National

Army to focus on Special Forces

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, NOV. 22. The Army today made public parts of its new war doctrine that advocates increasing the lethality and range of India's military punch.

It has suggested focusing on the Special Forces who can carry out operations swiftly over long distances, in recognition of the fact that future wars may happen suddenly, would be short and fought at high tempo and intensity. They will require coordination between the land, naval and air forces, along with increased reliance on surveillance systems.

Two-part document

The doctrine is detailed out in a two-part document. The main part contains subjects for widespread dissemination in the Army; the second part is its classified adjunct and has not been made public. The first part will be reviewed every five years and updated, if necessary. The doctrine will be re-issued every 10 years.

The strides made in technology necessitating a transformation in strategic thinking and a shift in organisation and conduct of operations is the driving force behind the new doctrine. "Our vision for the 21st Century is to have a well-equipped and optimally-structured Army, enabling it to respond effectively to varied situations and demands whilst it continually adapts itself to meet future challenges," said the Chief of Army Staff, N.C. Vij, in the foreword to the doctrine.

The doctrine gives a clue for advocating reliance on Special Forces — "water, energy sources (mainly oil) and even environmental issues may emerge as causes of future conflict between states. As part of the South Asia region, India has considerable interests in the areas stretching from West Asia through Central Asia and South Asia to South East Asia. The Indian Ocean region assumes strategic significance due to the high volume of Indian and international trade transiting through the Indian Ocean. Existing and emerging regional groupings give rise to competitiveness with the attendant possibility of increasing instability due to inter and intra-regional conflicts. The region also includes a number of nuclear weapon or nuclear-capable states."

Broad-based approach

The doctrine has stressed on augmenting existing strengths, developing new skills, thinking imaginatively and attempting new approaches. It also recognises that the Army should have the capability to operate in the complete spectrum of conflict.

"Indian Army officers would do well to develop a broad-based, all-inclusive understanding of warfare and not become overly reliant on rigid adherence to prescriptive rules. The nature of this doctrine is enduring and yet dynamic; it drives development of both the art and science of war. In the Army, it provides the focus for constructive debate within well-informed and professional circles and acts as a guide to the younger generation. Training in the Army should focus on management of change and operational adaptation to change. Towards this end, providing the kind of ambience that encourages and facilitates intellectual development should be an unceasing endeavour," observed Gen. Vij.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu