Integrated theatre commands "EMPOWER IAS"

 

News:

• The next step in defence reforms after the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) would be the formation of integrated theatre commands, Indian Army Chief said.

 

What is an integrated theatre command?

• An integrated theatre command envisages a unified command of the three Services, under a single commander, for geographical theatres that are of security concern.
• The commander of such a force will be able to bring to bear all resources at his disposal — from the IAF, the Army and the Navy — with seamless efficacy.
• The integrated theatre commander will not be answerable to individual Services, and will be free to train, equip and exercise his command to make it a cohesive fighting force capable of achieving designated goals.
• The logistic resources required to support his operations will also be placed at the disposal of the theatre commander so that he does not have to look for anything when operations are ongoing.
• This is in contrast to the model of service-specific commands which India currently has, wherein the Army, Air Force and Navy all have their own commands all over the country.
• In case of war, each Service Chief is expected to control the operations of his Service through individual commands, while they operate jointly.
• The committee, which was headed by Lt General DB Shekatkar (retd) has recommended the creation of 3 integrated theatre commands — northern for the China border, western for the Pakistan border and southern for the maritime role.

 

How is “jointness” different from integrated commands?

• Jointness means that while the 3 Services progress and develop in their respective spheres with their independent identity, they function together and so coordinate their operations in war.
• Integrated commands, on the other hand, seek to merge individual service identities to achieve a composite and cohesive whole.
• It implies enmeshing the three Services together at different levels and placing them under one commander for execution of operational plans.

 

Views of the Army Chief

• Referring  to issues concerning the integration, theaterisation and modernisation of the armed forces the Army Chief noted that the appointment of the CDS and the creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) was a momentous one and that the services needed to demonstrate great wisdom and statesmanship in enabling the CDS, a long standing demand of the armed forces.
• The next logical step in the process of defence reforms is the formation of Integrated Theatre Commands to synergise the capabilities and combat potential of the three Services during war and peace.
• The Army Chief said that the Integration of the Armed Forces is “an inevitability” as it would lead to “tri-services synergy” and optimisation of resources.

 

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

• CDS is a four-star general and will act as principal military adviser to defence minister on all tri services matters.
• He will also head the department of military affairs
• CDS was recommended by Kargil review committee after Kargil war.
• In 2017, intelligence and security officials had said that the absence of a CDS was hampering India’s combat capabilities

 

Functions of CDS

• Procurement for defence services other than capital acquisitions.
• Charter says that, in 3 years, jointness in operation, logistics, maintenance, communication, repairs should be effective.
• CDS heads the department of military Affairs, and will also be the permanent chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
• CDS will not exercise any military command including over three service chiefs.
• Rationalization of man power in military and ensuring adequate capital investment to all the 3 forces without discrimination and bias towards his own army.