Indian military called in to help flood-hit north-east

Air force helicopters and soldiers in rubber dinghies helped deliver fresh water and food to flood victims in northeast India on Tuesday as the number of displaced rose to 1.8 million.
6:36PM BST 25 Sep 2012
Nineteen of 27 districts in the state of Assam have been hit by floods and 13 people have been killed over the past week, according to the latest figures from the local disaster management authority.
The remote and impoverished state, which was rocked by ethnic violence last month, has been flooded three times this year by the mighty Brahmaputra River, which often breaks its banks during the monsoon season.
"We have called in the army to assist civil authorities in rescue operations in several parts of the state where people are trapped with floodwaters entering their homes," Assam's Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Prithibi Majhi told AFP. Thousands of people in Majuli, a densely populated river island about 220 miles from Assam's main city of Guwahati, have fled to higher ground or are crowded onto embankments.
An air force helicopter, flying missions in between rain storms, was seen dropping packets of rice, water, biscuits and baby food on one embankment, sparking a scramble among young and old.
We just had enough time to pick up some clothes and drinking water bottles before we got onto a boat to reach a highland some distance away," elderly local Bhabani Pegu told the News Live channel.
"There was a breach in the dyke and soon water swept through the village before anybody could react."
Rain is continuing to pound Assam and adjoining Arunachal Pradesh state, where the Brahmaputra flows into India from its starting point in bordering Tibet. The number of displaced people stood at 1.5 million on Monday.
According to the Central Water Commission, the river was flowing above the danger level in at least 10 places in Assam and still rising.
A government relief effort is gathering pace to help the stranded and displaced, but is being hampered by the bad weather.
"We have opened more than 3,000 makeshift camps so far across the state," Assam Agriculture Minister Nilamoni Sen Deka told AFP.
"The actual damage caused to standing crops is yet to be assessed, but going by the magnitude it appears the loss would be tremendous."
Floodwaters have also submerged the internationally famous 166-square-mile Kaziranga National Park in eastern Assam, home to the world's largest concentration of endangered one-horned rhinos.
"Almost the entire park is under water with animals fleeing the sanctuary to safer areas," a park ranger said, requesting not to be named.
Authorities are asking truckers and other drivers on a nearby national highway to drive at less than 40 kilometres an hour to reduce the risks for wildlife fleeing the floods.
The Brahmaputra has flooded twice already this year, in June and in August, an official in the local weather office told AFP.
Indian military called in to help flood-hit north-east

RMS: Prtofessional Blog

Ref: Profession Blog: click here
Esteemed Veterans,
Some interesting articles on Professional Matters dealing with National Security, China, Pakistan, India and warfare are being posted on the REPORT MY SIGNAL PROFESSIONAL MATTERS BLOG.
A very interesting book AIR POWER at 18,000' has recently been published. All those who are interested in reading it ON LINE Click Here.
Harbhajan Singh
Lt Gen (Retd)

No Permanent Commission for Women in Combat Formations

No permanent status for women in combat areas, Centre tells SC
Published: Monday, Sep 17, 2012, 20:16 IST
Place: New Delhi | Agency: PTI
The government has told the Supreme Court that it would not be possible to grant permanent commission status to women officers in combat wings like infantry, mechanised infantry and armoured corps.
In an additional affidavit filed before the apex court, the defence ministry has said that combat support arms/ services have to sustain prolonged conflict hazards and hence, there is no question of grant of permanent status to women officer either now or in the future.
The ministry has filed the affidavit in connection with the appeal filed by it challenging the Delhi High Court's March 12, 2010, judgment directing the Centre to grant permanent commission status to women short service commissioned officers in the air force and the army.
The Centre while agreeing to implement the direction with regard to the air force has however, expressed its opposition to extending the benefit to women in the army combat and its support units.
"That the grant of permanent commission to women officers in combat arms like infantry, mechanised infantry and armoured corps, which are involved in direct combat with the enemy is ruled out because of their close proximity with the enemy and attendant hazards of battle.
"As regard granting permanent commission to women officers in combat support arms like engineers, signals, army air defence, intelligence and services like electronics mechanical engineers, army service corps and army ordnance corps, the issue has been examined at length," the Centre said justifying its stance.
No permanent status for women in combat areas, Centre tells SC

Rs 1300 Crore deficit for Commonwealth Games, taxpayers will Pay

NDTV Sidharth Pandey, Updated: February 22, 2011 23:36 IST
New Delhi: One crooked deal after another has revealed that the team that organised the Commonwealth Games in India was incorporated as the worst sort of Badmaash Company.
Adding to the injury of the thousands of missing crores is the insult that the various deals were crassly crafted. But the corruption that became the currency of the Games is now going to hit India where it hurts.
Some of the men who organised the Games have been arrested, interrogated and released. They have left behind a stack of unpaid bills. Bills that will be paid by you.
NDTV used the Right to Information Act to get the financial big picture. The Games were held in October amid a series of media reports on how the Organising Committee for the event, headed by Suresh Kalmadi, had converted the Games into their financial fiefdom. The net result: a deficit of Rs 1500 crore...
Rs1300 Crore deficit for Commonwealth Games, taxpayers will Pay
Comment: Suresh Kalmadi as a Fighter Pilot has shamed the Indian Air Force.

What Ministry of Defence wants from Obama's visit

NDTV Correspondent, Updated: November 06, 2010 07:54 IST
New Delhi: On his three day visit to India, beginning today, US President Barack Obama is likely to push for more defence sales. On the agenda would be:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) wants to buy 126 combat jets worth nearly $11 billion, which are up for grabs. Lockheed Martin and Boeing are two among the six worldwide contenders currently competing for the order.

India has shown interest in buying C-17, heavy lift transport aircraft for the IAF through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route where multi-bid tenders are not required.

In 2008 and 2009, India placed orders for American C-130J Medium lift military transport aircraft and P-8 Boeing long-range Maritime Reconniasance (LRMR) planes together worth more than $4 billion. Obama is likely to push India to buy more of these.

India is also interested in buying the Javelin anti-itank missiles, sensor fused weapons and harpoon missiles from the US.
Read more at: What Ministry of Defence wants from Obama's visit

Indian Air Force Coping with Junk

October 12, 2010 5:15:55 PM The Pioneer
Forces need equipment, now!
Air Chief Marshal PV Naik’s statement that nearly 50 per cent of the Indian Air Force’s military equipment is obsolete is truly alarming even if one accepts his prompt assurance that the figure will be brought down to 20 per cent by 2014. This is not an ideal state of affairs given the fact that Pakistan has been receiving huge supplies of military hardware from both the US and China which have significantly contributed to its aggressive posture vis-a-vis India. While India has emerged as a regional economic superpower, its efforts to grow in stature worldwide cannot be realised with depleted defence forces. Since the conflicts that it is involved in with its neighbours require negotiations to resolve, New Delhi would be severely constrained in such talks if it had to bargain from a position of weakness — which would be the case if our defence capabilities decline any further, irrespective of the economic progress made by us. Look at the extent of obsoleteness: Our MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft are 40 years old and should have been phased out completely by now; decades old radars are no longer in a position to track planes fitted with state-of-the-art technology; and, our ground-to-ground as well as air-to-air missiles are at least three decades old and ought to have been retired for good. When defence technologies are getting upgraded at a furious pace, disadvantaging the Indian Air Force and its fine personnel with antiquated equipment is really playing with the security of the country and failing the people who guard the air corridors.

But it’s not just the Indian Air Force that carries the burden of old technologies; the Navy and the Army too are struggling with the malaise. Our T-72 tanks are fitted with second generation fighting devices, whereas most modern armies the world over have already upgraded to third generation equipment. While it is true that we have taken the first step towards resolving this issue by inducting the T-90 tanks and the Arjun Main Battle Tank, it will be some time before the newer acquisitions reach the critical numbers required. But perhaps the most glaring failure in equipping our Army with the latest hardware — one that could prove costly if we were to be forced into an armed conflict — is in the artillery. The last purchase we made were the Bofors guns and since then, following the massive scandal, our decision makers developed such cold feet that they have refused to finalise even a single artillery deal in the last 30 years, thus severely compromising national security. The Indian Navy, which has now been mandated to play a greater role in international waters to fight piracy, besides remaining on high alert to foil terror attacks, is similarly handicapped. How can one expect the Navy to deliver with outdated submarines — 10 of which should have been decommissioned by now — and three-decade-old helicopters and planes? Defence Minister AK Antony is aware of the looming crisis. Sadly, he has done precious little to correct the situation.
Coping with junk

Kalmadi from Indian Air Force what a disgrace

Financial crunch? CWG asks Army to work for free
New Delhi: Faced with a financial crunch, the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee has asked the Indian armed forces to provide all services for the October 3-14 Games in New Delhi free of cost. The SOS from the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee says 'help us, work for us but please don't ask for money from us'. The Organising Committee wants Indian Army to contribute to a successful conduct of Games "free of cost". "Yes, we have asked for waiver from the Army," says Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi.
Already, PSUs like Power Grid Corporation and NTPC have backed off from their sponsorship commitments. Within the private sector, too, stories of large scale corruption in the Games have dented the enthusiasm.
With the Organising Committee's target of Rs 1800 crore now looking like a distant dream, it is a little surprise that it has been looking for freebies.Read more click here...

Citizens Voice

from ashish_pai at 08:59, Aug 21, 2010
Only a shameless Kalmadi can make such a request. The army is already over burdened in protecting us while these crooks like Kalmadi continue to loot us. Why cannot Kalmadi work for free? Even after bleeding the nation for decades he cannot stop himself from embezzling money. Now he wants the army to work for free. Hope his request is instantly rejected. I sincerely request the army to help us Indian citizens from these monsters like Kalmadi by putting them behind bars.

from raomeister at 09:58, Aug 21, 2010
Recover all the money stashed away by Kalmadi, Mohindroo and Darbari and pay the Army. Make Kalmadi pay the difference between the market price and the price the OC CWG has paid for toilet paper, soap dispensers, unbrellas, tread mills, etc., If all this money is recovered there will probably be a surplus on the OC CWG's balance sheet.

We are focused on delivering a great Games says Kalmadi
Yes, we can do it. It is the firm belief of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi that we will conduct the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi so well that all of India comes together as one and echoes this sentiment with pride. Yes, we are committed to realising the Indian dream of delivering the best Commonwealth Games.

My faith in the people of Delhi and India is immense. I believe
they will understand that the budget of the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi is just Rs 1620 crore, including salaries, taxes and rent. The responsibility of my team is to run the Games with this budget. People are well aware that the sports and city infrastructure development have been handled by the Central and State Governments directly.

Sadly, those who mould public opinion seem to make little effort to present facts as they are. Let me cite the example of the case of a toilet roll being ‘bought’ for Rs 3751 each when the truth is that this is the price for a carton of 100 rolls. Such exaggerations were the order of the day and the media would not even carry the correct version...

Talking of pride, I am a former Indian Air Force pilot. I would not do anything to dent that pride. Let me leave you with one assurance: the Organising Committee will leave no stone unturned to ensure the smooth conduct of the Games and to make you proud of the biggest celebrations of sport ever in India. Indeed, the people of Delhi must participate in the Games and encourage the athletes to deliver their best. Delhi has been a wonderful sport all along and there is no reason for it to change now.
(This article first appeared in Hindustan Times on August 26, 2010)
click here to hear what Kalmadi says as a Politician and not as an Airforce Pilot

Spare the Army

I am pained to see The Tribune publishing articles against the Army day after day- Click links below to follow the storyline:

At stake, the Army’s izzat

Indiscipline in forces a reflection of society Aug 25

Army’s image on the decline Aug 28

There is no decline and no threat to the Army’s image. It is as disciplined and operationally prepared as ever.

Yes, there have been unfortunate cases of some senior officers involved in corruption or scams, and some cases of fake encounter. There would always be a few black sheep in every organisation. What is important is that action is taken against these black sheep. The Army spares none. Does that happen in the bureaucracy or politics?

The Army is not only guarding borders, but also proves to be a saviour during natural calamities and helps in maintaining internal security. During the recent floods in Haryana, it were the men in the olive green who helped the civil authorities in rescue operations, and restoring the essential services. In Leh, the Army and the Air Force proved to be saviours of the people during the devastation that followed the cloudburst. It is the Army men who are dying every day, fighting the militants, in the valley. It is easy to criticise, carry out protests, and sit on dharnas. Army men do not do that. They continue doing their assigned tasks selflessly. It is the finest organisation and strongest pillar of the country. Individuals are never bigger than the organisation. Let us respect the soldier and discard the black sheep.
Col R D SINGH, Ambala Cantt
The Tribune: Spare the Army

Rank Honour and Status of Armed Forces Reduced

Ref: click here

Some of the veterans may disagree with what I have to say on the episode of rank inapporopriateness by the serving Air Force officers but I am compelled to state my views.

Sachin Tendulkar being conferred with the rank of Group Captain, though honorary, by the IAF is an example of how serving (high ranking) officers try to focus limelight on themselves through cheap publicity stunts. Any serviceman, whether a commissioned officer or NCO will bear out the fact that entry into the service is earned through a tough selection process and after that ranks and promotions are obtained through merit, hardwork and dedication to the service. What criteria did the IAF consider while Tendulkar was made a Group Captain? I have all respect and admiration for Sachin for his excellence, achievement and dedication in the field of cricket , but I say that he has not done anything for the cause of any of the defence services or nation to deserve this honour from one of the defence forces. He could be conferred with any of the civil awards like Arjuna award for sports but not a military honour.

To cap it all, the Air Force has gone head over heels to please the aam (cricket mad) janata by promising to give him the "Wing" simply after one sortie in a Sukhoi aircraft as a passenger! As an engineer, I have flown as a passenger in a fighter aircraft but that did not make me eligible to get a wing. Some of the engineers do get their "official" wings but only after being selected for the "pilots course" and earning it after undergoing the regular necessary pilots training course like other aspirants for the "F" branch. Many of my "F" branch friends will aver that a wing has to be earned -many aspirants are denied this if they fail to meet the crucial flying proficiency tests- and cannot just be bought cheaply in a camp tailor shop and pinned on to the chest.

And another thing. Those who have seen the photograph of the Air Force chief with Sachin Tendulkar in the Times of India (Mumbai edition, 04 Sep, 2010 in the section "Times Nation") saluting him after getting his tapes, will notice that the chief is returning the salute without (R) without his cap ON !!! A good example of service etiquette to be publicly displayed before the service personnel under himl! I had never seen that so far.

Sorrowfully, this is one of the many instances of why and how the prestige of the Armed Forces is lowered. Why blame only the Babus if we ourselves do not want to hold it high?
Shashank Bendre
Wg Cdr (Retd)

Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

Saturday,14 August 2010 15:51 IST
The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will unfurl the National Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2010 to celebrate the 64th Independence Day. After unfurling the Tricolor, Dr. Manmohan Singh will address the nation.

On arrival at Lahore Gate of Red Fort, the Prime Minister will be received by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju and Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar.

The Defence Secretary will introduce General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, Major General Manvender Singh to the Prime Minister. The GOC Delhi Area will then conduct the Prime Minister to the Saluting Base where a combined inter-services and police guard will present general salute to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, Dr. Manmohan Singh will inspect the guard of honour.

The Guard of Honour contingent for the Prime Minister will consist of one officer and 24 men each from Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police. The Guard of Honour will be positioned directly in front of the National Flag across the moat below the ramparts.

This year, Air Force being the coordinating agency, the Guard of Honour will be commanded by Wg Cdr P Panda. The Army contingent will be commanded by Maj Anindya Chatterjee, Naval Contingent by Lt Cdr DK Shrikantha and Delhi Police contingent by ACP Romil Baniya.

The Army contingent for PM’s Guard is from 15th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles. The battalion was raised on January 01, 1976 at Dhana (Madhya Pradesh). Soon after it was raised, it was inducted in Counter Insurgency Operations in Manipur, where it proved its mettle by capturing 55 hard core insurgent, including Chirom Ranjit Singh, 2IC PLA. During its first field tenure, the unit was awarded two Shaurya Chakra, four Sena Medals, two Vishist Seva Medal and one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card. Over the years the unit has had the opportunity to serve in varied terrain conditions. The unit has always performed to the satisfaction of its cadres wherever it has been deployed.

As with its Counter Insurgency tenure (1978-82), the unit once again excelled during its Line of Control / Counter Insurgency Operations tenure in Poonch (2001-04) where it was instrumental in the elimination of 77 terrorists without any threats, inflicted casualties and also causing immense damage to Pakistani military infrastructure and troops across the Line of Control. For the perseverance, grit and devotion to duty the battalion has also been awarded four Shaurya Chakras, nineteen Sena Medals, fourteen Chief of Army Staff Commendation cards and two General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Cards, in addition to individual award, the unit was also awarded Chief of The Army Staff Unit citation in “Op RAKSHAK & Op PARAKRAM 2001-03”.

The unit has the rare distinction of once again being awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation ‘Op Meghdoot and Op Falcon 2007-09’ for its successful tenure in Central Glacier (Op Meghdoot) & Eastern Laddakh (Op Falcon) without any casualty. It has also received one Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Card and three General Officer Commanding -in-Chief Commendation Card for its individual outstanding performance.

The battalion is presently the ceremonial battalion of the Indian Army, deployed in Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate and other important places in the capital. The Army Contingent is led by Maj Anindya Chatterjee.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour, the Prime Minister will proceed to the ramparts where he will be greeted by Defence Minister, the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik. The GOC Delhi area will conduct the Prime Minister to the dais to unfurl the National Flag.

The unfurling of the tri-colour will synchronize with the 21 gun salute fired by the valiant gunners of the elite 299 Field Regiment. The battery will be commanded by Lt Col Hemant Kumar Sah and the Gun Position Officer will be Sub (AIG) Gurappadu R.

The National Flag Guard comprising 32 men and one officer each from Army, Navy Air Force and Delhi Police will present Rashtriya Salute at the time of unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. Wing Commander J Christopher will command the Guards. The Naval Contingent for National Flag Guard will be commanded by Lt Cdr Amit Sood, the Army contingent by Captain Vikram Singh and Delhi Police contingent by Additional DCP B Shanker Jaiswal.

The Air Force Band Number 6 will play National Anthem when the National Guard presents ‘Rashtriya Salute’ while unfurling of the National Flag by the Prime Minister. All Service personnel in uniform will stand and salute. The Air Force Band will be commanded by Warrant Officer PN Yadav. Two Air Force Officers, Flying Officer A Vashishtha and Flying Officer Pankaj Gupta will be positioned on either side of the saluting dais for the PM for AsDC duties. Flt Lt Neha Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister in unfurling of the National Flag.

The Army contingent for National Flag Guard is from the 2nd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment, which was raised on November 30, 1798 at Badgaon. The Battalion designation was altered eight times, since the raising and finally rechristened as the 2nd Bn of the Rajput Regiment (Kalichindi) on independence. The Battalion has the distinction of having nine battle honours and two theatre honours and has taken part in 1947, 1962 and 1971 operations, where officers and men have exhibited extraordinary courage and valour. The Bn has been awarded Chief of Army Staff commendation for serving with distinction in ‘Op Rakshak’ in J&K in 1995. Before Independence, for showing perseverance and sacrifice the battalion got several awards to its credit which include one Victoria Cross. After independence, the battalion has been awarded with one MVC, ten VrC, three SC, two Param Vishist Sewa Medal, two Ati Vishist Sewa Medal, one Yudh Seva Medal, two Vishist Seva Medal, eleven Sena Medal and numerous Mention-in-Despatches and Commendation Cards.

The Battalion also has the honour to serve in Sudan as part of United Nation Peace Keeping Mission in 2007-2008. The smartly attired contingents of the 2nd Battalion, The Rajput Regiment comprises of two officers and 32 OR and is led by a very inspiring Capt Vikram Singh.

After unfurling the National Flag, the Prime Minister will address the nation. After the Prime Minister’s address, school children and NCC Cadets will sing National Anthem.

About seven hundred Junior Division Cadets of the National Cadet Corps from Delhi Directorate comprising Army, Navy and Air Force wings are participating in the flag hoisting ceremony this year. The cadets will also participate in the singing of patriotic songs along with school children. Three thousand five hundred girl students from 39 government and government-aided schools under the Directorate of Education, National Capital Territory of Delhi will sing the National Anthem. They will also sing patriotic songs in different regional languages before the start of the Independence Day ceremony. These children dressed up in red, saffron, green and white colour will re-create the image of Red Fort and the National Flag.
Independence day Celebrations at Red Fort

National Security: Expat Pilots

23/05/2010
AI crash: Focus back on expat pilots
Mangalore: The crash of the Air India Express plane piloted by a Serbian national on Saturday has put the focus back on whether foreign pilots with various Indian air carriers are able to operate in a country with a diverse topography.
There are around 560 expat pilots currently employed with various airlines in India and they account for 10 per cent of the total strength of 5,500 civilian pilots.

Air India Express, the low-cost arm of the national carrier, has 125 expat pilots and they reportedly face a number of problems while operating a flight in the country when they are in the cockpit. In all, Air India has 250 expat pilots.

"Expat pilots should be removed because they are not familiar with the diverse topography in India," a retired Indian Airlines pilot, who did not wish to be identified, said.

The common problems that expat pilots face are related to communication and lack of knowledge of topography of Indian terrain, a senior pilot association official said. According to ATC sources, air traffic controllers find it hard to communicate with expat pilots.

"Many a times, foreign pilots are unable to follow the instructions because of the difference in our accent. Also we find it hard to understand what an expat pilot is saying in his hard accent," an ATC source said.

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association of erstwhile Indian Airlines has been often demanding that expat pilots must be asked to go home as there is no shortage of pilots in the country.

"We have been asking the DGCA for their removal and induction of Indian pilots. But every time, the deadline for their removal is extended due to some pressure of the airline companies," an ICA official said.

The government recently extended the time-frame for phasing out foreign pilots employed by Indian carriers by one year up to July 31, 2011. The move came in the wake of demands by Air India and other airlines that the time be extended beyond July 31, 2010.

The existing policy for validation of foreign (pilots) licences is valid up to July 31, 2010. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had requested airline operators to submit their plan for phasing out expatriate pilots along with net requirement of these pilots beyond that date, according to Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

Patel said that since 2008, the number of foreign pilots has come down considerably and gradually Indian pilots, who have mostly been co-pilots, would soon be elevated to the status of commanding pilots.

Overseas pilots were allowed to fly Indian aircraft initially as during 2004-05, there was stagnation in the aviation sector.

However, after the sector started looking up, in order to maintain the momentum, foreign pilots continued to be inducted. The DGCA has started a programme for phased reduction of the expat pilots.

According to Patel, Indian pilots are capable of flying under any condition and their training and qualification can be compared to the best in the world.
AI crash: Focus back on expat pilots

National Air Space Security Threat
Does the MHA give security clearance for the expat pilots before being employed by the Indian Air Carriers? Employing 500 expat pilots without proper int background check will prove disastrous in the long run. The complete air space of India can be compromised or jeopardised. Why are our Intelligence Agencies not objecting to deployment of expat pilots in our skies? The Military Intelligence in coordination with Air force authorities need to actively engage in detecting security lapses from this angle. There is a need to keep a tab and be extra vigilant. Past experience indicates that spies, terrorists and Hawala operators take advantage of the Recruitment Agencies whose only mission is to make huge commissions. Moderator

UPA Dithers on important Defence Reforms

The government must act resolutely to implement the long- pending decision to appoint a CDS. Theatre commands will then be but one step further in the quest for synergy in operations.

It should be a short step, but given the way the Indian system works, it is likely to be a very long one indeed. The establishment of the Integrated Defence Staff is a good beginning, but there is a long and winding road ahead and, as yet, it does not even appear to be paved with good intentions.

Often during war, the fate of an entire campaign can hinge on a single decision.

Such a decision can only be made by a specially selected defence chief and not by a committee like the CoSC that operates on the principle of the least common denominator.

All other major democracies have opted for the CDS system. India cannot ignore it any further except at great peril. It is an idea whose time has come.
Courtsey: Mail Today, 23 December 2009
UPA Dithers on important Defence Reforms

Kargil Diwas: Tenth Anniversary

Date: Thursday, 23 July, 2009, 1:03 PM
Dear All,
My following article would be appearing in the forthcoming issue of SALUTE Magazine.
Regards.
Vijay Oberoi
Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi, Former VCOAS

KARGIL DIWAS - TENTH ANNIVERSARY
The Government Remains Unconcerned
By
Lt Gen Vijay OberoiThis year’s Kargil Diwas, on 26 July, is special as it is the 10th anniversary of the day when the last of the Pakistani intruders were killed or chased out of the Kargil Sector, by the doughty brave hearts of the Indian Army and Air Force. The Kargil Sector is actually a swathe of real estate along the Line of Control (LC) in J&K, stretching north east from the steep glaciated heights north of Drass and extending to the general area of Turtok, just short of the Siachin Glacier.

I do not intend to cover the factual details of the various battles fought in the sector, but will highlight some nuances. Kargil had caught the imagination of every citizen of our country during those tumultuous summer months of 1999, from the time the intrusion was first discovered in early May, till the last of the Pakistani soldiers were neutralized and the entire area on our side of the LC was sanitized by 26 July.

The various battles fought in the sector were a series of tactical level offensive operations, conducted at battalion and brigade levels. These were essentially marked by two important features - the formidable nature of the terrain and the sheer bravery of the officers and men of the Indian Army, who scaled those formidable and razor sharp sheer heights, unmindful of their lives and limbs. They did so in many a hand to hand battle and won victories on the high peaks, where the defenders-the Pakistani troops, had all the advantages. The nation lost 527 valuable lives, all brave young men, who sacrificed themselves, with grit written large on their determined visages and a fierce fire burning strong in their bellies.

Why is such unparalleled bravery forgotten by our countrymen within a span of a mere 10 years? Have our nationalistic feelings atrophied that we have no time to remember the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and airmen, who fought so valiantly to restore the sanctity of the motherland? Is it the government, which needs to be reminded to take the lead, or the military or the people?

I recall, with a great deal of nostalgia, the Vijay Diwas of 2000, one year after the Kargil operations. It was an event to remember. I was then commanding the Western Army at Chandimandir. At my instance, an extremely well attended remembrance cum homage function was organized by the army at Chandigarh. Governors and Chief Ministers of both Punjab and Haryana had led the people in paying tributes to the Kargil warriors. The inhabitants of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali came in their thousands to pay homage and to remember the warriors, who had fought and conquered both the hazardous terrain and the well-entrenched enemy. As the ceremony ended, thousands of candles lit the entire ground; it was a sight that set the adrenalin pumping. Sadly, in the years that followed, Kargil disappeared from the radar screens of the government, the people and sadly even the media. Only the military remembered their comrades and held ceremonies and commemoration events, but only within the confines of their cantonments!

The media and the ex-servicemen (ESM) have taken a lead this time in generating enthusiasm for the 10th anniversary of the Kargil Diwas, but alas there is not even a squeak from the government so far. On 26 July, a ritual and token ceremony will no doubt be held at the India Gate, with the Raksha Mantri and the three service chiefs laying wreaths and only a few media cameras in attendance. In our democratic country, the ‘Aam Aadmi’, whose paeans we sing these days, is not even permitted to come within 100 metres of such ceremonies. At best, they can view them on TV, but only fleetingly as the electronic media is stingy in airing such bytes! This must change, not only in the case of the Kargil Diwas, but on the few commemorative military events we still observe, even perfunctorily.

Ours must be the only country in the world where decisions to commemorate military events are based on which political party is in power! One national political party celebrates Kargil Diwas because that military victory took place when theirs was the ruling party. The other does not, but celebrates Vijay Diwas instead, as it was their party which was in power when the Indian Military did the country proud by their resounding victory over Pakistan in 1971. A third category popular with the government is when no event is celebrated on the specious plea that it may adversely affect the peace process with a particular country! The end result of such a lackadaisical attitude on the part of the government is that the military, which is proud of its brave military heritage, is forced to have such celebrations and remembrances in the confines of their military stations and cantonments, with no participation by the civil populace, the political leaders or the government. What a dismal and farcical situation?

The present government, in accordance with their party’s election pledge, had carved out the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare from within the Ministry of Defence in 2004. It is this Department that should take a lead in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Kargil victory in a befitting manner, but it seems to be wallowing in indecision, waiting for a cue from the political leaders. Despite its existence for almost five years now, no worthwhile welfare measures have been instituted by this organization. The reason is simple. This organization, from its inception, should have been manned by military officers who understand the problems of serving personnel and ESM, as well as their ethos and culture. The result of such pusillanimous behaviour by this organization is further disillusionment of the military.

The government would do well to keep in mind what the famous military strategist, Carl von Clausewitz, had expounded on the remarkable ‘trinity’ of the government, the military and the people, that is essential for victory for a nation. It is equally applicable to the nation even in non-war situations. Will the government take a lead and bring them together?

Short Service Commissioned Officers Short Circuited

I am a fan of your Blog and visit it frequently. The issues brought out on the Blog site are very relevant to serving and veterans of Armed forces. Most of the issues have been covered in the postings but the one of the Lady Officers of Armed forces, who are very much a part and parcel of the Forces and as patriotic as the other male members, has not found a place in the site.

But the irony is that in spite of many of us serving for 15 years, our presence is ignored. When Lady officers were initially inducted for 5/6 years, it was truly Short service but with time we got the 1st and subsequently 2nd extension, thus we hoped that PC will surely come one day..for those who were deserving. But to our shock, our services to the nation will come to a rude stop 15 years (not actually 15 yrs but 14 yrs 364 days)... Reason is that after 15 yrs, claims for pension can be made. This is truly gender discrimination. If we are good enough for 15 years why cannot we serve the complete tenure till the superannuation. The excuse given is as the lady officers move up in service, they will have to be given Commanding Officer duties....but I beg to differ the Technical lady officers in the Indian Air Force have already assumed the duty of Commanding Officers of communication units and have done well in those positions getting commendations and appreciations for their professional work. It is heart breaking that because some units do not want to have Lady Commanding Officers, the others do not want to give Permanent commission to serving lady officers of the Ground duty branches.

We lady Officers have done our bit for the forces and the country and do not deserve this kind of treatment when the entire country and politicians are taking about Gender equality... Where is the equality?

The youth stage is the most difficult time in a lady's life cycle with getting to know the nuances of the service, trying to prove herself against all odds...probably being the only lady officer in the base, having social pressures of getting married and having children, postings after every 2 yrs, separation from spouses etc.... After coming out successfully against all these odds...and serving for 15 years successfully...The lady officers are asked to hang their uniform without any recognition/ financial benefits and they have to venture again ...Now into the corporate world to find a place for herself, commensurate to her post in the Forces... For being a Gazetted Officer to now what a house wife or a lowly paid job. In the forces where many male officers want to leave forces and are frustrated lots.... The lady officers who are still motivated and want to continue to serve even after 15 years... are given no option. So the Government policy to Retain Male officers but throw out Lady Officers smacks justice.

Sir, we need help of all senior officers to understand our plight... we are not asking for Reservations... only requesting that if We are Deserving then please let us continue and serve the Forces... We are also very loyal and patriotic... please do not doubt our integrity and capability.... "Help lady officers to get what they deserve- Permanent Commission". If the medical branch lady officers can do it... we ground duty lady officers of technical, logistics, admin branch also can... Please give us the opportunity to prove ourselves....

Please do put these points in your blog... It will generate awareness about the plight of Lady Officers of Armed Forces and probably help our cause. I am a Technical Officer in IAF completing my tenure of 15 years on 29 May 2009... and then though I do not want to leave Indian Air Force, I will have to go and search for jobs in the Corporate world so that my professional skills do not rust.

Thanks
Regards
Ms Urmila Sahu
(IAF Officer)
Armed Forces Management Programme 10-Professional Profile
Read more:
We're proud to wear the uniform: IAF lady officers
IAF says no need for woman officers, but retains male officers

IESM: Life Insurance cover for Veterans

CASE FOR ARMED FORCES GROUP INSURANCE SCHEMES FOR VETERANS

The need for providing group life insurance cover to the soldiers was felt after 1971 war. More than 3843 soldiers were killed and 9851 were wounded in the 1971 Indo- Pak war which lasted for only 14 days. When the concept of Group Insurance Scheme for the armed forces was muted, even the state owned Life Insurance Corporation of India did not come forward to take up the scheme for the Armed Forces, because of the alarming death toll in the 1971 war.

Therefore, the responsibility of creating and administering a Group Insurance Scheme was entrusted to our own senior officers. The Indian Air Force and the Indian Army started their own group schemes in the year 1975 and 1976 respectively. The efficient administration with military discipline and sincerity rendered more surplus funds to start the Post Retirement Insurance Schemes to its retired members.

The Scheme which started with an amount of Rs.30,000 in the year 1976 for the serving personnel is now marching with 15 lacs in the Army and Rs.30 lacs in the Air Force and from Rs.65000 to 4 lacs for retired personnel in the Army and Rs.30,000 to 5 lacs for the Air Force personnel. Whenever a new scheme is introduced, the retired people are always neglected and forgotten. While we fight for the parity in pension (OROP) with the Government, we fail to implement the same benefits to our own elders even though we ourselves govern the entire schemes like this.

For example, a person who had contributed a lump sum amount for the Post retirement insurance scheme in the year 1981, is now out of the scheme without any benefit. General O.P.Malhotra, the then Chief of the Army Staff, whom I presume to be the first person to start and join the extended insurance scheme in the Army is now out of the scheme without any benefit. Because, the terms and conditions which was framed by our own men stipulates that the benefits are available within a period of 15 years or 70 years of age whichever is earlier, renders him ineligible for any benefit. Can we not accommodate the elders like him in the scheme, even by charging some additional contribution to the extended scheme. Nothing is impossible, if we have the will to do. After all, every one is going to die one day. The cut off age and the cut off term period framed by our own men should not come in the way for depriving any benefit. Some small amount of death benefit must be given to all the Post Retirement Scheme members irrespective of age and term.

With profound grief and tears in my eyes, I want to narrate a real life story of an Ex Sgt Krishnawamy, Engine Fitter, of Indian Air Force. A decorated Airman, with a number of commendation certificates and cash awards for his dedicated work as a Engine Fitter in the Air Force, was discharged from Air Force in Aug 1989. 14 years after his discharge from Air Force, it was detected that his days are counted at a faster rate due to chest cancer. A detailed diagnosis revealed that it was an occupational hazard that had attributed to this decease. The hard work he had to put up in the Air Force to service the 2nd world war type Air crafts such as Dakota, Fairchild Packet which had earned him Commendation certificates, but these substandard aviation machines taken his life by slowly poisoning his body. A renowned cancer institute expressed their inability for any further treatment.

As I was close associate of the family, I tried to mobilize financial assistance from wherever possible. During our search for help in his home, Sgt Krishnasamy himself with great difficulty opened a cupboard in his house and took out the Air Force Group Insurance Society’s post retirement insurance memorandum and asked me to find out whether his family can get any thing out of that. He knows very well that the AFGIS comes into effect after his death. But he does not know that the cut off date in the memorandum is going to expire in a few days, which will make his wife ineligible for the claim of Rs.40,000/ as per the memorandum. Considering the situation my heart and soul went out of way to pray for his peaceful death within the cut off date (As it is, we all know that his death is certain in few days) so that his family will get at least that amount as a last rescue from starvation. Alas! it did not happen. The date of death succeeded in denying the insurance benefit to the family. This tragic event triggered me to make this appeal to the society, so that if possible, it could be prevented to some extent for the future generation. Let me not come across any such tragic experience any more. If not the full amount, at least some amount to meet the funeral expenses may be given by the Group insurance society, to the old veterans whose contributions were the foundations for this great Institution. Let us set an example to others instead of begging the politicians and bureaucrats.

The Indian Armed Forces are well known for its clean administrative skills. Therefore there is nothing impossible, if there is a will to do. Will the concerned authorities in the three services consider the request sympathetically and implement it immediately so that every member of the extended insurance scheme get some grant at the time of his death. This may be done with retrospective date so that no one is hurt on any cut off dates.

C Muthukrishnan, (Ex Sgt)
Active Member IESM
Blog: indianexserviceman.blogspot.com

National Defence Academy 60 Glorious Years

A Tribune Supplement
Chandigarh, December 7, 2008
Note: TO SEE FULL COVERAGE PLEASE CLICK ON VARIOUS HEADINGS.

First step in and out of the NDA by Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd)
It was on a chilly winter dawn in January, 1949, when we arrived at the vacant, almost desolate barracks in Dehradun that housed the newly established Joint Services Wing.

Memories of another day by Maj Gen Raj Mehta (Retd)
I am not a product of the National Defence Academy (NDA) but had the rare privilege of being an Instructor (Military Faculty) there from 1981-1984, as a Captain/Major.

Heroes: NDA’s gift to the nation

Param Vir Chakra

Ashok Chakra

Joint training institutions are the answer by Vijay Mohan
Defence policy built upon supposedly predictable actions of a potential adversary is a dangerous folly.

Training for leadership by Brig Ravi Palsokar (Retd)
The National Defence Academy is rightly called the “cradle for leadership”. Here boys (girls are not yet allowed) straight out of school get into a uniform which they take off only after they retire, a service period that covers about 35 to 45 years.

Shooting Star by Vijay Nohan
The country’s first individual Olympics medal winner, Lt Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is an alumnus of the NDA’s 77th Course. He had won Silver in shooting in the 2004 Olympics held at Athens.

Girl who could not make it to NDA by Geetanjali Gayatri
A pebbled driveway, an imposing old English-style mansion, a nameplate announcing Lt-Col Desraj, and, inside, a picture on the mantelpiece in the drawing room — that was my maternal grandfather for me.

Webpage
National Defence Academy

Reunions
12 Course Reunion
14 Course Reunion
18 Course reunion
25 Course Reunion
38 Course reunion

NDA Pride
Hut of remembrance
Sudan Block
Khetarpal Parade Ground

Welcome to the web site of the First Course Joint Services Wing
First Course JSW