core sector communique

ARMY COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE BEGINS

New Delhi : 10 Oct 2011

A five days Army Commander’s Conference commenced at Manekshaw Centre New Delhi today. Being attended by Army Commanders of all the Operational Commands and Army Training Command, the Army Chief during the opening address, emphasised on the macro level security ‘issues, both internal and regional. He expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan.

Being mindful of our Northern and Western borders, the Army Chief spoke about various proposals for accretion of forces which were in the pipeline and the need to look at infrastructural projects along the borders with greater deliberations. The Army Chief complemented Northern and Eastern Commands for their remarkable efforts in containing insurgency and terrorism in their respective theatre of operations. However, he stated that the situation was still fragile and needed due attention. On Disaster Management and Aid to Civil Authorities, he complemented all Commands for their efforts, as the first responders to any situation in our country and their contribution to the Nation’s growth.

With respect to transformation, Army Chief mentioned that significant steps have been initiated for ‘Force Structuring’. Various test beds have been set up for the Northern and Western borders and the same will implemented once approval is accorded for the force accretions. He brought out that proposals for ‘theatrisation’ of Combat and Combat Services Support have been completed and they would be test bedded during the forthcoming Southern Command Exercise with Troops ‘SUDARSHAN SHAKTI’. Once the efficacy is ascertained, it would be implemented. Processes are also on for re-structuring of Army Headquarters, so that it becomes a more responsive and synergised organisation. Regarding Army Aviation, the Chief stressed that the Army and the Air Force are deliberating at the highest level and the focus is to continue in the direction as envisaged. All these steps undertaken would ensure that our Army is more agile, responsive and effective.

So as to bring about greater satisfaction for the troops, the Army Chief brought out various aspects pertaining to rations enhancement, clothing and also a number of schemes put in place for empowerment and education of our troops. The Army Chief also mentioned about the “Training Audit” which would soon be put into place as per procedures recommended by Army Training Command. In the end, Army Chief emphasised that as always operational preparedness and training are getting due attention of everyone in the Army and thus complemented all for their joint efforts.

The five days conference is focusing on various macro level issues pertaining to operational preparedness, equipment sustainment for mission readiness and maximising combat power generation capability of the Army, enhancing professional military education for Scholar Warriors, logistics and other administrative aspects. Procedures to ensure efficient ‘Budgetary Management’, ‘Improvement of Habitat in High Altitude Areas’ and ‘Night landing capability for Airfields in the Northern and Western theatres was deliberated on the first day of the Conference. It was brought out that due to low temperatures at night, the carrying capacity of IL-76 would increase, thus helping in winter stocking as also for operational logistic build up. Induction of recruits was also debated on the first day, where in all were in consonance that ‘online tests’ should be resorted to.

Tomorrow, 11 October, the Army Commanders will join for the Combined Commanders’ Conference, involving Commanders and Principle Staff Officers of all the three services, who would be addressed by the Hon’ble Prime Minster.