEO on November 11, transferring Dhayalan as joint director of defence estates, Southern Command.

Although Dhayalan moved the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Mumbai, challenging his transfer, the tribunal is yet to pronounce its verdict, further complicating matters in the PCB.

Earlier, DK Malik, who served as the CEO for just 13 months, was promoted as additional director general (ADG) of defence estates in March.

While the confusion over such frequent transfers has brought a number of projects to a standstill, adding to the woes is the recent objection to a proposal for the construction of a public sports complex at Golibar Maidan by the principal director defence estate, Southern Command.

Tenders had been called for this Rs15-crore project to be constructed on a build-operate-transfer basis.

Southern Command is yet to decide on the recommendation of the board for relaxation in the floor space index (FSI) for construction of buildings in the cantonment area.

The renovation of Fashion Street, Shivaji Market in Camp, Sreenath Market in Ghorpadi, construction of a railway overbridge (ROB) in Ghorpadi, renovation of PCB General Hospital, road works in Phayre Road, completion of a vermicompost plant at St Vincent Town in Hadapsar and laying of storm water drains are some of the works pending in the PCB’s long list.

Most elected representatives from the eight wards of the PCB told DNA that apart from this confusion, various projects were suffering from administrative delays due to frequent transfers of the CEO and apathy of the board officials in carrying out paperwork.

Board officials, on the other hand, are blaming Southern Command of sitting on several project proposals that need sanction.

All this, in the backdrop of Antony warning that DGDE could be wound up if it doesnt clean up its act, along with the Indian Defence Estates Service (Group A).

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 11 Jan 2011 22:45

ASPuar wrote:The 'arrest' of former army chiefs is extremely unlikely.

First of all, mere holding of a property in an impugned complex is no proof of wrongdoing. Second, neither of them were ever in a position where they could have directly given approvals for this malfeasant project (SAC). Thirdly, arrest for such offences is not required, while investigations are on.

Lastly, one of those former army chiefs held, till recently, the rank of Minister of State in the GoI. Do you think he will be arrested?

However, VK Singh is deluded if he thinks that any of this does not effect the morale of his men. If they see army chiefs being paraded like common criminals through courts, it will certainly be a major blow to morale.

ASPuar ji,

There seems to be talk in the higher echelons of the CBI that an arrest of a "former chief" will happen sooner if not later.

Interesting times ahead.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 11 Jan 2011 23:19

Gen. VK Singh's job is quite tough to keep the morale of the troops while things are falling apart. Good job so far.

ASPuar · Post by **ASPuar** » 12 Jan 2011 01:59

Chetakji, perhaps it is the wet dream of certain personnel in the CBI.

However, before the CBI arrest any former chiefs, they must explain why they are not arresting all the babus who were at the forefront of the scam, including those who actually forged the land deeds.

Murmurings in the armed forces seem to suggest that they have had enough of the 'push the services around' attitude of the current govt, and its dutiful servants in the civil services. If the CBI does take such a sensationalist step (without justification I will add, simply because the services chiefs thus far mentioned have had minimal involvement in Southern Comd matters, and the wrongdoing is glaringly, and clearly largely on the part of the Civilian Indian Defence Estates Service personnel, and the Civilian IAS personnel of the Maharashtra govt.), there is every indication that it will be made amply and loudly clear that there are other much more deserving targets of the CBI's attentions.

I am willing to bet nothing will come of this hoo-har.

negi · Post by **negi** » 12 Jan 2011 16:04

Service chiefs to appear before PAC

This is a welcome step, it's high time that URC and CSD be audited by CAG and findings be submitted in front of a JPC/PAC (or whatever one may wish to call).

Sachin · Post by **Sachin** » 12 Jan 2011 19:04

negi wrote:This is a welcome step, it's high time that URC and CSD be audited by CAG and findings be submitted in front of a JPC/PAC (or whatever one may wish to call).

Err... was'nt this done before? Or was it again some kind of funda that Armed Forces account books are out of bounds for civilian agencies?

Rupesh · Post by **Rupesh** » 13 Jan 2011 01:50

Indian Army set for its most radical revamp

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is set for the biggest transformation in its recent history, according to authoritative sources and plan details accessed by TOI. The restructuring could begin as early as March-April.

The proposals include setting up of a Strategic Command, comprising of Army's offensive capabilities, abandoning many existing administrative structures and thinning down of headquarters at all levels. Taken together, this is said to be the most radical organization change that the Indian Army has seen.

The proposals are part of a 'transformation study' done by a high-level team under Army chief Gen V K Singh when he was heading the Eastern Command. A dependable Army source said the plan is now set to be rolled out. A defence ministry source said the ministry would go along with the proposed reforms.

The last such transformation was almost 30 years ago, which resulted in the Army's mechanization in a major way. The new proposals are more path-breaking, said Army sources.

One of the most critical proposals is the creation of a Strategic Command, under which the three Strike Corps would be brought together.

A subsidiary study underway is presently debating where to locate the Strategic Command.

Currently, two options are being considered — to convert either the Jaipur-based South-Western Command or the Pune-based Southern Command into the Strategic Command.

The Strategic Command would also have a new addition, a proposed Mountain Strike Corps meant specifically for the China border. The proposal for country's first mountain strike corps is presently awaiting approval of the cabinet committee on security.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 13 Jan 2011 01:53

Pune would be ideal choice as its far from the frontlines. So the Strat Command would have four strike corps.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 13 Jan 2011 12:15

It is too premature to even comment on the outline of the proposed revamp......too less info.

Also, what would be the operational role of Strat Command? if X Strike Corps ends up in Shakargarh bulge, will IX or XVI Corps control it or the Strat Command? Too many questions come to mind.......will wait and watch.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 13 Jan 2011 12:58

the strategic command(SC) would by necessity have to be distributed in nature - western india, ladakh/himachal, sikkim, NER states. I dont see how they can command mountain strike corps sitting in jaipur or do anything meaningful like serve as a base for the mountain corps.

more than SC, we need a SAC (hold all the inventory of strategic missiles with its own units for base upkeep, security, air defence, survey, metereology, comms....) and SFC (special forces command to unify all SF under one command - atleast the army and navy sf units with organic air transport and helicopters/boats/chariots...a huge new facility in karwar and belgaum would be good mashallah). the tactical missiles and rocket artillery can continue to operate as indep brigades and divisions...they can work up and down the western ghats and play in some islands of the laccadives for regular practice.

shukla · Post by **shukla** » 14 Jan 2011 16:05

Army to open new training facility in Chhattisgarh
The Hindu

uddu · Post by **uddu** » 14 Jan 2011 17:17

Army display. Including Arjun MBT.

ParGha · Post by **ParGha** » 14 Jan 2011 20:16

Singha wrote:the strategic command(SC) would by necessity have to be distributed in nature - western india, ladakh/himachal, sikkim, NER states. I dont see how they can command mountain strike corps sitting in jaipur or do anything meaningful like serve as a base for the mountain corps.

more than SC, we need a SAC ... and SFC

Instead of thinking of a Command/Army as being composed along the btn-bde-div-cor lines, maybe you have to start thinking along different lines of IBG > Brigade Groups > Battle Groups (or whatever they end up calling the smallest sustainable combined arms unit).

Similarly instead of thinking along the lines of Hold/Strike (essentially the typical Indian Light-Shield/Heavy-Sword) approach, you have to start thinking along the lines of Throttle/Puncture approach (that is, the previous holding forces now get the legs {mobility} and muscles {firepower} to go on an offensive to throttle the foe, and the previoud strike forces get thinned down and get much longer range to puncture key points {turn the sword into spear}).

If this is indeed the case, Indians are a lot more open-minded and risk-tolerant these days than I had previously thought; it of course helps to have a nuclear shield which allows for these unorthodox experimentations.

SFC = Strategic Forces Command (a Joint Command): http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Forces_Command

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 14 Jan 2011 20:44

rohitvats, I think the Strat Command in IA to manage the strike corps shows IA doctrine has moved beyond Cold Start punish operations. Now all the existing corps are holding corps. Its more like Army Strategic Reserve to be deployed to achieve strategic objectives and not tactical gains.

Pargha, SFC is the nuke force. Agree with rest of your thinking.

Neilz · Post by **Neilz** » 15 Jan 2011 00:59

Indian Army: Standing the test of times
http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/s ... 110114.htm

Army Day: Light a candle for our fallen soldiers => a nice campaign from rediff
http://news.rediff.com/news/2011/jan/14 ... -army.html

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 15 Jan 2011 08:44

Army to be lethal, agile force with two-front war capability
New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS)
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/129 ... e-two.html

The Indian Army on Friday said it was going through a transformation to emerge as a ''lethal, agile and networked'' force capable of meeting challenges on both the western and eastern fronts with Pakistan and China.

Army Chief General V.K. Singh said it was planning new acquisitions and reforms in its command and control structure that would ensure it “plugs the gaps” in its operational capability and at the same time be able to take “quicker, effective decisions” to be responsive to situations.

For that purpose, the army was now thinking aloud on integrating its 'strategic force elements' into a single command, under which its offensive Strike Corps are placed, apart from restructuring its formation headquarters, including the army headquarters.

“The aim of the transformation is to become a more agile, lethal and networked force capable of meeting future challenges. The shift in focus is from being a threat-based force to a capability-based force with effective operational preparedness,” Singh said.
“The capability to fight in both plains and mountains is not country-specific. We are capable of facing any threats on our borders. How we do it is our problem. We will ensure - wherever the threat is, be it on one or two fronts - we will be able to meet the threats,” he said.

On the plans to create a separate strategic command, Singh said the army was trying out a lot of ideas, particularly to bring its strategic capability and assets under one command, but a decision on its headquarters and timing would be decided after a debate.

He clarified that this plan was army specific and had nothing to do with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) or taking away its assets. SFC, a tri-service command, was set up early this century to handle India's strategic assets including its nuclear arsenal.
Under the transformation plans, Singh said the army was looking at reorganisation and restructuring of its headquarters to “flatten” the organisation to ensure there was synergy in all of its future theatre battle plans, to enhance optimum operational capability to meet threats, practical training, achieving network centricity, and addressing tri-service jointness.”

That apart, the army would like to ensure all its finances for technological advancements and procurements are used up within the time lines every year and adequately.For the purpose of effecting this transformation, the army was setting up “test beds” this year.

Singh said the army intended to induct new artillery guns - four types of artillery guns are being looked at - within this year. The army has already placed orders for about 145 M777 ultralight howitzers from the US last year.

The army also intended to strengthen its air defence through procurements and to ensure its tanks are not night blind by installing devices. It also plans further procurement of deep strike capability weapons such as Pinaka rockets and BrahMos cruise missiles.

To augment its air wing, the army will procure more rotary wing assets, both transport and attack helicopters, and upgrade the existing fleet of Chetaks and Cheetahs.
On the issue of weapons and equipment being obsolete, Singh said at any point of time, any force globally, had 30 per cent modern systems, 40 percent current technology and 30 percent in some stage of obsolescence.

On the possibility of renewing military exchanges with China, Singh said since it was a diplomacy issue, he would leave it to External Affairs Ministry to take a decision.

dinesha · Post by **dinesha** » 15 Jan 2011 08:49

Eye on China, Army focuses on mountain warfare
Rajat Pandit, TNN, Jan 15, 2011, 02.18am IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... z1B4XPlKJI

NEW DELHI: After concentrating for long on taking the war to the enemy in the plains, basically a Pakistan-centric policy, the Army is now also steadily building its capabilities for offensive mountain warfare with China on mind.

This comes at a time when the Army's new doctrine and "proactive strategy", which also factor in the worst-case scenario of grappling with both China and Pakistan simultaneously in a two-front war, are now ready and the 1.13-million force is poised for a comprehensive transformation into a lean, mean fighting machine.

"As of today, we are capable of meeting any threat on our borders, whether it is simultaneous, single or double...We are also restructuring to ensure offensive capabilities in the mountains as well," said General V K Singh on Friday, a day ahead of the Army Day.

"The aim is to transform into a more agile, more lethal, networked force capable of meeting all future challenges...how our strategic assets, in terms of the strike corps (Mathura-based 1 Corps, Ambala-based 2 Corps and Bhopal-based 21 Corps) and other assets, can be synergised to deliver a more lethal punch," he added.

All this comes after creation of the new South-Western Army Command at Jaipur in 2005, between the Western and Southern Commands, for a greater offensive punch along the entire western front with Pakistan.

Since then, India is also finally taking steps to strategically counter the stark military asymmetry with China all along the 4,057-km Line of Actual Control. Apart from basing Sukhoi-30MKIs in northeast and upgrading several airstrips and helipads, two new infantry mountain divisions and the first battalion of Arunachal Scouts are now virtually in place.

With 1,260 officers and 35,011 soldiers, the two new divisions have their HQ in Zakama (Nagaland) and Missamari (Assam). Plans are also afoot to create a new mountain strike corps as well as a third artillery division.

It was after the 10-month forward troop mobilisation on the western front under Operation Parakram in 2002 that the Army began to develop the capability to mobilise fast and strike hard across the border.

abhishek_sharma · Post by **abhishek_sharma** » 15 Jan 2011 09:50

Artillery guns by year-end

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/scamh ... g/737640/2

NEW DELHI: After a gap of over two decades, the Army will finally get over the Bofors ghost with the Army Chief assuring that new artillery guns would be added to its inventory by the end of this year. The Army Chief on Friday said “one particular variety” of artillery guns would be inducted in “certain numbers” this year as part of the modernisation plan. These would be the first new inductions into the artillery arm after the Bofors guns were procured in the 1980’s.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 15 Jan 2011 09:58

well thats probably just the XM777 deliveries kicking off. need atleast the truck mounted 52cal systems to be online for any sense of safety.

I have given up hope within my lifetime of seeing the SP 155mm systems , so wont even mention it. what I could not see, perhaps my son and daughter will see in their lifetimes.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 15 Jan 2011 10:20

A short bit of analysis on Corps and divisions in North-East:

IV Corps has now three mountain divisions - 5th (Tawang), 21st (Rangiya/Chansari) and 71st(Missamari).

If anyone cares to look up wikimapia, one will find that both 21st and 71st are sitting at the base of hills to the north of them and these divisions can take on the defense/offense in eastern Bhutan and Central Arunachal Pradesh.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 15 Jan 2011 10:27

ramana wrote:rohitvats, I think the Strat Command in IA to manage the strike corps shows IA doctrine has moved beyond Cold Start punish operations. Now all the existing corps are holding corps. Its more like Army Strategic Reserve to be deployed to achieve strategic objectives and not tactical gains.

<SNIP>

As I said, I'll wait and watch.

As for strategic and tactical gains, a rose by another name is a rose. The formations are same, the IA is same and GOI is same. Unless the mandate changes, nothing 'strategic' will come out of any restructuring.

Coming to CSD, the moment Indian holding Corps have decent enough offensive capability (and IA achieves more mechanization), CSD will be in place in terms of capability.

And don't forget, it takes two to tango. TSPA has powerful strike elements (especially the Multan base II Corps and ARS), it is mechanizing at a furious pace and putting in place kind of firepower with its holding Corps that we talk about for ours (though of inferior quality, but still there).

Challenges are many, let us see what comes forth.

abhishekm · Post by **abhishekm** » 15 Jan 2011 11:50

Did anyone watch the Army Day coverage on Doordarshan? Pathetic camerawork and cringeworthy commentary really didn't do justice to what was otherwise an excellent show by the army. There was plenty of unintentional humour with the male commentator referring to the Army as the Navy on atleast two instances

What irritated the most about the camerwork was the fact that during the review of the marching contingents, the T-9Os, Pinaka MBRL, Brahmos missiles, etc., the camera kept showing close-ups of the Army chief's face and far-away shots of the parade. As a result there wasn't a single shot in which a combat vehicle appeared in one frame! Instead the hapless TV viewers were treated to weird side angles or close-ups of the turrets of the vehicles

The simulated assault at the end was a nice touch. But why were the Ghatak commandos slithering down from their Dhruv helicopters after the artillery barrage and charge by the regular infantry against "enemy" positions? Shouldn't they have been dropped ahead of the main formations and after the strafing exercise?

Anyway, a good show in the end, but pity about the DD coverage.

PS: It was also interesting to note a BMP2 behind the main dias with its gun barrel pointing towards the entrance gate from which the COAS and other dignitaries entered/exited. I hope I'm not reading too much into it but the only reason the BMP2 could have been there may have been to deter a possible assault by terrorists from the main road leading to the parade ground.

Avik · Post by **Avik** » 15 Jan 2011 14:42

I hope I'm not reading too much into it but the only reason the BMP2 could have been there may have been to deter a possible assault by terrorists from the main road leading to the parade ground.

Yes, you are

. There was a display of army equipment including tanks, BMPs and AD vehivles, and the BMP was part of that display.

But why were the Ghatak commandos slithering down from their Dhruv helicopters after the artillery barrage and charge by the regular infantry against "enemy" positions? Shouldn't they have been dropped ahead of the main formations and after the strafing exercise?

Any more ahead and the commandos would have been on top of the audience

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 15 Jan 2011 14:54

about the two new mountain divs, will these form the nucleus of new mountain strike corps or that is a entirely new group of divisions yet to be raised and equipped ? (presumably with the 300 light tanks and other stuff IA is looking for)

Gurinder P · Post by **Gurinder P** » 15 Jan 2011 16:02

Avik wrote: Any more ahead and the commandos would have been on top of the audience

That wouldn't be all that bad. The audience would get an hands on experience as well as the commando's. A scenario can include the commandos having to drop over a hostile wedding.

Kanson · Post by **Kanson** » 15 Jan 2011 18:02

Indian Army to be transformed into a more lethal force: Gen VK Singh
http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indian-Arm ... /1/14.html

Strengthening its capabilities for a two-front war, the Indian Army on Friday said it would "reorganise, restructure and relocate" its various formations for transforming into a more agile and lethal force.

The aim of this transformation is also to shift the organisation from a threat-based to a capability-based service and provide theatre-based capabilities to the force, Army Chief General V K Singh said on the eve of the 63rd Army day.

"We are looking at reorganising and restructuring our force headquarters including the Army headquarters for a faster decision making so that it becomes slightly flattened and more responsive," he said.

The Army chief said the transformation plans were originally evolved in a study carried out last year after which sub-committees were formed to implement them.

"This year, we will make test beds to try out the concepts that would be implemented at larger level later," he added.

He said the reorganisation and restructuring of troops would take place in formations located in both mountains and plains and strike capabilities would be adequately provided to them.

"We are looking at integrated logistics, which makes it more structured. We are looking at theaterisation of combat support resources to ensure synergy of resources in a theatre as part of theatre battle plan," the Army chief said.

Officials said this would mean that the Army would be organised in such a manner that the two theatres would be independent of each other and for war-fighting in a particular theatre, the resources of the other theatre would not be required.{ So no movement of troops as we seen in Op Parakram?}

Under the plans, the Army is also thinking of putting elements under its Strike Corps under a Strategic Command{Is that means offensive Nuclear strike option?}, which would be located around both its eastern and western frontiers.

Gen Singh said the force would also like to increase its aviation assets by getting more choppers under its control.

He also said probably for the first time,{WoW!} the Army would meet its financial targets.

"We have ensured that all our cases are pushed through and meet the time lines. All services have integrated developmental plans and we aim at doing doable things.{Must be one of the best Chief Army got.} We have been able to ensure that targets are met adequately," he said.

On the out-dated weapon systems in the force, he said, "In any force in world, 30 per cent of the equipment is state of the art, 40 per cent is of current technology and rest is of out-dated technology and can be upgraded."

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 15 Jan 2011 18:23

The Army Chief continues to impress

terming 2011 year as year of the disabled soldier was a long time coming

may the winds of change continue to blow