The defence forces are
getting a hammering as never before. Corruption and hosts of other scandals
have been exposed and will continue to be exposed. This is far a number of
reasons, one of them being its tax payers money so be accountable. Well no one
will disagree with this logic including the army.
Some of my friends in
civil society will be surprised to know that the Army does not suitable
raincoat to equip its troops. The quality of uniform and lots of other
equipment is worse even than Bangladesh or Sri Lanka leave apart the nations of
sub Saharan Africa. If one was to see the army soldier dressed in a faded
combat dress or mismatching shirt and trouser please don’t blame him or feel sorry
– it’s provided by the aspiring super power. Army is not as well equipped as it
should be even on such basic issues like uniform, shoes, boots, combat equipment
or life jackets matters in spite of the fact that adequate capability exists
within the country. That’s the bitter truth, little known outside the uniformed
people.
Recent article
regarding Army Commanders of Northern and Eastern Command responsible for
wasting hundred core plus by purchasing equipment from Army Commanders Special
power fund. Power vested in Army Commander to procure such equipment which
needs priority purchase and following the longish procedure could be detrimental
to operational or safety of troops deployed in extremely hazardous conditions.
It also must be
appreciated that our country and babudom has more loyalty to the processes and
procedures rather than the outcome. That’s how the procurement of aircraft or
guns so crucial for the defence of the nation takes ten to thirty years for
induction.
The Army Commander is
advised by a financial expert who ensures that there is no loss to the state
and money allotted is optimally spent but again his loyalty is towards the
procedure more than the operational ramifications. For him time is of little
consequence but procedure is. It also needs to be appreciated that when you
have to face the Chinese you need to know their equipment and there is no
security in binoculars or goggles. Computer and allied equipment yes but binoculars—this
is sheer stupid logic. Could someone for God sake look at the larger picture
and not ruin a fine organisation
The Commanders who are
responsible for operational efficacy and safety of troops take the best
possible decision in the existing constraints. To criticise the Army Commander
would doubt his integrity and professional judgement. If that be so, then he is
not fit to be head of the force that can be trusted, therefore should be
removed from command.
Rather than Ministry take
charge of this power and enforce further delay as stated by the Defence
Minster, thereby giving an impression of integrity or professional competence doubts,
it is of utmost importance that the political leadership has faith in the
Senior officers and don’t get carried away by reports of auditors. These
reports do serve a purpose what must not be taken as the gospel truth; even the
Supreme Court has recently clarified this aspect in 2G scam.
Army has its share of
black sheep but it has a huge percentage of honest and sincere officers akin to
civil counter parts. My request is haul it over the coal when there is
corruption but do not contribute to demoralising it or make it a victim of
procedures.
The defence forces will
not let the nation down if you trust them but should it be ram shackled with
procedural delays a repeat of 1962 China debacle may repeat itself.
We all need to be part
of the process of helping the army and stop its demoralising – what ISI and foreign
hands should be doing let us not be their partners.
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