'We Need Multi-role Force Capabilities Wherein Conventional And Subconventional Capabilities Can Be Balanced To Respond Across The Spectrum Of Conflict'

General Bipin Rawat took over as the new Chief of the Army Staff on January 1, 2017. In an interview with SP’s M.A.I., he gave his candid views on a wide range of subjects and the major challenges confronting the Indian Army and how these are being tackled institutionally. Excerpts...

SP’s M.A.I. (SP’s): Having taken over the reins of our illustrious Indian Army at the start of the new year 2017 and with a fairly reasonable tenure of three years you are in a position to make substantial changes within the force and in maintaining a cordial civil military relationship. What will be your key result areas that you may have chalked out for yourself? Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): The vision statement and thrust areas have been enunciated by my predecessor. I find these are all encompassing, well defined and we need to continue with our efforts in realising these. An abrupt change would only cause confusion amongst the rank and file of the Army. These are reiterated as under:

a. Vision. Ensure capability enhancement and operational effectiveness of the Army to meet all contemporary and emerging challenges.

b. Key Result Areas 

1. Ensure the highest standard of operational preparedness to meet present and emerging challenges. 

2. Ensure force modernisation incorporating relevant contemporary technologies. 

3. Make up critical deficiency of weapons and equipment at the earliest. 

4. Develop requisite capacities and infrastructure with special emphasis on our northern and north-eastern borders.

5. Enhance inter-Services jointmanship at all levels in letter and spirit.

6. Ensure the highest level of security consciousness amongst our rank and file. 

7. Optimally enhance human resource development to fully exploit the inherent strength of the Indian Army.

8. Improve the quality of life and living conditions of all ranks with special emphasis on the soldier. 

9. Foster an organisational climate based on mutual respect and camaraderie amongst all ranks.

10. Ensure requisite welfare measures for ex-servicemen and Veer Naris.