Indian Army crystal gazing and the siege within

Crystal gazing
Facing a shortage of 11,500 officers, the Army has indicated to its leadership that it will take up to 20 years of best efforts to fill up the vacancies. The most number opting to quit the force - was required to keep Pre Mature Retirement rates at existing levels.

"A large number of middle-rungers, who are well-trained and experienced, are already disillusioned with the service due to low salaries and lesser promotion avenues. It will become increasingly difficult to retain these officers," the officer pointed out. The study, discussed at the Army Commanders Conference, needs political approval for implementation immediately.
Army's crystal gazing: 20 yrs needed to fill 11,500 vacancies

Siege within
Within the force itself there is a major worry about increasing nepotism. Many officers openly speak of personal and regimental loyalties rather than merit increasingly deciding promotions and postings.

In the past the trend was limited to a general picking one of his regimental boys as his ADC or Military Assistant but today it goes much beyond that. The fact that more and more officers are today taking recourse to civilian courts to settle promotion and posting disputes is a testimony to this trend.

The combination of these factors has now resulted in an increasing trend of officers leaving the force mid-way. Between 2004 and 2006 alone more than 1,000 officers have quit the army. The number of officers who have sought premature retirement this year alone is reportedly more than a 1,000 -- almost equal to the number who left in the past three years.

Many leave despite brilliant careers since they feel there is too much bureaucracy within the system and too little opportunities for growth. And replacements are not coming in as fast. Is it any wonder that there is a 40 per cent shortage of officers at the cutting edge level in the rank of captains and majors?

But instead of tackling the issue as a larger challenge of strategy, we have sought to find answers internally by increasing posts in senior ranks making the system top-heavy and enhancing retiring ages. On the other hand, what the defence forces need is a much younger manpower, and, of high calibre. But getting the right candidates is becoming increasingly difficult.
NDTV: Indian Army Siege within

Comment: Corruption, indiscipline and poor leadership traits are also factors eating into the very vitals of command and control. This trend needs to be arrested if the PMR rates are to be check mated. Can pay increases by SCPC alone check the middle rung Officers exodus? Sad that the Army Commander's conference is another bureaucratic bundle to keep the over staffed Generals busy with paper work!