Date : 03/01/2024

Relevance: GS Paper 3- Security - Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas

Keywords: Theaterisation of the Armed Forces, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Dual-Use Technologies and IP Development, Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023

Context-

India finds itself at a crucial juncture in its military reforms, aiming to achieve better integration within the armed forces. The concept of jointness is central to this effort, encompassing collaboration at various levels, both within the uniformed services and between the military and civil society. Here we look into the five fundamental planks for achieving true jointness and explore the challenges and opportunities in the ongoing military reforms.

Five Fundamental Planks of Jointness

1. Integration of Services and Resources:
   The seamless integration of the three armed services and their resources is imperative for optimal operational efficiency. This involves breaking down silos and fostering a unified approach to address diverse challenges.
2. Coordination with Paramilitary Forces;
   Jointness extends beyond the armed forces to include paramilitary forces like the Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal, and Assam Rifles. Coordinated efforts between these forces are crucial for border security.
3. Collaboration with Defence Manufacturing:
   To achieve self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence, there must be jointness between the armed forces and the defence manufacturing sector, particularly with organizations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings.
4. Integration with Industry and Academia:
   The armed forces need joint efforts with industry and academia to realize the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence. This includes a common vision and collaborative action to enhance indigenous manufacturing and technological capabilities.
5. Civil-Military Fusion for National Development:
   A common vision and convergence of action between the uniformed services and the civilian bureaucracy are essential for achieving a developed country's status (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. This broader civil-military fusion contributes to national development.

Theaterisation of the Armed Forces

• Mandate for Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
  The appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff in 2019 signaled a significant step towards integrating the armed forces. The creation of theatre commands is a pivotal aspect of this reform, with geographical commands addressing threats along India's northern and western borders and securing maritime interests.
• Challenges and Consensus
  
Achieving consensus among the three services for major restructuring, including the creation of theatre commands, poses challenges. Public discourse plays a vital role in considering diverse perspectives and ensuring informed decisions for enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Human Resources Considerations
  The armed forces' pyramidal structure and historical differences among the services highlight the need for right-sizing and optimizing resources. Balancing human resources with technological advancements is crucial, especially in the face of evolving warfare technologies.
• Embracing Technology
  Modern warfare demands a balance between human resources and technology. Specialization in high-tech areas, including cyber, AI, and deep tech, is essential. Right-sizing the armed forces involves adapting to the rapid advancements in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and disruptive technologies.

Integration Through Reforms

• Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters
  Synergies are being created at all levels of the armed forces through the Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters. Training and logistics nodes are converging, fostering a more unified approach to military operations.
• Inclusive Recruitment Initiatives
  Initiatives like the Agniveer scheme in recruitment aim to improve the qualitative edge of the armed forces. This aligns with efforts to address concerns such as the tooth-to-tail ratio, enhancing efficiency in resource allocation.
• Role of National Cadet Corps
  The National Cadet Corps contributes to civil-military jointness at the grassroots level. Expanding its reach, especially in vulnerable border areas, enhances security and promotes a sense of responsibility among the youth.
• Border Guarding Forces
  Strengthening jointness among border guarding forces, such as the BSF and ITBP, is crucial for effective border management. Collaborative efforts in information flow, training, and equipment profiles contribute to a more coordinated defense strategy.

Jointness in Defence Production

• Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence
  The quest for self-reliance in defence production involves a balance between collaboration and autonomy. Enhancing the efficacy of the DRDO and fostering collaboration with end-users, industry, and academia is vital for achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Trust in "Made in India" Equipment
  Promoting confidence in indigenous defence products is essential for self-reliance. This trust will not only strengthen the domestic defence industry but also position India competitively in global defence supply chains.
• Dual-Use Technologies and IP Development
  To truly achieve self-reliance, India must focus on developing its intellectual property (IP) in defence research and industry. This involves leveraging dual-use technologies, benefiting not only the armed forces but also contributing to the national economy.

Recent Initiatives:

• Recent strides
  in integrating the three services have been marked by the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the establishment of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), representing significant advancements in the coordination of defense forces.
• Uniform Standardization:
  A noteworthy change includes the adoption of uniformity among officers holding the ranks of Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, and General. This entails wearing berets of a standardized color, utilizing common badges of rank, employing a uniform belt buckle, adhering to a consistent pattern of shoes, and discontinuing the use of lanyards on the shoulders.
• Legislative Measures:
  A crucial development is the introduction of the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha. This legislation aims to empower designated military commanders, enabling them to assume control over soldiers and enforce discipline, irrespective of the specific service to which they belong.

Conclusion

India's diverse security challenges necessitate a comprehensive approach to jointness and integration in its military reforms. Balancing the human element with technological advancements, fostering collaboration at all levels, and promoting self-reliance in defense production are key imperatives. As India strives for Viksit Bharat, the integration of armed forces with civil society, industry, and academia will be pivotal in achieving a developed and secure nation. The ongoing reforms, guided by the principles outlined, are crucial for meeting the unique threats and challenges facing the country.

Source- ORF