'Unprecedented' shortage of officers in armed forces

New Delhi A "perturbed" Parliamentary Committee has asked the Defence Ministry to immediately work out a plan to correct the "unprecedented" shortage of officers in the armed forces which has reached 23.8, 16.7 and 12.1 per cent in army, navy and air force respectively.

The committee said that with growing security challenges, every Ministry should contribute its share in supporting the defence services.

Saying that some of the recruitment procedures for officers in the armed forces were based on antiquated practices, the committee said "format of SSB tests has not undergone any major change in the last three decades".

The Committee found out that the present selection system was examined by a Chiefs of Staff appointed committee which found the "procedures for selection extremely rigorous."

It recommended that an exhaustive review of the selection procedures through SSBs be undertaken and the latest selection techniques be put in place.

It also asked the Defence Ministry to ensure that candidates with rural backgrounds are not be subjected to language barriers while assessing them during selections.

The committee asked the Ministry to ensure that "fair and transparent" systems are put in place for promotion of officers in the forces.
'Unprecedented' shortage of officers in armed forces
Statistical Analysis of Exodus of Officers from Indian Armed Forces

Comment: All candidates who are selected for IAS should be screened for Potential career in the Armed Forces for at least 5 years and then revert to IAS with advantage of those who didn't qualify. This can be brought about by act of Parliament. Fair and transparent system of ACRs in the armed forces is an Utopian goal. For victory in warfare "9" point graded officers are not a sure shot for success. The units need a complex mix of graded officers for combat victory. Units comprising solely of officers graded "9" will spell disaster and certain failure in combat.