Indian Army : Updates & Discussions

Been reading this for a while :
Outdated courses to rampant ragging: Why India’s National Defence Academy needs urgent help

Its a good article that raises some vital points. However it has also received plenty of flak online from former military officers. Just read the comment section of the article. The most scathing critique came from a former Army officer on the BR forum :

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@Falcon @vstol Jockey @Ashwin @BlackOpsIndia @_Anonymous_ @randomradio @Guynextdoor @Sathya @Parthu and everybody else.

Please share your views on this.
 
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Been reading this for a while :
Outdated courses to rampant ragging: Why India’s National Defence Academy needs urgent help

Its a good article that raises some vital points. However it has also received plenty of flak online from former military officers. Just read the comment section of the article. The most scathing critique came from a former Army officer on the BR forum :

View attachment 8253

@Falcon @vstol Jockey @Ashwin @BlackOpsIndia @_Anonymous_ @randomradio @Guynextdoor @Sathya @Parthu and everybody else.

Please share your views on this.

courses should definitely be the best in class. I actually suggest an annual quota of IPS officers from the armed forces. This will make sure that some high calibred people who eventually want to move to IPS always try to make it to the army.
 
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Ragging in armed forces is hardly ragging, but mental toughening process. Para probation is worse, but the results are there to see.

As for Lt Gen Panag, I agree. He thinks he is the only one who is correct.

I shall leave it at that.

As for standards, reflective of society. Earlier, cadets joined after Xth standard. They were young, impressionable and could be moulded. Also, personal exposure was less, society was more supportive. Now? Things have changed. Cadet is worldly wise in own opinion (which is the only opinion which matters for him), although may be out of his depth in reality.
 
Till late eighties, the lot which joined NDA used to come from public school backgrounds and also from Sainik schools and Military schools. The third pay commission did irreparable damage to the status of Armed forces and it became worst in 4th pay commission. The services lost their charm as a result. Plus the new recruits to NDA came from families and part of society which did not have rich background and they saw services more as a job than as a service to the nation or a family duty to be fulfilled.
The armed forces are a manifestation of the society as that is their pool of recruitment. Now young guys are more wordly oriented than being driven by the motto of selfless service. If the society as a whole deteriorate, so will the officer cadre.
 
Till late eighties, the lot which joined NDA used to come from public school backgrounds and also from Sainik schools and Military schools. The third pay commission did irreparable damage to the status of Armed forces and it became worst in 4th pay commission. The services lost their charm as a result. Plus the new recruits to NDA came from families and part of society which did not have rich background and they saw services more as a job than as a service to the nation or a family duty to be fulfilled.
The armed forces are a manifestation of the society as that is their pool of recruitment. Now young guys are more wordly oriented than being driven by the motto of selfless service. If the society as a whole deteriorate, so will the officer cadre.

Sir , I have a Suggestion

I think all young recruits should be taken in as Soldiers or Jawans

After one or 2 year of service and also an Exam
They can join IMA

NDA should be converted into IMA
 
Some more movement on the IBG front. I like the pace at which this is moving.(y)

First battle group to be along Pakistan border

Posted at: Jul 22, 2019, 6:38 AM; last updated: Jul 22, 2019, 6:41 AM (IST)

By Ajay Banerjee, Tribune News Service
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Two similar IBGs for frontier with China soon

An Indian Army Corps under the Western Command has been chosen to depute the first integrated battle group (IBG). This is part of a series of steps to restructure the Army to make it leaner and more agile.

Besides, the next phase is to have two similar IBGs in the Himalayas facing China. The IBG on the western front will have different equipment, training and attack tactics than the ones for Himalayas facing China.

Once done, this will be the first tweak to the ‘cold start doctrine’, first made public in 2004 and planned after ‘Operation Parakram’ of 2002.

The first IBG is likely to be tasked along the frontier with Pakistan and what is operationally known as the ‘Shakargarh Bulge’. The Corps and the Western Command — headquartered at Chandimandir, near Chandigarh — have been told to submit a full proposal, sources in the Army told The Tribune.

This will be ratified by the Ministry of Defence before being approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Western Command has three Corps — one each headquartered at Ambala, Jalandhar and Yol (Dharamsala). One of these has been tasked with the responsibility of raising the IBG.

The IBGs will not be new raisings or inductions, it will involve integrating existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, UAVs, engineers and signals. An IBG, with six battalions of infantry, armoured and artillery, will be commanded by Major General or a Brigadier and placed directly under the Corps — a unit headed by Lieutenant General-rank officer. An IBG is expected to bring a significant operational change in the Army.

Topmost commanders of the Army had in October last year decided to restructure the force in phases to convert it into a lean and mean 21st-century force. All suggested operational aspects such as having integrated battle groups have been validated in exercises in Punjab this summer. The 1.3 million-strong Army has undergone a change in tactics, but its size is not matching with limited budgets the government can allocate. There are four major in-house studies.

The study on “Re-organisation and Rightsizing of the Indian Army” has reviewed operational structures to make them efficient and future-ready by taking into account the operational situation on western and northern borders. The IBGs are part of this.

Towards lean & mean force :

  • Integrated battle group is part of restructuring process of the Army to convert it into a lean and mean 21st-century force

  • Will be formed by integrating existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, UAVs, engineers and signals

  • Will have six battalions of infantry, armoured and artillery, commanded by Major General or Brigadier, placed directly under the Corps

  • One of the three Corps headquartered at Ambala, Jalandhar and Yol (Dharamsala) will be tasked with raising the IBG

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/first-battle-group-to-be-along-pakistan-border/805533.html
 
Revamp of Army Headquarters to get under way by end of July

By Dinakar Peri, NEW DELHI, July 21, 2019 23:37 IST
Updated:July 22, 2019 10:54 IST
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Government has already given in-principle approval

The Army’s attempt at major restructuring will begin with the draft government sanction letter for reorganisation of the Army Headquarters (AHQ) expected by the month-end, Army sources said. The AHQ restructuring is the first of the four measures being undertaken as part of the transformation of the force.

Aligning procurements

“The government has already given in-principle approval for the AHQ restructuring. We have identified how to utilise the available space. One of the main ideas is to get procurements aligned, among other things. A new Deputy Chief (Sustenance) is going to look after all procurements,” a senior Army source told The Hindu.

Under the plan, the Master-General Ordnance will report to the Deputy Chief to bring all ammunition under one head, the source stated.

The Army now has two Deputy Chiefs, one for information systems and training and the other for planning and systems. These functions are being brought under one authority to avoid overlapping.

In another major change at the AHQ, the Directorates of Military Operations, Military Intelligence and Operational Logistics will report to the Deputy Chief (Strategy). The Perspective Planning Directorate will also report to this Deputy Chief. The third Deputy Chief, Information Systems, will look after all technology and cyber-related issues, the source said.

A new post of Additional Director-General (ADG), Vigilance, is being created, and he will report to the Army chief.

The four studies ordered by Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat are restructuring of the AHQ; the Army restructuring which includes creation of Integrated Battle Groups; the cadre review of officers; and review of the terms and conditions of Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks.

The aim is a holistic integration to enhance the operational and functional efficiency, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate force modernisation and address aspirations, the Army had stated.

“So far, investigations are happening locally. He will get information of all investigations in the entire Army. This will standardise the nature of punishment,” the source said, adding the current ADG, Discipline and Vigilance, is not getting the feedback. There will be a new position of ADG, Human Resources, who “shall take proactive action on HR violations.”

In the Quartermaster General (QMG) branch, the post of ADG, Technology Evaluation, is to be abolished and chief engineers in formations will be responsible for constructions in their area, and not the Army Headquarters, as is the practice now. “The AHQ cannot look into every construction that is happening,” the source said.

The entire training function will move under the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), which will be shifted from Shimla to Meerut. Furthermore, the Director-General, Rashtriya Rifles (RR), now based in Delhi, will be moved to Udhampur, under an Additional Director-General, where the Northern Command is located.

Revamp of Army Headquarters to get under way by end of July
 
M.M. Naravane to be next Vice-Chief of Army Staff

Special Correspondent, NEW DELHI, July 22, 2019 22:18 IST
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He is the senior-most officer in the force, after Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

Lieutenant-General M.M. Naravane, currently General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Army Command, has been appointed the next Vice-Chief of the Army Staff in a series of changes in the Army’s top brass, defence sources said on Monday. He will take over from Lt. Gen. D. Anbu when he retires on August 31.

Lt.Gen. Naravane, the senior-most officer in the force after the Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, is in line to succeed him on his retirement on December 30.

Lt.Gen. R.P. Singh will take over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Army Command, from Lt.Gen. Surinder Singh, who retires on July 31.

Lt.Gen. Anil Chauhan, currently Director-General of Military Operations, will replace Lt.Gen. Naravane in the Eastern Command. Director-General, Military Training, Lt.Gen. A.S. Kler, has been appointed General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South-Western Command and will take over from Lt.Gen. Cherish Matheson, who retires on August 31. Lt.Gen. I.S. Ghuman will take charge of the Lucknow-based Central Command from Lt.Gen. Abhay Krishna who retires on September 30.

M.M. Naravane to be next Vice-Chief of Army Staff
 
IBGs will be exclusive to army or the airforce has role in it?will it have its own CAS aircraft , attack helis , SAR helis , transport aircraft???
 
Sir , I have a Suggestion

I think all young recruits should be taken in as Soldiers or Jawans

After one or 2 year of service and also an Exam
They can join IMA

NDA should be converted into IMA
NDA Cannot be converted into IMA
1.As it is training academy for three wings of the indian armed forces
2.It cannot convert as NDA Cadet is given more preference in rank than IMA Cadet(means A person joining nda is preferred than a person joining IMA/OTA
3.this cadet are given officer ranking posting only
 
New battle formations by October, says Army chief Bipin Rawat

In an exclusive interview, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat told India Today TV that he took the decision in the matter after an extensive deliberation with the Army commanders and junior officers.

By Manjeet Singh Negi
New Delhi
Published : August 3, 2019
UPDATED : August 3, 2019 03:49 IST
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The Army chief said that the formation of these IBGs will help the force to become lean and efficient in terms of war fighting. (File Photo)

Aiming to further strengthen its ability to carry out swift strikes during wars, the Indian Army is going to raise new lethal battle formations along the borders with Pakistan by October.

In an exclusive interview, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat told India Today TV that he took the decision in the matter after an extensive deliberation with the Army commanders and junior officers.

"After we received the reports from the Army commanders, we carried out field trials and exercises to validate the concepts of Integrated Battle Group (IBG). I'm happy to tell you that from now, top to bottom, our troops are really happy with the formation of the IBGs," he said.

The Army chief said that the formation of these IBGs will help the force to become lean and efficient in terms of war fighting. As per the plan, the Indian Army is going to raise the first few Integrated Battle Groups along the Pakistan border and then it will simultaneously start raising them on the China border too.

"We carried out an exercise to test the new Integrated Battle Group concept under the Western Command. The feedback from the formations and top commanders has been very positive and that is why we are going to start by raising two to three IBGs along the Pakistan border by October this year," top sources in the Army said.

The sources also said that the discussion regarding the exercise and feedback was discussed in detail by seven commanders in the Army headquarters in their war room last week, and the commanders-in-chief have been given the powers to raise the IBGs in their respective areas of responsibilities. The first three IBGs to be raised will have elements from different formations of the Western Command.

According to sources, the Army has tested two types of configurations of the IBG during the exercise, including one for offensive roles which during hostilities involves cross-border operations and the other for defensive postures to withstand an enemy onslaught. During the exercise, IBGs will be used instead of brigades

New battle formations by October, says Army chief Bipin Rawat
 
Army may trim 27,000 from non-core units

Rajat Pandit | TNN | Updated: Aug 13, 2019, 8:22 IST

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File photo.

Highlights :

  • The Army plans to reduce its manpower by around 27,000 soldiers in organisations not part of its regular field formations and units.
  • This will entail a saving of about Rs 1,600 crore.
  • The proposal aims to withdraw soldiers deployed in ‘non-core activities'.

The Army plans to reduce its manpower by around 27,000 soldiers in organisations not part of its regular field formations and units, which will entail a saving of about Rs 1,600 crore, as part of the overall strategy to right-size the 12.5-lakh force grappling with a huge revenue expenditure and salary bill.

There are about 1.75 lakh officers and soldiers currently deployed in organisations ranging from Military Engineer Services, National Cadet Corps, Border Roads Organisation, Territorial Army and Sainik Schools to the operationally-crucial Assam Rifles, Rashtriya Rifles and Strategic Forces Command, all of which do not come under the regular standing Army.

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“A new comprehensive study, chaired by the director-general (perspective planning) at the Army headquarters, has recommended the reduction of Army manpower in such organisations by about 27,000 personnel as well as their restructuring for better efficiency and effectiveness,” said a source.

Army sends plan to defence ministry

The proposal, which aims to withdraw soldiers deployed in ‘non-core activities’ in such establishments called ‘composition table-2’ (CT-2) organisations, is now being forwarded to the defence ministry for approval,” he added. This proposed reduction is part of the larger reforms to transform the Army into a lean, mean, rapidly-deployable and operationally versatile force, which will among other things entail slashing manpower by around 1.5 lakh personnel over the next six-seven years to save around Rs6,000-Rs7,000 crore annually in revenue expenditure.

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As was first reported by TOI last year, the Army conducted four studies on force reorganisation and optimisation, flattening headquarters at different levels, cadre review and terms of engagement for officers and jawans, which are to be gradually implemented after requisite approvals from this year onwards.

Sources say the government sanction letter (GSL) to kick off the first batch of reforms to restructure and down-size the Army headquarters in New Delhi “will be issued any day now”. The measures include relocation of 229 officers on staff duties to frontline operational posts and creation of a new post of deputy chief (strategy) for military operations, intelligence, logistics and strategic planning, among others.

The Army is getting to begin raising new integrated battle groups that can mobilise fast and strike hard across the borders with Pakistan and China, as part of its ongoing endeavour to reformat its entire war-fighting machinery.

Army may trim 27,000 from non-core units | India News - Times of India
 
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Cold Start doctrine begins, deep strike groups to be based in Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan

Defence establishment gives the 'Cold Start' doctrine more teeth by raising integrated battle groups (IBG) that can rapidly deploy and strike deep across the border

By : Prathapan Bhaskaran
Aug 13, 2019 12:49 IST
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Soldiers take position during an encounter with heavily-armed militants at Mohra near the border town of Uri in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on December 5, 2014. Indian Army is in the midst of restructuring to provide more teeth to the Cold Start doctrine that will give the forces the capability for rapid deployment and deep strikes in enemy territory. Source : IANS

The Indian Army's proposed shift of focus to regular field formations, trimming its involvement in non-core organizations, is aimed at giving its 'Cold Start' doctrine more teeth, enabling lightning strikes deep inside enemy territory, reports suggest. Though the proposal was made some time back, it has significance in view of developments in Jammu and Kashmir and deterioration of diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

Tension has been reigning high in the Valley and across the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) and the international border following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in part removing the area's special constitutional status and bifurcating the state into Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, amid hostile statements from the government in Islamabad.

The general perception in the defence circles is that the presence of IBGs would have boosted the armed forces' confidence when the Indian Air Force (IAF) planes carried out surgical strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camps deep inside the Pakistani territory on Balakot in February to avenge the Pulwama terrorist strike. The IAF scrambled a posse of planes including Mirage 2000, Sukhois (Su-30MKI) and MiG-21 Bison to defend the skies against intruding Pakistan Air Force (PAF) formation including F-16s.

1565680763_tank-indian-army-moves-past-soldiers-during-search-operation-after-gun-battle-army-camp-mesa.jpg

A tank from the Indian army moves past soldiers during a search operation after a gun battle at an army camp in Mesar in Samba district on September 26, 2013. The defence establishment is raising integrated battle groups (IBG) with the deep-strike capability and planning to deploy them in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan.Source : Reuters

The defence establishment has begun raising the integrated battle groups (IBG) capable of rapid mobilization and decisive action even on the foreign territory as part of its modernisation plan, according to the media reports. The new self-contained IBGs, centred around T-90S main-battle tanks (MBT), with a mix of infantry, artillery, air defence, signals and engineering corp personnel, will be at the command of Major Generals, a report on the Times of India website says. The plan is to raise two to three IBGs for the plains of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan for the Pakistan border by October-November, while those meant for China will come up later under the new 17 Mountain Strike Corps, the report said.

By reducing the manpower by about 27,000 personnel in organizations engaged in non-core operations, the establishment hopes to save about Rs 1,600 crore, which could be deployed in the modernisation programme, the report says. A study has termed Indian Army a top-heavy force of 12.5 lakh personnel struggling to rein in skyrocketing revenue expenditure and salary bill.

Indian Army has about 1,75,000 officers and soldiers deployed in organizations ranging from the Military Engineer Services, National Cadet Corps, Border Roads Organization, Territorial Army and Sainik Schools to the operationally-crucial Assam Rifles, Rashtriya Rifles and Strategic Forces Command, all of which do not come under the regular standing Army, according to the report. "A new comprehensive study, chaired by the director-general (perspective planning) at the Army headquarters, has recommended the reduction of Army manpower in such organizations by about 27,000 personnel as well as their restructuring for better efficiency and effectiveness," the report said citing an unidentified source.

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India has test-fired a longer-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that can hit targets as far away as 500km from a Sukhoi (Su-30MKI) air superiority fighter plane. The Integrated Battle Groups (IBG) will be able to rapidly deploy, enhancing the defence forces' Cold Start doctrine.

A proposal aims at withdrawing soldiers deployed in 'non-core activities' in such establishments called 'composition table-2' (CT-2) organizations. It is being forwarded to the defence ministry for approval. The study was conducted in an effort to implement wider reforms that will transform Indian Army into a lean and rapidly-deployable and operationally versatile force. According to indications, the army may have to slash manpower by around 1.5 lakh personnel over the next six-to-seven years to save revenue spend of around Rs 6,000-7,000 crore annually.

Media reports earlier suggested that IA had conducted four studies on force reorganization and optimization, flattening headquarters at various levels, cadre review and terms of engagement for officers and jawans. The government will soon issue a "general sanction letter" (GSL) triggering reforms to restructure and downsize the army headquarters in New Delhi. The measures include the relocation of 229 officers on staff duties to frontline operational posts and creation of a new post of deputy chief (strategy) for military operations, intelligence, logistics and strategic planning, among others.

Cold Start doctrine begins, deep strike groups to be based in Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan
 
Army plans to raise age of retirement of skilled staff

By Dinakar Peri
NEW DELHI,August 13, 2019 02:00 IST
12THLT-INDIAKASHMIRKARGILANNIVERSARY


Proposal aims to retain experts and reduce pension costs

The Army has conducted a new study on “age enhancement for retirement” of personnel in specialised areas to retain skilled manpower, Army sources said.

“We don’t want to lose skilled manpower. We have identified specialists in various disciplines and looking if we can raise their retirement age to between 55 and 58,” a senior Army source told The Hindu.

These include areas such as medical assistants, radiologists and electronics and mechanical engineers posted at Corps Headquarters and base workshops.

In the armed forces, personnel of Other Ranks (ORs) start retiring in the 35-37 age group and officers at 54 unless they get promoted to higher ranks.

Though these limits have been set due to the rigours of military service, there has been huge technological advancement over the decades and also not all personnel go through the same stress or serve in extreme situations, the source said.

“So why can’t they serve till 55-58,” he asked.

Extension of retirement age would offer a dual benefit of retaining expertise which saves the cost of replacing them and also reduces the mounting pension burden on the Army.

The personnel continue in active service for longer duration and do not have to search for alternative employment.

The “age enhancement for retirement” study has been completed and the draft report has to be approved by the Defence Ministry, sources said.

This study is in addition to the four major thrust areas of force restructuring and transformation ordered by the Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, and is in various stages of completion and implementation.

Currently, restructuring for Army headquarters, force restructuring, cadre review of officers and review of terms and conditions of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) and ORs are taking place.

For lower ranks also

As part of reviewing the terms and conditions of the ORs, the Army is considering increasing the pensionable service of jawans and lance naiks by two years from the current 15 years and further up to 20 years in a phased manner.

The officer cadre management study was ordered last year to enhance functional efficiency, correct structural ratio and meet legitimate career expectations of officer cadre, the source said. “The review will be completed by the year-end and then implemented.”

Under this, a proposal is under consideration is to ensure that 50% of all officers become Major Generals. At present, officers are commissioned as Lieutenants and proceed to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in a time-bound manner.

Army plans to raise age of retirement of skilled staff
 
IPS officer to take up post at Indian Army HQ to deal with human rights issues

Approved under a plan called 'Reorganisation of the Army headquarters', the move is part of a major restructuring of the armed forces.


By Snehesh Alex Philip
8 March, 2019 7:19 pm
JeI.jpg

Security personnel stand guard along a road during restrictions in downtown Srinagar (representational image) | Photo: S Irfan | PTI

New Delhi: In a first, an officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS) will soon be posted at the Indian Army headquarters in the national capital to assist the force in dealing with human rights issues.

Approved under a plan called ‘Reorganisation of the Army headquarters’, the move is part a major restructuring of the armed forces, said sources.

Under the plan, the defence ministry has also approved the Army’s proposals to reduce around 20 per cent of the officer posts, merge two weapons and systems procurement agencies and create a new post of deputy chief who will coordinate with military intelligence, operations and logistics wings, said sources.

A formal notification is expected soon.

The move is part of an overall process to make the 1.3-million strong Indian Army leaner and fitter for a 21st century war.

The Army had earlier commissioned four major in-house studies for greater integration. This restructuring is part of one of the four studies.

IPS proposal

According to the approved proposals, two new branches have been created — for Vigilance and Human Rights — within the Army. Both will be headed by a Major General-rank Army official.

The new Additional Director General (ADG), Vigilance, will function directly under the Army chief. The ADG Human Rights will function under the vice-chief.

The ADG HR — a post to be held by an Army official — will be assisted by an IPS officer to facilitate necessary coordination with other organisations and the home ministry on the human rights issues at hand, sources said.

It’s not yet clear what the rank of the IPS officer will be.

Since an ADG HR will be equivalent to an ADG in the police forces, a lower rank officer will be deputed to the Army headquarters.

Human rights issues

The Indian Army often faces allegations of human rights violations against it, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast where it operates under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

The move to hire an IPS officer comes as the Army looks for a new structure for better coordination, said sources.

Some Army officials defended the decision, calling it an out-of-the-box move which focuses on real integration. They cited the example of service personnel who are posted to the home ministry and the ministry of external affairs.

“An IPS officer will help the Army channel on the human rights front,” said an Army official on condition of anonymity.

However, some Army officials see the move as ceding of space to the IPS lobby.

The Services and the IPS lobby have often been at loggerheads over various issues, including pay parity and operational experience.

IPS officer to take up post at Indian Army HQ to deal with human rights issues