In his Independence Day address, Indian Prime Minister announced the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff to provide “effective leadership at the top level” to the three wings of the armed forces, and to help improve coordination among them. The CDS is a high military office that oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services, and offers seamless tri-service views and single-point advice to the Executive (in India’s case, to the Prime Minister) on long-term defence planning and management, including manpower, equipment and strategy, and above all, “jointsmanship” in operations.
Background
Issues Associated with Defence Planning and Procurement
In this light, government has acted with reasonable alacrity to create the post of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who will head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). The DMA will focus on promoting jointness in procurement, training and staffing for the tri-services.
Role of CDS
Challenges
Way Forward
There is no doubt that the job of the CDS will be exceedingly challenging, a task which is easier set than done. Since Independence, the armed forces have been
working separately, with no concept of jointness. The job calls for total transformation of traditional military mindset.