SC quashes HC's gag order on troops movement

SC quashes HC's gag order on reporting troops movement
Friday, September 14, 2012, 16:29
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday quashed the Allahabad High Court order which had prevented media from reporting on the controversy related to alleged Army units' movement towards Delhi on January 16 amid the then prevailing row over erstwhile Army Chief V K Singh's date of birth.
A bench of justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad allowed the plea of Press Council of India which had challenged the order saying that court cannot impose such a ban on media as it violates the freedom of speech.
The bench said the high court erred in passing such order as ban on media was not sought and the prayer was only to hold an inquiry into the controversial incident.
"We are of the opinion that the high court should not have passed the order as the prayer before it was entirely different and it was inconsonance with the prayer made by the petitioner," the bench said.
The court also took into account its recent Constitution bench judgement which had said press can only be directed to postpone the reporting for a certain period.
The Centre also said it was against the high court's order and it should be quashed.
The high court had directed various Central and state government authorities on April 10 "to ensure that there is no reporting/release of any news item by the print or electronic media on the movement of troops."
The high court's order was passed on a PIL which said a national daily and a news magazine had reported on movements of the Army units from Agra to Delhi when the Singh's age row controversy was at peak. The petitioner had said the reports were against national interest.
The PCI had approached the apex court saying the order was in violation of the fundamental right under Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution, granted to the media and every citizen of the country.
SC quashes HC's gag order on reporting troops movement
Business Standard report

NDA Scam: Will Senior Army Officers be investigated?

NDA scam: ‘Col A K Singh gave over a lakh to friend’
Express news service : Mumbai, Thu Jul 12 2012, 04:26 hrs
The Central Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBI-ACB) on Wednesday said that of the Rs 74.5 lakh Col Anil Kumar Singh — the presiding officer of examinations at National Defence Academy (NDA) —received as bribe, Rs 1.5 lakh was given to his friend, a retired army officer. Col Singh’s friend in turn used the money to pay his son’s fees in Symbiosis College.
The CBI-ACB told CBI special judge D R Mahajan that at Col Singh’s behest, a witness burnt some documents on June 23 when they had raided the NDA. “Those partially burnt papers have been recovered and CBI wants to decipher the matter written on them,” said CBI special prosecutor Vivek Saxena, while seeking Singh’s CBI custody for six more days. He added that the CBI needs to recover the Rs 1.5 lakh Singh allegedly paid to the retired army officer.
The CBI-ACB also seized a pen drive and Singh’s laptop on Tuesday. “The CBI wants to confront Singh with the data recovered from the them,” Saxena told the court.
Singh’s counsel, S K Jain, objected to the CBI’s demand of extension of Singh’s custody. The court denied CBI Singh’s custody and remanded him in magisterial custody till July 25. “For the purpose of recovery of Rs 1.5 lakh which the accused allegedly gave a witness who paid it to Symbiosis College towards fees, the further CBI custody of the accused is not required,” the court said. The court added that Singh’s custody was not required for confrontation of the accused with the data recovered from the pen drive and laptop.
Singh immediately tendered his bail application, which will be heard on Thursday along with that of the other four accused — Col Kulbir Singh, staff officer to NDA commandant, Balkrishna Kanojia, a food stall owner, Kanojia’s employee Vishnu Prasad Sharma and NDA employee Ramesh Gaikwad.
Col A K Singh gave over a lakh to friend
Comment: The commandant Lt Jatinder Singh is responsible for the scam. He and his family financial dealings for the last five years must be investigated to get to the bottom of this scam.

Balance and Restraint: Corruption and Indiscipline cannot be equated

NEED OF THE HOUR Balance and Restraint by the Media By Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi
A recent incident of indiscipline in a unit of the army was dutifully reported by the media, but a few newspapers and TV news channels that indulge in yellow journalism, continue to sensationalise it. This is despite the army having unequivocally stated that the incident is being investigated thoroughly. Implicit in various media releases by the army is that there is no move whatsoever to push the incident under the carpet and that exemplary disciplinary action would be taken against all those found guilty. This being so, speculative innuendos and sensational stances must stop.
 My intention is not to say that the news of the incident should not have been reported, or that the media should only report favourable news about the army. However, one starts losing faith in our supposedly independent media when sensationalism takes over and phrases like ˜unique case" or ˜army getting indisciplined" are bandied about.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. Â Without going too far back, there was a case in 1978 and another in 1979, both in Ladakh. In 1986 and 1987, two such incidents occurred in the eastern sector. During Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, there were two incidents, one each in 1987 and 1989. Mutinous actions of a number of units following Operation Blue Star in 1984 are well known. There have been similar incidents in the navy and air force too. All these were handled by the hierarchy of the armed forces with balance, maturity and panache and no editor-in-chief of those days interfered or offered advice, as is being done by a few upstarts today! Neither was there any dilution in the professional capabilities of our forces!

All artillery units fire their artillery guns a number of times every year, but the annual practice firing camp has a special sanctity. During this camp, all artillery guns of the unit fire at the field firing ranges and all personnel of the unit are fully involved. When all the guns of the unit fire simultaneously, the noise, dust, smoke and explosions they produce can only be described as spectacular.

During these camps, there is a surge in adrenalin levels of all ranks, as well as tension, as everyone wants to do well. On the day the entire regiment fires, many guests are invited to witness this spectacular event. Once the firing is wound up, there is visible decrease in tension and everyone gets in to a celebratory frame of mind, having successfully achieved what they had set out to do.

It is unfortunate that after the culmination of this specific event, the unfortunate incident of indiscipline occurred. It was an isolated incident, where tempers were allowed to rise unnecessarily. There was no pre-mediation or planning, let alone a conspiracy on anyone’s part. It was simply an accident and hence there is no reason to sensationalise it or make it larger than life. From the very beginning, no attempt was made by the army to hush up the incident. One therefore cannot understand why a section of the media is bent upon making it sinister and trying to link it with other recent events.

In a 1.3 million strong army, where individuals interact with each other on a 24X7 basis, the odd aberration does occur. Despite discipline being ingrained in them from the very first day they don a uniform, and despite the excellent officer-man relationship that is nurtured on a continuous basis, tempers sometimes run high. All ranks do understand that it is this close relationship that sustains them even in the most difficult situations, but anger subsumes this temporarily. Despite the many ups and downs in the working environment of the army, officer-man relationship has endured. These are the facets that have contributed to making the Indian Army professionally highly competent and behaviourally the best in the business. This needs to be commended not criticized. I would urge those elements of the media that are going unnecessarily overboard in bashing the entire army to desist, for if such coverage continues, it will do great harm to the army and the nation.

The army has time-tested and well laid out procedures for dealing with all types of indiscipline. The media neither has the expertise nor the knowledge of doing so. Even those segments of the media that may have been goaded to unnecessarily raise the issue to absurd heights on account of their vested interests will do well to confine their reports to news and desist from voicing irrelevant views and comments. The country continues to have faith in the prowess and honesty of purpose of their army. It is best for amateurs of the media, however much they may think of themselves as the greatest media honchos, to let the army take remedial actions in their own professional manner. They will, in due course, share their conclusions with everyone.
Let me end this piece by adding that the motto of the Regiment of Artillery of your army is “Izzat o Iqbalâ€, to which they adhere to scrupulously. This particular unit- “ 226 Field Regiment, will also bounce back, provided unnecessary hounding of the unit and its personnel comes to an end immediately.
Comment:The corruption amongst the Officer Cadre need be investigated and exemplary punishment meted speedily. Indiscipline amongst Jawans is a different cup of tea- needs to investigated, correctives measures applied- Revolt and Mutiny is very rare. One should not confuse the issues!
Balance and Restraint

226 Arty Regt: Officers and Jawans clash at Mahe Field Ranges

Officers-jawans clash in Ladakh not mutiny: Army
Ladakh, May 12 (IBNS): The Indian Army on Saturday said the 'minor scuffle' between officers and jawans in Ladakh is an 'isolated act of indiscipline'.
Army officers and jawans of an artillery unit clashed at the Mahe Field Ranges in Ladakh Region during the field firing exercise of Field Regiment on Thursday.
"The entire episode can at worst be seen as an isolated act of indiscipline. It can in no way be termed as mutiny," read a media statement issued by Army spokesperson Colonel Jagdeep Dahiya on Saturday.
"No arms and ammunition have been used by anybody. The armoury has not been captured by the troops as is being wrongly reported."
"Misinterpretation and mischievous reporting to sensationalise the incident by some sections of print and electronic media need to be dispelled," he said.
Dahiya said the Brigade Commander of the Artillery Brigade and General Officer Commanding of the Division interacted with the troops on Friday.
"The situation was brought well under control and the Regiment is being moved back from ranges to its location with effect from 12 May 2012," said the spokesperson. "A Court of Inquiry to investigate into the circumstances under which the incident took place has commenced," he said.
"The Court of Inquiry will identify the complicity of the officers and men. However, nobody has been removed, dismissed or suspended," said Dahiya.
"Col P Kadam, the Commanding Officer was not assaulted by other officers, as has been wrongly reported. The CO as well as Maj AK Sharma and Sepoy Suman Ghosh who suffered superficial injuries, have been given medical treatment," he said.
"The situation is well under control," said the Army spokesperson.
Officers-jawans clash in Ladakh not mutiny: Army

Army officers, jawans battle it out in Ladakh
Rajat Pandit, TNN | May 12, 2012, 02.17AM IST
NEW DELHI: In a shocking breach of discipline in the Army, officers and jawans of an artillery regiment deployed in the Nyoma sector of eastern Ladakh violently clashed with each other on Thursday evening. The ugly brawl ended with the commanding officer (CO) of the 226 Field Regiment deployed in Durbuk, Colonel Prasad Kadam, a Major, S K Sharma, and two jawans being admitted to the military hospital at Leh with multiple injuries.
The entire artillery unit of around 550 soldiers, which was at the high-altitude Mahe range in Nyoma to practise firing of their 105mm guns, was subsequently "disarmed" by additional forces rushed to the spot.
The incident sent ripples down the 1.13 million-strong Army, justifiably proud of its disciplined ethos and esprit de corps, and the entire defence establishment in South Block. Even as Karu-based 3 Division commander Major General A L Chavan rushed to the spot, Army chief General V K Singh briefed defence minister A K Antony on Friday morning after talking to Northern Army commander Lt-Gen K T Parnaik.
The artillery regiment will "eventually be disbanded", much like a few Sikh regiments were in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar in the mid-1980s, after the court of inquiry ordered into the incident establishes the chain of events and identifies the guilty. "It's an isolated act of indiscipline. The situation is under control...the accused will face court martial,'' said a senior officer.
Army officers, jawans battle it out in Ladakh
Comment: Sadly this a complete command Control breakdown in the Regiment. Undue coverage by media will surely dent the image of the Indian Army. Units undergoing training in harsh conditions need good leadership to acquire requisite skills for warfare... one must remember the Chetwode Motto. Veterans should reserve and control their comments in the public domain.

NCC Seeks Infrastructure for Shaping Youth

The Minister of State for Defence Dr. MM Pallam Raju inaugurated the Conference of the Joint State Representatives and Deputy Directors General (JSR&D) of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) here today. JSR&D is a biennial event attended by the senior representatives from all States of the country and the NCC heads from the defence services of the respective State. As the control and conduct of NCC activities is a joint responsibility of the Central and State Governments in terms of policies, finances, administrative and other aspects, this conference provides a platform to plan, implement and coordinate the NCC activities in the entire Nation.

Inaugurating the conference, Dr Pallam Raju said, "NCC is responsible for moulding our youth into becoming responsible, disciplined and motivated citizens and for providing leadership in all walks of life. The curriculum followed by the cadets in their two years of association with NCC is extremely challenging and it is our responsibility to provide the required support. The benefit that we get is directly proportional to the effort that we put in. Disciplined youth with patriotic and secular values is the sine quo non to ensure stability and growth of the nation.”

The conference had very meaningful and fruitful deliberations on various issues concerning NCC, such as the need to provide suitable camping sites and other training facilities, raising of financial grants for training and administration of cadets commensurate with the contemporary price index, changes in the curriculum to meet and accommodate the present aspirations of the youth. The Director General, NCC Lt Gen PS Bhalla gave a detailed presentation on the progress and achievements of the NCC over the years. He apprised all States of the need to establish NCC Nagars that are well equipped with camping and training infrastructure, in various parts of the States. He also strongly presented a case for providing tangible and substantial incentives to NCC cadets so that the disciplined youth of unquestionable integrity and possessing core human values are well compensated for their dedication of time and energy to train with the NCC.
PK (Release ID :76165
NCC Seeks Infrastructure for Shaping Youth

Corps of Signals: 14th Reunion Humour

Reunion Humour
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your Young Officers are running the 'Signal' Corps.
Top 10 Reasons NOT to Miss Corps of Signals 14th Reunion at Jabalpur
1. You'll laugh, cry, and reminisce with some of your old Devils.
2. It's fine to not remember somebody. That's why name tags were invented!
3. Feel better realizing you are not the only one who has been married with grand kids and is still looking. (hmmmm...)
4. Rekindle or begin renewed relationships or exchange notes of yesteryear's.
5. Show everyone how sexy bald is!
6. Even if you had some negative experiences, don't fret about it, you'll most likely laugh about it now.
7. Enjoy an evening out without the kids (or grand kids), as the case might be.
8. Use the Reunion as an opportunity to diet, play golf or shape up. (Okay, maybe it's TOO late for this one...!)
9. Humour the Reunion Committee and Organisers who made it happen- and our 3 days a breeze- we are a bunch of deluded diehards who think everyone should show up to appreciate our efforts. (Uh, yeah!)
10. And finally, studies have shown that those who were initially hesitant about attending their reunions, discover it was the event they wouldn't have missed!

The Army Wife

The good Lord was creating
A model for military wives
and was into his sixth day of overtime
when an angel appeared.
She said, “Lord, you seem to be having
a lot of trouble with this one
What’s wrong with the standard model?”
The Lord replied,
“Have you seen the specs of this order?
She has to be completely independent,
possess the qualities of both mother and father
be a perfect hostess for four to forty
with a hours notice, run on black coffee
handle every imaginable without a manual
be able to carry on cheerfully,
even if she is pregnant and has the flu,
and she must have six pair of hands.”
The angel shook her head
“Six pair of hands? No way!”
The Lord continued, “Don’t worry,
we will make other military wives to help her
And we will give her an unusually strong heart
so it can swell with pride
in husbands achievements,
sustain the pain of separation
beat soundly when it is overworked and tired
and be large enough to say
“I understand” when she doesn’t
and “I love you” regardless
“Lord”, said the angel, touching his arm gently,
“Go to bed and get some rest,
You can finish this tomorrow”
“I can’t stop now,” Said the Lord
I’m so close to creating something unique
Already this model heals herself when she is sick
can put up six unexpected guest for the weekend
wave good-bye to her husband from a pier
a runway or depot and understand
why it’s important the he leave
The angel circled the model of the military wife
looked at it closely and sighed
“It looks fine, but it’s too soft”
“She may look soft”, replied the Lord
“but she has the strength of a lion
you would not believe what she can endure”
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her fingers
across the cheek of the Lord’s creation
“There’s a leak,” she announced
“Something is wrong with the construction
I’m not surprised that it has cracked.
“You are trying to put too much into this model”
The Lord appeared offended
at the angel’s lack of confidence
“What you see is not a leak,” he said,
“It’s a tear”
A tear” What is it here for?” asked the angel
The Lord replied, “It’s for joy, sadness, pain
disappointment, loneliness, pride and dedication
to all the values that she
and her husband hold dear.”

click here to read more inspiring Military Poems

Jawans at borders get stale food: CAG Report

Wed, Aug 4 04:49 AM
The Indian Army soldiers posted at some of the most difficult locations in the world along the China and Pakistan border are getting food that is unfit for human consumption and at times is more than two years beyond the expiry date, a latest government report on supply of rations in the armed forces has revealed.

The audit report says the Army has violated its own norms and has been supplying troops with food items, including rice, sugar and wheat, which are way past their expiry date. Most of the cases, the report reveals, pertain to the Northern Command, the largest Army formation in the country that has troops along the Pakistan and China border as well as the Siachen glacier.

"It was found that atta, sugar, rice, tea, dal, edible oil and raisins were consumed six to 28 months after the expiry of their normal storage life," the report says, adding that the food items were given illegal life extensions by a Jammu-based lab that were against the standing rules of the Army.

While soldiers have been complaining about the bad quality of food served at forward locations, this is the first official report of a large-scale violation of norms across the Northern Command.

The report also suggests a large-scale rigging of prices by revealing that 36 per cent of cases of procurement of fresh rations were based only on single quotations, taking away any scope of competitiveness. Not only that, raising suspicions of corruption, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has found that rations worth almost Rs 2 crore, meant for soldiers in high altitude areas, remain untraceable in the Northern Command. A majority of these rations, the report says, were issued during 2005-06, during which former Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor was heading the Northern Command.

The report also quotes an internal Army study that reveals only one per cent of soldiers in units across the country find the quality of rations they receive as excellent. A majority of the jawans have graded their rations as satisfactory or below.

While the armed forces have been trying to improve rations, the damning report has come as a shocker. The ministry is currently working on a long term plan to improve the quality of food as well as storage locations and is likely to come up with a new set of regulations soon.
Jawans at borders get stale food: CAG Report

भारतीय सेना के जवानों के लिए कॉलेज की डिग्री

ज्ञानदीप परियोजना एक समझौता ज्ञापन के आधार पर शुरू किया गया था (एमओयू) 4 सितम्बर 09 पर सेना और इग्नू के बीच हस्ताक्षर किए गए. परियोजना भारत के माननीय राष्ट्रपति द्वारा 19 नवंबर, 2009 को राष्ट्र को समर्पित किया गया. परियोजना का उद्देश्य के लिए मान्यता के अनुसार "सेवा में" व्यक्तियों द्वारा अपनी सेवा कैरियर की संपूर्ण अवधि के दौरान किए गए प्रशिक्षण के लिए द्वारा भारतीय सेना के जवानों को शैक्षिक प्रमाण पत्र प्रदान है. उद्देश्य यह भी है कि उन्हें एक डिप्लोमा के साथ डिग्री / arming इतनी के रूप में एक दूसरे कैरियर के बाद सेवानिवृत्ति की सुविधा के सभी जवानों को सशक्त. इस कार्यक्रम के लिए सैनिकों की उन्हें एक औपचारिक योग्यता से लैस है और उन्हें प्रतियोगी नौकरी के अवसर के लिए तैयारी कर सेवानिवृत्ति के बाद जीवन को बदलने की क्षमता है.

जवानों को जो डिप्लोमा के पुरस्कार के लिए डिग्री / उनके संबंधित रेजिमेंटल सेंटर के माध्यम से ऐसा कर सकते हैं, जो सभी के साथ किया गया है इग्नू आर्मी इग्नू सामुदायिक कॉलेजों के रूप में पंजीकृत रजिस्टर करना चाहते हैं. इन सामुदायिक कॉलेजों में गठित स्वायत्त संस्थानों के रूप में कार्य शैक्षणिक, प्रशिक्षण और प्रशासनिक जिम्मेदारियों आदि किसी भी समय और संबद्धता इग्नू करने के लिए नहीं लेनी होगी. सामुदायिक कॉलेजों के शैक्षणिक कार्यक्रमों की पहचान के लिए स्थानीय नौकरी की आवश्यकताओं और अवसरों की एक आवश्यकता के विश्लेषण के आधार पर इस कार्यक्रम के लिए सैनिकों के समुदाय के लिए की पेशकश की और पाठ्यक्रम में इन निष्कर्षों को शामिल करेगा, और इसलिए आवश्यक है, अगर इग्नू से सहायता लेने में जैसे शैक्षणिक कार्यक्रमों की पहचान करना. सामुदायिक कॉलेजों के मानदंडों और इग्नू, जिसके तहत इग्नू नियम और सामुदायिक कॉलेज स्कीम की शर्तों को संशोधित करने के लिए एकमात्र अधिकार है के द्वारा योजना के लिए निर्धारित दिशा निर्देशों का पालन करेंगे.
अधिक जानकारी: जेसीओ के लिए कॉलेज की डिग्री अपने सैन्य सेवा के बाद NCOs और जवानों: यहाँ क्लिक करें

सुनहरा मौका
एक डिग्री के लिए अग्रणी शिक्षा प्रदान अग्रणी कल्याण के लिए उपाय है हमारी अच्छी तरह से जवानों लायक थे. परियोजना ज्ञानदीप हमारे सैनिकों के लिए शानदार सफलता की कहानियों का अगर ईमानदारी से लागू एक हो जाएगा. यह एक जीत सैन्य और राष्ट्र के लिए स्थिति जीत है.
मॉडरेटर.

College degree for JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys of the Indian Army

Project GYANDEEP was launched based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Army and IGNOU on 04 Sep 09. The project was dedicated to the Nation by the Honourable President of India on 19 Nov 2009. The aim of the project is to confer educational certification to JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys of the Indian Army by according recognition to the “in service” training carried out by individuals during the entire span of their service career. The aim is also to empower all JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys by arming them with a diploma/degree so as to facilitate a second career post retirement. This programme has the potential to transform the post-retirement life of soldiers by equipping them with a formal qualification and preparing them for competitive job avenues.

JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys who wish to register for award of diploma/ degree can do so through their respective Regimental Centres, all of which have been registered as Army-IGNOU Community Colleges with IGNOU. These community colleges will function as autonomous institutes in instituting academic, training and administrative responsibilities etc and at any time will not seek affiliation to IGNOU. The community colleges will identify academic programmes to be offered to the community of soldiers for this program on the basis of a need analysis of the local job requirements and opportunities and incorporate these findings into the curriculum, and if so required, take assistance from IGNOU in identifying such academic programmes. The Community colleges will abide by the norms and guidelines defined for the scheme by IGNOU, whereby IGNOU has the sole authority for modifying the terms and conditions of the community college scheme.
More details: College degree for JCOs, NCOs and Jawans after their Military Service: click here

Golden opportunity
Providing education leading to a degree is the foremost welfare measure for our well deserved Jawans. Project Gyandeep will be one of the resounding success stories for our troops if implemented sincerely. It is a win- win situation for the Military and the Nation.
Note: Person Below Officer Rank (PBOR) in the original text has been replaced by JCOs, NCOs and Sepoys as the term PBOR is distastefully coined by MOD babus to demean the soldiers. Let the Armed Forces refrain from using the term PBOR.
Moderator

Cyber Warfare is the New Gen Security Threat: Antony

The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today asked the top brass of the Armed Forces to work in unison and make cyber systems 'as secure and as non-porous as possible'. Addressing the Army Commanders here, Shri Antony said cyber-warfare is becoming a serious threat to security.

"The paradigms of security in the age of Information Technology are seldom constant. The evolving security matrix is complex and calls for co-operation and coordination of the highest level. Today, no single service can work in isolation. Cyber warfare and threats to cyber security are fast becoming the next generation of threats. We need to make our cyber systems as secure and as non-porous as possible", he said.

Shri Antony made a strong plea for synergy among the three Forces and said the future security matrix calls for a high-degree of cooperation and inter-dependence among the Services. He said the primary area of focus should be to develop as a force capable of operating in joint network – centric environment. Besides these the other emerging areas that warrant synergised development are space, NBC, Cyber Warfare capabilities, Air Defence, Rotary Wing Assistance, precision munitions, standoff targeting and missiles, communication systems, logistics and joint training.

"Though significant progress has been made towards accomplishing jointness in various operational training and administrative facets among the three Services, there are a number of areas congruence that need to be strengthened further", he said.

Referring to the Modernisation Plans of the Armed Forces, the Defence Minister said it is in our long term national interest that we become self reliant in the field of critical defence equipment. He said modernisation plans of the Armed Forces encompass force modernisation and development of critical combat capabilities, not only against potential adversaries, but across the spectrum of conflict. Sitanshu Kar / RAJ
PIB: Cyber Warfare is the New Gen Security Threat: Antony

Army Commanders’ Conference
The Army Commanders’ Conference commenced at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army) on 17 May 10. The five days conference, scheduled from 17 May 10 to 21 May 10 is being chaired by Army Chief General VK Singh. The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in his inaugural address emphasised on the necessity for force modernisation to meet emerging threats. He stressed on the requirement of Tri-Services synergy across the spectrum of conflict to meet our National Security needs. The Defence Minister brought out that Cyber Security is the next generation of threat. He stressed the need to make our cyber space fully secure. He said that the Govt was taking all necessary steps to ensure that the Indian Army is kept in a high state of operational preparedness as also ensuring high morale of troops through training and welfare measures.

The Army Chief General VK Singh during his address reviewed the Regional security situation, in which he spoke of the Asymmetric means adopted by non state actors and terrorists to achieve their objectives. He also mentioned the multi spectral threats, which directly affect military doctrines and restructuring.

General Singh stressed on the need to transform the Indian Army so as to customise its operational effectiveness. Talking about training, the Army Chief emphasised on realistic, imaginative and practical training. Referring to Low Intensity Conflict he stressed on “zero tolerance” to Human Rights violations.

Army Chief also emphasised on morals, ethics and value systems in the Army. He brought out that professional commitment, loyalty, sacrifice and integrity were the need of the hour and that there would be no compromise with respect to the image of the Army. Veerendra/Rajendra
Army Commander's Conference commenced: PIB

Army to outsource training of officers

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 9
In a perceptible shift in its ideology and approach to modern-day requirements, the Army is experimenting with the concept of outsourcing the training and orientation programme of officers posted to some branches to private firms.

While the job of training is being offered to ‘reputed firms having a national or international footprint’ to take up such tasks on a turn-key basis, the training programmes would be handled by senior retired officers on their rolls.

Officers posted to some branches in higher headquarters are required to undergo capsule courses to familiarise them with the functioning of the branch. For example, the Master General of Ordnance’s Branch at Army Headquarters, which has initiated this project, conducts a three-day training course for all officers posted to it.

At present, such matters are dealt in-house by the services, with serving officers being deputed for the same. Outsourcing training with senior retired officers at the helm of affairs would, according to the Army’s thinking, ensure availability of skilled advice and conserve military resources and manpower.

The training programme would be designed and approved by the branch concerned and the firms concerned would be required to form a panel of retired officers expert in the required areas for conduct of training. Officers would be of the rank of colonel or brigadier and it would be mandatory for them to have had an instructional tenure at specified military colleges or training establishments as well as a staff posting at the branch concerned during their service career.

Not surprisingly, the move to outsource training and the expected participation of international firms has raised security concerns in some quarters. Screening of firms and personnel associated with training as well as assuring security of information would be mandatory.
Army to outsource training of officers

Comment: This idea seems to be mooted by the bureaucrats. Where is the necessity of Private Players/ Institutions when we have so many Military Training Institutions and Public sector Institutions like CSIR, DRDO in the country? All one needs is to select and employ Retired Military Professionals as expert staff and evolve specialised training capsules for ASC, Ordnance and EME. Emphasis should be on quality of products which ultimately trickles down to the foot soldier and reduction of corruption which is the cause of poor quality; be it services or products for soldiers. All training capsules must aim and emphasise on Service, Character and Integrity as component of Military Leadership.

NDA: An Ideal Instructor

1st POP at NDA, Khadakwasla... 10th course POP reviewed by Pt. Nehru : 5 Jun 1955

ABOUT RSM AYLING of NDA by a former cadet
Many of us had associations with RSM Ayling. I have cut and pasted what a 10th course cadet had to say about him... Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (Retd)

An Ideal Instructor
This June, 10th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA) would complete fifty years. This course had 232 cadets-one of the largest at that time. We first went to the Joint Services Wing, Clement Town, Dehra Dun in 1953. After completing eighteen months, we were shifted to NDA, Khadakvasla. The Academy was being developed at that time and roads were under construction. Only one wing of the Mess was ready. Most of the time we were carrying cycles on our heads.
Our course became one of the most illustrious courses. It poduced Chief of Army Staff, Gen S Roy Chowdhry, Vice Chief of Air Staff, one Army Commander-Lt Gen Jameel Mahood, Lt Gen Sher Amir Singh, Vice Admiral Kasz Raju,Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Surinder Nath, Lt Gen RN Batra, Lt Gen Surinder Kumar and fifty more Brigadiers, Admirals and Air Marshals.
In the process of becoming officers from Boys, some of the great staff of officers, civil professors and JCOs are always remembered for they “shape up” the future. One such great instructor was Regimental Sergeant Major Ayling. He was the first one to receive us at Dehra Dun. Monsoons had swept the Aravali Range of mountains and the train, with its steam engine puffing, was negotioating the slope from Hardwar to Dehra Dun. There was anxiety, uncertainty and fear writ on the faces of all. The only silver lining was the pitter-patter of rain and the lush green Dun Valley. Trees were laden with lichees, mangoes, grape fruit and there was abundance of flowers. The train screeched to a halt and number of whistles wer blown, followed by a stern bark of an order: “All future cadets, bring out your luggage and fall-in in front of your compartments”. No coolies were permitted and it was back-breaking to carry huge trunks and beddings in, now outdated, “holdalls”. We all somehow dragged the luggage on to the waiting trucks. The sight was quite close to the modern-day trucks which carry poultry for slaughter.
Half an hour later the trucks reached the Academy. Again a set of whistles and a voice thundered, “Get off, double time, fall in, get a move on!” Totally shaken up, we jumped off the trucks and stood in a line. Dressed in a spotless uniform, a man, 6 feet 3 inches in height, was the one who was shouting the orders. He shouted again, “Stop fidgetting like girls, stop moving and stop talking”. Soon there was a pin-drop silence and the voice thundered once again, “From now onwards you have no fathers, no mothers. I am your father, I am your mother, pick up your boxes and beddings and move to your Squadrons”.
Totally subdued and terrified we moved on. Later we discovered that the voice belonged to Regimental Sergeant Major Ayling of Grenadiers Guards of the British Army. The RSM was on deputation to teach the cadets the rudiments of discipline and drill. This very soldier honed, trained, disciplined and prepared us to become the worthy officers of Army, Navy and Air Force. Many of us won the highest bravery awards while some rose to the highest ranks in the three services.
When the words of command changed to Hindi, in the fifties, we thought that the world would come to an end. Sergeant Major Ayling just took one month to master the Hindi words of command and never faltered-not even once while training us. Though he owned a small Ford Prefact car, he always walked or cycled to the drill square since our Adjutant, Capt ML Whig owned only a cycle. For that matter, those days most officers owned only a bicycle.
His sense of humour was a legend. During a passing-out parade rehearsal, Corporal Kasz Raju (later Vice Admiral) and myself were the Right and Left Markers. For some reason the parade was halted but we the Markers did not hear the order and carried on slow marching towards the Quarter Deck. Sergeant Major shouted, “When you two reach the Quarter Deck, drop us a postcard” and of course all the cadets in the parade had a good laugh at us.
As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee at the National Defence Academy this June, this great soldier of Grenadier Guards will be remembered by the cadets of fifties who always hold him in veneration.
-Brig (Retd) Sudhir Arora
An Ideal Instructor


17 Course NDA Golden Jubilee Celebrations
The 17 Course NDA (1957-1959) celebrated their golden jubilee (50 years) from 7 to 9 December 2009, at NDA Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
See the cadet’s photos here.
It was attended by 88 former cadets of the 17 Course. Most of them had brought their wives. Also present were 4 grandchildren, 2 children, 2 daughters in law, and 4 ladies. Those who could not attend were sadly missed. See the participant’s photos here.

Soldiers from the Indian Army and U.S. Marines board amphibious assault vehicles for joint training

Image: 090801-N-0327S-005.jpg The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) click here

Description: Soldiers from the Indian Army and U.S. Marines wait to board amphibious assault vehicles.

100414-N-6199O-094 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 14, 2010) Soldiers from the Indian Army and U.S. Marines wait to board amphibious assault vehicles in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during a joint exercise off the coast of San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gabriel Owens/Released) click here

CRPF Massacre- Dantewada Inquiry

13 Apr 2010: Veteran Views
Do you think India is soft on terror?
There were three recent news items of significance related to the Dantewada episode.

1. First, an inquiry has been set up to look into what went wrong at Dantewada resulting in the massacre.

2. Next, another item stated that all reporters and other media people were prevented by CRPF officials from talking to the non-critically injured admitted in hospital to share their experience firsthand.

3. The third said, quoting someone from the CRPF,"The troops walked into the ambush site as they had missed the point in hours of darkness. Such a thing could have happened to the best trained force in the world. It was not due to lack of training of troops".

Setting up an inquiry is fine. What comes out of it can be made out to a great extent from the items 2 and 3 mentioned above.

There will be a general cover-up to shield the organization’s top brass who in my opinion are culpable of not training their men for the envisaged operations. I fail to understand how a force moving at night, be it on foot, in vehicles, in dark, in close country (forest), on a foot track, or on road can ever 'miss the point'. Obviously they were not aware at all times where the column was at a given point of time. This is a basic need for any kind of movement by day or by night. Well trained troops cannot afford to make such mistakes. If we accept this logic put forward by some CRPF official we should be having far more army casualties patrolling the LC and fighting terrorists in J&K. Any force on the move has to know at all times where its head and where its tail is at a given point of time to able to respond correctly to an enemy strike anywhere along its length.

Reluctance of CRPF officials to permit the injured to share information of general nature is an obvious attempt to bottle up any adverse comment on the state of training of the Force: uncomfortable for the higher-ups.

True to our old habits our inquiries on Dantewada will also go the 26/11 way.
Col Vijay Rajdhan (Retd)
Dantewada Inquiry

MP's concern for the Armed Forces

Click on images to read the letter
Dear Veterans,
A copy of a letter written to Shri AK Antony by Shri Harsh Vardhan MP Lok Sabha is as above for your information please. I had a meeting with Mr Harsh Vardhan today at IESM HQ and it was very productive interaction with him. He is very positively predisposed towards the problems of Defence Forces and has promised to raise these issues at appropriate forums.
With kind regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement

CRPF are well trained to neutralise Naxal/ Maoist Terror

20:11 IST
Reports have appeared in the media that ‘A’ company (45 men), ‘C’ company (12 men) and ‘G’ company (15 men) of the 62nd Battalion of the CRPF that undertook the area domination operations exercise out of the base camp at Chintalnar, district Dantewada, Chhattisgarh had not undergone training. These reports are incorrect and baseless.
‘A’ company underwent the following training:

Pre-induction training from 25.5.2009 to 21.6.2009.

Anti-naxal training from 8.2.2010 to 25.3.2010.
‘C’ company underwent the following training:

Pre-induction training from 25.5.2009 to 21.6.2009.
‘G’ company underwent the following training:

Pre-induction training from 28.2.2009 to 8.3.2009.

Pre-induction training was imparted with specific reference to the area in which they were to be inducted. Anti-naxal training is more intensive training. ‘C’ company and ‘G’ company will undergo anti-naxal training when their turn comes in the cycle. All three companies were well-equipped. After the ambush, the three companies lost the following arms:

INSAS LMGs 6

INSAS rifles 42

SLRs 7

AK rifles 17

2” mortar 1

51” mortar 1

Carbine 1
Total 75

As regards training capacity, CRPF has Counter-Insurgency and Anti-terrorist (CIAT) schools in Silchar and Shivpuri with an annual capacity to train 1829 personnel and 750 personnel respectively. Four more adhoc training schools are being set up, one of which will be for the CRPF. Twenty more CIAT schools, with a total annual capacity of 18,000 personnel, are being set up in five States with MHA’s assistance and one of them has been completed and is operational in Orissa. The Army has trained 10 Battalions of CRPF, 10 Battalions of BSF and 5 Battalions of ITBP prior to their induction in naxal-affected States. OK/lg
Reports Relating to training of CRPF Personnel are Incorrect

Sitting ducks. That’s how Chhattisgarh’s top terrorism expert Brigadier (retd) BK Ponwar describes the security personnel who are fighting the Naxalites in the ‘Red Corridor’. Asked for how long the Naxal menace would continue, Ponwar said: “If a joint operation is launched in the entire ‘Red’ belt, we can wipe out the problem in a year or so.”
CRPF ‘not sticki’ to jungle warfare basics: Top expert on terror says

There is no controversy
Chief of Army Staff in an interview has only confirmed that 62 Battalion was not trained by the Army. This does not imply that CRPF Battalion was not trained at all. Training is a continuous process for all combat men irrespective of arm or service or armed constabulary. Guerrilla Warfare is a very specialised one where combat is limited by terrain and jungles. The use and role of vehicles in thick forsts is limited. To that extent the Armed Forces has training methods evolved from the Burma Campaign of WWII. Field Marshal Manekshaw was gravely wounded. The famous Chindwara training camps of WWII were the best in the world for training of Soldiers. Everyone needs to learn lessons from history and tragedy. Sometimes the training report of Battalions are cooked up on paper to save their own skins, we need to be aware of such unbecoming conduct too because we Indians by nature excel in the art of book keeping or training on paper!

Veterans assist review Indian Military doctrine

Tribune News Service New Delhi, December 30
The Army’s military doctrine is being reviewed and it will now include an added thrust in five key areas that will propel the doctrine. This includes wars in faraway lands, besides strategy on how to face future challenges posed by China and Pakistan.The key areas include preparation for a two-pronged war with China and Pakistan. Both countries will have to be looked at separately and also collectively. The nature of conflict, if ever, with both countries will vary greatly in terms of terrain and use of weapons and firepower.

The Army, which is involved in fighting insurgency in J&K and the North-East, is also looking to optimise capabilities to fight asymmetric war waged by both state and non-state actors such as terror attacks and proxy wars. This will include cyber and electronic warfare.

The doctrine will look at ways to enhance the strategic reach of the Army and joint operations with the Navy and the Air Force. Countries like the USA already have airborne division while China displayed its might a couple of months ago by showing rapid induction of troops. The reviewed doctrine will also touch upon space-based capability and methods to achieve technological edge over the enemy. The doctrine is reviewed every five years by the Army’s Shimla-based Training Command. The two-day closed-door review ended here today.

Among those who have contributed with their opinions were retired officers like Lt-Gen SS Mehta, Lt-Gen Vijay Oberoi, Lt-Gen Satish Nambiar, Air Commodore Jasjit Singh, Maj-Gen GD Bakshi and Brig Gurmeet Kanwal. Former High Commissioner to Pakistan G Parthasarthy was also among those who addressed the meeting.

The Training Command had already begun reworking on the doctrine to include the new developments in different areas of warfare.
Army doctrine being reviewed

National Defence Academy- childhood reflections

Sir,
Being from a totally fauji background and having a dad who loved to tell stories, I grew up as familiar with NDA as if I had trained there myself. Then Daddy was posted there as OIC ATT and I cycled around everywhere from the stables to Peacock Bay. As a cadet, I could chat so comfortably with my ex-NDA coursemates about GFCL and FL and 'restrictions' and GCI and everything, that they made me an honorary ex-NDA (from Echo Sqn, in honour of Daddy). When my brother was training, I returned every term to that sacred institution more out of my reverence for the Academy than my desire to visit Nipun. I was an officer by then and could throw my weight around a bit. A couple of my coursemates were Div Os too, and that only added to the fun.
After such long association with NDA, it was only natural that when I began writing, one of my initial articles revolved around the Academy. I am attaching a copy of it for your amusement, Sir.
Thank you,
Sugandha Thakran

LIVING WITH AN EX-NDA A BEGINNER’S GUIDEI have been surrounded by ex-NDA officers for as long as I can remember. My father, my brother, and now my husband and father-in-law too. All products of that fine establishment, the maker of men – the National Defence Academy. In the course of my life among these officers and gentlemen, I have come to some conclusions. Conclusions which could prove priceless advice for some naïve young thing about to get associated with a man from above said breed.

To start with, there’s the Squadron. One of the fifteen first alphabets expanded into their telegraphic full form, to which each ex-NDA swears undying loyalty. A fellow in arms who belonged to the same squadron at any point of time since the inception of the Academy is a buddy. Needless to say, the senior among the two ‘Squadron types’ is obliged to favour the junior with more liberty than he would have otherwise received. Always remember your ex-NDA’s squadron, it’s traditions, it’s strengths (it never had any weaknesses) and the names of his Divisional Officers or DivOs. Never, ever criticize anything even remotely connected with his squadron unless you want to earn an instant battle or frigid silence, depending on the temperament of the man. His squadron is the supreme body of the supreme establishment which made him a man.

Next is the matter of hierarchy. There are many approaches to establishing the pecking order, which is never vulgarly obvious, but sacred nonetheless. “He’s from the twentieth course, man! Way, way beyond our league.”, “Oh, he was just an OC”, “He’s a General- both times discipline”, “Swimming Blazer. Did the Peacock Bay on campfire night for the tipsy”, “Arrey yaar, he’s a RIMCO. He’ll get it done through his network.”. Make yourself familiar with the terminology and never get confused between a course and a term. Remember his place in the hierarchy and along with him, sneer at those below and display appropriate awe towards those above.

Of all the physical events at the NDA, the two most dissected and rehashed by all ex-NDAs nostalgically are the Cross Country race and Swimming. No matter if he was a cross country medalist or a dead sinker, your man will never tire of discussing each visit to the pool and the usual six cross country races in excruciating detail. Listen with wide eyed interest and remember the best enclosure he ever achieved. Never, ever, ever compare your Asian Games gold medal in decathalon with his cross country participation. Never. A cross country in which he participated was sacred and at least one cadet died in the race during at least one of his six terms. You could never have died doing a shitty decathalon.

Term privileges are hard won freedoms which differ from one ex-NDA to another, depending on his Squadron. He will often use the same principle in the disciplining of his children. If it worked for the kids there, why not for his own? And trust me, it usually does… So if the man doesn’t take you for that long awaited movie just because you sewed the button on the wrong side of the cuff, forgive him. That sort of logic is only his training speaking. Likewise, he will also understand the principle of extra privileges and withholding privileges in your dealing with him.

Like all establishments, the NDA has its own jargon. OC is not the Officer Commanding like you would imagine, and FL is not Fairy Lights. GCI is not General Cleanliness Inspection and Cabin Cupboard is not a piece of furniture in a cosy little cottage. Patti Parade is not first aid practice and Fall In is not the opposite of a Fall Out. Bewildering though this unique language of the Ex-NDA may seem to you, never display any sign of scorn or boredom. Unless you want to be left out at every occasion when he meets a brother, pick up the terminology as quickly as you can. It is not too difficult. Most Ex-NDAs only need subtle encouragement to start a class.

And last, but most important of all, never underestimate the power of ‘Tipsy Pudding’. This one sweet factor to the life of an Ex-NDA cadet is like ambrosia on a parched tongue. Don’t even think of trying to whip it up in your kitchen, and take comfort in the fact that even the Queen’s kitchen cannot produce the item which he will accept as the ‘real’ Tipsy Pudding. No. The only real Tipsy Pudding is the one he licked off his filthy fingers out of a half full ‘pateela’ in which one of his coursemates stood knee-deep in fruits, nuts, cream and rum soaked cake, ladling out the treasure with his bare hands. If you have understood the passion which drove those young boys trembling on the brink of manhood and accept with a philosophical shrug that somewhere deep down, that boy is crystallized in his Tipsy driven optimism, then you will have no problems. For only a man who can doggedly claw his way through three years of weathering will surely in the light of your acceptance, stay doggedly by your side.
Sugandha Thakran

Time has come for armed forces' reforms: MPs panel

The Hindu- Tuesday, February 24, 2009 : 1935 Hrs
New Delhi (IANS): Saying it was "high time" reforms were brought in the armed forces to address "undesirable discriminatory practices" based on rank and gender bias, a parliamentary panel has also urged an "attitudinal change" in the mindset of the higher echelons of the military in view of socio-economic changes in society.

In a series of far-reaching recommendations, parliament's standing committee on defence has also asked the defence ministry to also "devise an effective training strategy" to meet the long term requirements of the armed forces and said it was "perturbed" that the measures taken to address the staggering shortage of officers "have not proved efficacious enough".

This apart, the committee, in its 34th report tabled in parliament on Tuesday, noted that the recruitment procedure for officers had remained virtually static during the last three decades and that no attention had been paid to promotional avenues for personnel below officer rank (PBORs) like what had been done in the case of officers.

Turning to the huge shortage of 14,666 officers in the armed forces, with the army alone accounting for 11,807 of these, the committee said it was "not inclined" to accepting the defence ministry's view that this was mainly due to the youth according to low priority to a military career.
Full Article:
Time has come for armed forces' reforms: MPs panel