New Delhi: As the commander of the Indian Army’s 14 Corps meets his Chinese counterpart at Moldo across the Line of Actual Control, the top leadership of the Army has convened in New Delhi for the Army Commanders’ Conference, where the main point of discussion will be the India-China tensions, which have worsened since the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley a week ago.
Top Army sources told ThePrint that only operational matters and human resource issues will be discussed on Day One of the two-day conference Monday, as will the proposed recruitment model ‘Tour of Duty’, under which civilians are to be allowed to voluntarily serve in the Army for three years.
The conference is attended by top Army officials to brainstorm on new security and administrative issues, and plan roadmaps. It was set to take place in April but was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the consequent nationwide lockdown. Its first phase was held between 27 and 29 May.
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Troop build-up in Eastern Ladakh
Army sources said the deliberations will touch upon the current situation in Eastern Ladakh, the “escalatory trends” at the border, the Army’s future course of action along the LAC, its current deficiencies, and the means to overcome them.
“It may also be discussed whether the Army would adopt a ‘hot war’ posture and the required emergency purchases, including more anti-riot gear and protective equipment for the troops at the border,” an Army source said.
The sources further said the situation in Ladakh had necessitated a massive troop build-up along the LAC, which comes under the Eastern and Northern commands.
The source quoted above said the immediate reserve formations have been mobilised, and redeployment of other formations is likely to be discussed.
The officers will also discuss concerns about what Pakistan could be planning, considering the Army’s attention at the LAC.
HR issues
Apart from promotion boards, other HR issues to be discussed include the new recruitment proposal ‘Tour of Duty’, under which civilians can volunteer to serve in the Army for three years.
The proposal — which was being studied by the Army — is aimed at attracting youth to join, and at reducing defence pensions.
As reported by ThePrint, the idea is expected to be tested on around 100 officers and 1,000 jawans in the first go.
The proposal had stated that pension savings for just 1,000 jawans could add up to around Rs 11,000 crore, which could be given towards the modernisation of the Army.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat had said the military is also working on making the Short Service Commission more attractive, to encourage more people to join.
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