FOR CONTINUED ANALYSIS SUBSCRIBE TO GUNNERS SHOT WITH YOUR EMAIL
Civil Military Fusion is the need of the day in India. However there are many facets of Civil Military Fusion – Politico Military Fusion, Information and Strategic Communication , Economic and Financial Fusion and Industrial Fusion. We had a very interesting and meaningful discussion . India has a long way to go and a lot of hard work to do. More importatntly it needs an attitudinal change at all levels levels of governance to bring about meaningful civil military fusion.
Interesting discussion. But I want to clarify that every DM has a War book that is only in his possession.He alone accesses it when there are war clouds. Most probably it is prepared and updated in the ministry of defence. For Maj. General Narayanan. I am sure he knows that there are over 20 ranking military officers posted in the ministry of defence.
When I was the DGCA and AS ministry of civil aviation Air Marshal Keelor became my Advisor. We had excellent rapport for nearly 18 months together.
I and the late Gen Pattabhiraman were in correspondence with the then PMO on the fusion between the Offices of the chiefs and the MOD. We were told that in most cases there is a single file system and level jumping.
The financial powers of the Area commanders have been increased manyfold in the last 20 years.
One general told me that he should have the liberty to buy what he wants from where he chooses without his FA poking his nose — i told him that would be the sure road to a jail.
Gen Iyer mentioned something about irrigation canals being constructed consulting the army.There are approximately 300,000 kilometres of canals in india which are usually constructed taking into account the topography and needs of the command area.They cannot be made to suit tank or armoured vehicle movements. May be to some extent in the border areas it may be possible to a limited extent.
There is a confusion about the lists in the constitution that lay down the responsibilities of the Centre , the states and those in concurrent jurisdiction.
What is the role of the armed forces in these lists.Armed forces are exclusively in the central list so that there is no meddling anywhere.What pertains to the forces are in the exclusive jurisdiction of the Central govt and Parliament. Does any one want a state to meddle in their affairs.
India since long has not had a war which touched any part south of the Vindhyas. Yes for troop and equipment movements India is one.But that should not make India into one single war zone.
Modern wars are not merely fought between organised forces.Remember the way the ISIS fought and how the Taliban gave the American forces a run for their money.The Hamas are still fighting the IDF and the Houthis are fighting it out with everyone. Future wars are not going to be on platoons and companies making bayonet charges at one another.They will be different. Yes I agree that the IAS should be separated from the rest of the services for exam, training, discipline and promotion I IF IT HAS TO BE CONTINUED AS AN INSTITUTION FOR GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNTRY. I have on many occasions said that after selection their first training should be in the IMA and the OTA.THEY SHOULD COMMAND PATROLS IN THE BORDER AND ENGAGE IN FIGHTS WHEN NEEDED FOR THREE MONTHS BEFORE GETTING INTO THE LBSAA. But that will never be as 42 years is also an age at which you can appear for the IAS FOR ONE CATEGORY.
Generals please keep your forces away and do not get into the quagmire of civilian area.There are invisible quick sands. You are doing fine without all the reservation and religious mumbo jumbo. PLEASE KEEP IT THAT WAY FOR THE INTEGRITY AND SECURITY OF OUR ARMED FORCES. Sivaraman
Thanks sir for your valuable advice
Gunners Shot 
Leave a comment