Context
We should introspect whether we are selecting the most meritorious as Army Commanders and putting forward only the best candidates for the selection of a chief
Relevant points from the article
- A completely independent army and its separation from politics has been one of the strongest pillars of our democracy. Selection of army chiefs should not be allowed to dilute this core principle
Army commanders
- Pivotal role of army commanders: Army chief is selected from amongst army commanders. Army commanders have a pivotal role to play in the army. Besides commanding all the forces across the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, the Northeast, and other places, Army Commanders also participate in national-level decision-making over strategic, operational, training, equipment, personnel administration and logistic and financial issues. This is a huge set of responsibilities
- Selecting a commander: In the light of critical nature of responsibilities of army commanders and the fact that army chief is selected from amongst them, following criteria area applied for their selection
- An excellent command of a corps
- Two years of experience: Eligible candidates must have two years of residual service before appointment (more or less similar criteria apply to the other two services)
With these criteria being satisfied, Army Commanders are nominated in the order of seniority
Present situation
- No consideration for merit: Till now, the mandatory requirement of two years of service and seniority at the time of vacancy has resulted in routine elevations to the appointment of Army Commander, merit not being considered
Rationale: All officers who reach that level areequally competent
- Why merit is being considered now?: Author states that in the light of contemporary responsibilities and the increasing importance of jointness (Integrated force development along with operations under unified command) and stretch of warfare, only the best are needed as Army Commanders
Need for reform
The existing policy is therefore flawed, wherein for promotion to this level the primary criterion is not merit unlike for all other ranks
Author suggests
- Reducing the residuary service years to widen scope: We could consider reducing the stipulation of two years to 18 months (it is already one and a half years in the Air Force and one year in the Navy) to widen the number of eligible candidates
- Selection procedure: The three service chiefs could constitute the selection board, with the chief of the service concerned presiding. A final recommendation could then be sent to the government for approval, as in the cases of select ranks
