Army set to create new positions as part of overhaul

Army set to create new positions as part of overhaul

News:

1. The Army is set to begin its biggest reform exercise since independence to rightsize the force and reduce its mounting revenue expenditure.

Important Facts:

2. The reform exercise is likely to see creation of new positions, namely:

• Third Deputy Chief of Army Staff
• Director General of Strategic Communications

3. Other key changes included in the reform exercise:

• Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs)
• Shifting the Director General Military Training in the Army HQ to the Army’s Training Command at Shimla.
• Reorganising several overlapping divisions at the Army HQ.
• Rightsizing the force over the next 6-8 years

4. The Directorate of Strategic Communications, and the existing Directorates of Military Operations and Military Intelligence, are likely to be moved under a new Deputy Chief of Army Staff.
5. Four expert studies were carried out for the overhaul of Army as:

• The restructuring of Army Headquarters (HQ)
• Cutting down the strength
• Cadre review of officers
• Review of terms and conditions of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (OR)

6. The focus of the studies is holistic integration to enhance the operational and functional efficiency, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate force modernisation and address aspirations.
7. The “studies” would be implemented progressively in a phased manner.
8. The Army currently has two Deputy Chiefs, one for information systems and training and another for planning and systems.