Harsha Kakar
The army has been in the limelight for multiple reasons in the recent past. Uri and the subsequent surgical strike, Nagrota, appointment of the new chief and to top it all,army bashing by the media, post the surfacing of a video by a jawan, against his being tasked for non-military duties,were recent news dominating events. The appointment of the Army chief continued to hog media attention well after the new chief assumed his appointment. Everything was overshadowed by video incident.
The pre-army day press conference by the army chief, as also his address in the army day parade, carried references to the video incident. The media attempted to project itself as a saviour of the soldier, however it damaged the bond between the officer and the soldier. The veterans came running to its support, as they have always done. The terms used by the media, sahayaks and orderlies, have been discarded by the army for ages. The term the army uses is buddy or friend. Television discussions were just a slanging match between the media and army veterans,leaving a bad taste. The after effects continue to this day.
In fact, in the army today, for those who join on commission, their nominated buddy is their first friend, philosopher and guide, as all others are senior. He also, in pure regiments, teaches you the regimental language and culture. In operational areas, he is your partner, both guarding each other’s back, while battling the enemy. As one rises in service, the buddy, whoever he may be, becomes a close family member and in most cases, the only one who chide the officer or the family, if he feels there is something wrong.There are numerous incidents of senior officers attending marriages of their buddy’s children, well after the buddy has retired. The bond transcends service tenures.
Such a bond can never exist in a nine to five environment of the civil street, as each goes their separate way at the end of the day, without bothering for the other. Further, nowhere else is there such care and respect for each other, as in the army, as in many difficult locations, officers and men live together, sharing the same food and facilities. Thus, a misunderstanding of the concept. Another fact is that psychological tests to determine mental suitability for military service, are only conducted for those seeking to join as officers, not for soldiers, hence anti-establishment individuals do enter the service. Most accept army norms and customs post training, while some continue to remain rebellious till the end, hence need to be handled differently.
The army has protected the nation and its people, since independence, only because those following army norms and ethos are in an absolute majority and hence willing to sacrifice their lives in service of the nation. It is this protection, which provides the media and the public, the courage to insult and deride the institution. Try the same in a nation like Pakistan and you may well disappear, as is happening to anti-military activists presently. Those few anti-establishment individuals would always provide TRPs for the media, however, the harm that they cause, takes time to repair. Irresponsibility by the media has damaged the reputation of this great institution and surprisingly not a word of regret has flowed from them. It has only provided a reason to the enemy across the border to grin and spread further rumours.
I am reminded of even more miserable sights in pictures and video’s, which had earlier emerged,of police personnel tying shoe laces of superiors and politicians, as also carrying them across water obstacles on their backs. The army never has, nor will it ever come to such limits of misdemeanour. However, the video did indicate that there are possibly instances some of its members overstepping the boundaries of correctness. Hence the army needs to introspect and correct wrongs which may have crept into the system.
Firstly, it regularly needs to reiterate to its staff, the norms, procedures and ethos which exist in the system. This should be done by concerned senior officers at every level. Any breaking or even tweaking of norms and ethos should be ruthlessly curbed, irrespective of rank of the offender. Senior officers should always lead by example and be the trendsetters.
Secondly, there are certain sensitive tasks for which only volunteers should be nominated.
Thirdly, while the military does have its own public information cell, it should permit some of its serving officers, JCOs and soldiers to participate and represent the army in panel discussions on TV channels, rather than letting it be the domain of veterans. This would enhance the authenticity of data and details which flow to the public. Further, hearing from the soldier has a better impact than listening to veterans. Staying away from media glare and only issuing denials and press statements in no way ensures that the correct message is broadcast.
Fourthly, while increasing means of communication and enhancing possible redressal grievance mechanisms, the importance of the chain of command should not be overlooked. This chain forms a major link in daily functioning. Permitting excessive bypassing can damage it. However, improving the redressal mechanism, with speedy disposal of complaints would enhance the trust and faith at all levels.Most importantly, the army needs to reconsider the quality of its services to troops, whether it be clothing, rations or even facilities. Unhappy soldiers would always have a reason to complain as they are dissatisfied. If the basics are well provided then morale remains high.
The army chief was correct when he made a statement that approaching social media with complaints would henceforth be a punishable offence. Visual media is TRP hungry and would sell anything, as also make a mountain out of a mole hill, solely for TRP gains. It should become more mature and show responsibility, rather than run after TRPs. Finally, the army is a family and washing its dirty linen in public by just one bad hat, damages the hard work and sacrifice by the rest of the force.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
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