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Government Notifies Tri-Service Act, Paving the Way for Unified Theatre Commands

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News on Governance 3 ArdorComm Media Group Government Notifies Tri-Service Act, Paving the Way for Unified Theatre Commands

The government has taken a significant step towards military integration and efficiency by enforcing the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, paving the way for the creation of unified theatre commands. This landmark move aims to streamline command and control structures, leading to better operational synergy and effectiveness. The enforcement of the ISO Act, which received presidential assent on August 15 last year and was passed by Parliament during the monsoon session, marks a crucial milestone in the most radical military reorganization since Independence. This development comes in line with the BJP manifesto’s commitment to establish military theatre commands for more efficient operations, following the creation of the chief of defence staff (CDS) post in December 2019. CDS General Anil Chauhan chaired a “Parivartan Chintan” recently, during which sub-committees made presentations on various domains and aspects towards jointness and integration, signaling the impending establishment of integrated theatre commands (ITCs). The momentum for ITCs had stalled after the unfortunate demise of the first CDS Gen Bipin Rawat in December 2021, amidst inter-service turf conflicts. India’s transition to a cost-effective war-fighting machinery through ITCs is imperative, considering the inefficiencies of the existing 17 single-service commands. The ISO Act empowers military commanders of tri-service organizations with administrative and disciplinary powers over personnel from the Army, Navy, and IAF, without compromising the unique service conditions of each service. The ISO Act is instrumental in enabling requisite command and control structures for proposed ITCs. The current plan includes two adversary-specific ITCs—one for the northern borders with China at Lucknow and another for the western front with Pakistan at Jaipur. Additionally, the Maritime Theatre Command at Karwar in coastal Karnataka will cover the Indian Ocean Region and the larger Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Defence stated that the Act will empower the heads of ISOs, expedite case disposal, avoid multiple proceedings, and foster greater integration and jointness among the armed forces. This move underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing India’s defence infrastructure and enhancing its strategic capabilities.    

Indian Army’s HR Policy Shifts Focus to Specialisation, Colonel Prasad Bansod Leads the Way

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News on HR 7 ArdorComm Media Group Indian Army’s HR Policy Shifts Focus to Specialisation, Colonel Prasad Bansod Leads the Way

The Indian Army has ushered in a new era of specialisation with its revamped Human Resource (HR) policy, effective from January 1, 2024, aiming to retain expertise in critical fields. Under this policy, officers above the rank of Lieutenant Colonel are now permitted to continue working in specialized domains rather than transitioning to command positions, marking a significant departure from previous norms. Previously, the promotion to Colonel often necessitated officers to assume command roles, leading to a loss of specialized skills in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), space technology, Information Technology (IT), nanotechnology, robotics, and weapons design. However, the new policy aims to retain specialist officers, bolstering the Army’s capabilities in emerging domains. In a landmark development, Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Bansod emerged as the first beneficiary of this policy shift, securing promotion to the rank of Colonel while serving on deputation with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) small arms laboratory. Bansod’s expertise in weapon design culminated in the development of the ‘Asmi,’ a 9 mm carbine currently undergoing limited series production. Bansod’s promotion underscores the Army’s commitment to recognizing and harnessing specialist talent, enabling officers to pursue their areas of expertise without compromising on career advancement. His promotion signals a departure from the conventional trajectory, allowing officers to contribute significantly to technological advancements and defense capabilities. The ‘Asmi’ carbine, developed by Bansod, holds immense potential in modernizing the Army’s arsenal and bolstering India’s defense capabilities. With the capacity to potentially replace outdated firearms and facilitate defense exports, the carbine represents a significant leap in indigenous weapon development. Bansod’s elevation sets a precedent for other officers to pursue specialization, ensuring that the Army remains at the forefront of technological innovation and operational excellence. The HR policy overhaul aligns with the evolving needs of modern warfare, empowering officers to leverage their expertise for strategic advantage. As the Indian Army embraces a culture of specialization, Colonel Prasad Bansod’s pioneering journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring officers and underscores the Army’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in defense.