Common assessment system mooted for all defence officers

Source: The post is based on the article “Common assessment system mooted for all defence officers” published in The Hindu on 17th June 2023

What is the News?

As India is working on creating integrated theatre commands, a common Annual Confidential Report (ACR) for all defence officers has been mooted.

About the common Annual Confidential Report (ACR)

Need:

-Presently, for postings in combined or tri-services appointments, the selection system is based on parent service-specific parameters.

-Over a period of time, employment of officers in tri-service organisations and environment will increase as the armed forces move towards joint structures and organisations.

So, there is a need to synergise the appraisal system for undertaking the tasks in tri-service  or combined appointments.

Implementation: Initially, a common ACR for two- and three-star officers of armed forces has been approved to be implemented. The implementation timeline is approximately three to four months.

Advantages: a) It will bring in integration and jointness within the three armed forces, b) It will help in achieving commonality in procedures, assessments and lead to better outcomes before the creation of theatre commands, and c) It will lead to better identification and selection of officers for tri-services appointments in the command, staff or instructional channels, based on their suitability

What is Integrated Theatre command?