Comments on: The opposition to a CDS http://www.stratpost.com/the-opposition-to-a-cds South Asian Defense & Strategic Affairs Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:14:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: akshay http://www.stratpost.com/the-opposition-to-a-cds/comment-page-1#comment-1090 akshay Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:43:03 +0000 http://www.stratpost.com/?p=1007#comment-1090 India did have a CDS when it gained freedom, Robert Lochart being the first i believe. Then under UK, India was supposed to have a bigger role in world affairs but we went small. Now with the Blue water navy and MRCA/LCA airplanes and Arihant(s), INdia is again going to be in a position to influence South Asia. While a CDS may not be helpful/active in a war, he helps cut bureaucracy and instills discipline in all 3 forces with his word. India did have a CDS when it gained freedom, Robert Lochart being the first i believe.
Then under UK, India was supposed to have a bigger role in world affairs but we went small.
Now with the Blue water navy and MRCA/LCA airplanes and Arihant(s), INdia is again going to be in a position to influence South Asia.
While a CDS may not be helpful/active in a war, he helps cut bureaucracy and instills discipline in all 3 forces with his word.

]]> By: joshiskdr http://www.stratpost.com/the-opposition-to-a-cds/comment-page-1#comment-110 joshiskdr Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:40:31 +0000 http://www.stratpost.com/?p=1007#comment-110 Defense matters are serious matters. Political leaders (no matter how good or bad) having the final say in defense matters is understandable (and justifiable as well) being the peoples' representatives. But it is unfortunate if the bureaucrats (jacks of all trades whose exposure to defense matters is only tenure based) are allowed to claim to be more knowledgeable, wiser and competent in deciding the issues as vital as defense of the nation, vis-a-vis the seasoned professional soldiers who have devoted a lifetime thinking, talking,training, planning and fighting for the country. A Chief of the Defense Staff should rightfully be the top most adviser to the Ministry of Defense in planning and conduct of integrated defense. The role of the defense secretary should be to assist and advise the Defense Minister about how to effectively support and facilitate the execution of defense plans. Defense of the country is a professional matter, far too important than individual egos and has to be dealt with by professionals in a professional manner. As far as the fear of Military take over in India is concerned, it is only a figment of imagination. If it didn't happen for 60 years, it isn't even remotely possible now with the democratic process so firmly entrenched in the country. Defense matters are serious matters. Political leaders (no matter how good or bad) having the final say in defense matters is understandable (and justifiable as well) being the peoples’ representatives. But it is unfortunate if the bureaucrats (jacks of all trades whose exposure to defense matters is only tenure based) are allowed to claim to be more knowledgeable, wiser and competent in deciding the issues as vital as defense of the nation, vis-a-vis the seasoned professional soldiers who have devoted a lifetime thinking, talking,training, planning and fighting for the country.

A Chief of the Defense Staff should rightfully be the top most adviser to the Ministry of Defense in planning and conduct of integrated defense. The role of the defense secretary should be to assist and advise the Defense Minister about how to effectively support and facilitate the execution of defense plans. Defense of the country is a professional matter, far too important than individual egos and has to be dealt with by professionals in a professional manner.

As far as the fear of Military take over in India is concerned, it is only a figment of imagination. If it didn’t happen for 60 years, it isn’t even remotely possible now with the democratic process so firmly entrenched in the country.

]]>