Top Defence Commanders still undecided on Chief of Defence Staff

The top brass of the armed forces deliberated on different issues concerning countrys strategic and security aspects during the two-day long conference of Unified Commanders beginning here today. An important subject of discussion was the need for a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

New Delhi, June 18 : The top brass of the armed forces deliberated on different issues concerning country's strategic and security aspects during the two-day long conference of Unified Commanders beginning here today. An important subject of discussion was the need for a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Though both Defence Minister A K Antony and Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh stressed on the need for having a CDS for enhancing synergy within the armed forces, there was no any roadmap or timeframe discussed.

The Defence Minister in his speech did not mention anything about CDS but called for developing the overarching the principle of 'jointness' for highest efficacy.

The need for creating the post of CDS was part of the suggestions made by the Group of Ministers following the Kargil war. The Government accepted the suggestion, but no appointment of a CDS has been made so far.

The Ministry of Defence has created an Integrated Defence Staff, which is headed by a Lieutenant General or an officer of equivalent rank from the other two services. The Andamans and Nicobar Command and the Strategic Command report to the Integrated Chief of Defence Staff.

The post of CDS, when created, will be a single point military advisor to the Defence Minister.

During today's conference, the Commanders discussed proposals to enhance military cooperation with foreign countries, including United States, United Kingdom, Russia, hina, Cambodia, Maldives and Seychelles.

The first military exercise with China is scheduled to take place in the next few months.

The Commanders conference also discussed in detail new trends in asymmetric warfare, including ways to counter terrorism. In his opening remarks, Defence Minister Antony stated that the war on terror had shifted the focus of major powers to the Asian region leading to realignments. He asked the commanders to factor the 'changing security architecture' while evolving country's long-term strategy.

The Defence Minister had also drawn the attention of the Commanders to the need for ensuring that the resources provided for acquisition of modern arms are spent within the given time frame.

He also asked the Commanders to take steps to ensure that officers give adequate time to attend to the personal problems of the jawans, which would help in reducing instances of fragging and fratricide.

ANI