Harsha Kakar
Of all professions, it is only the military which prohibits lateral intake. You have to rise from the grass roots, irrespective of your brilliance or capability. The reason is, as you grow, you understand the nuances of war and the integration of various forces which combine together to create synergy, essential for success. There are no shortcuts. Errors are costly in terms of human lives. Any retired military officer always carries his service experience and traits, which separate him from others. Hence, once a soldier, always a soldier. The military also places restrictions on those in uniform on conduct, etiquette and behaviour. He cannot object or strike or show his vengeance on perceived grievances caused to him by Government policies. This can be done by others on his behalf, as was done by the veteran fraternity in the OROP agitation.
The OROP agitation, which was called off recently, with limited success as well as the release of the initial report of the pay commission, showed how the military has regularly been let down by the political and bureaucratic leadership. Post the pay commission report inter service (allied services and the military) rivalry rose to the forefront. All allied services are simultaneously up in arms against the IAS for its dominance in perks and benefits, while the military fights a lone battle against all others, including the central police organizations, who have been placed above it.
Surprisingly, the Government appointed committee under the Cabinet Secretary to iron out the differences, has members of some of the concerned services but not the military. By simply stating that the Defence Secretary would represent military interests, is akin to commenting on the ability of the JIT of Pakistan,with ISI representatives, investigating the Pathankot attack, sponsored by the ISI. The individual nominated to represent the services is also from the service against whom the military is objecting. Simultaneously, there have been reports, that the military was let down due to scant regard shown by the defence ministry, in answering queries of pay commission on issues specifically concerning the military.
Military service in India is voluntary. However, once an individual joins the military, training ensures a change in his mental calibre. It transforms him from an ordinary citizen into a law abiding member of a team. He is converted into a fighting machine, for whom no sacrifice is considered small. This is one service, which has never let the nation down in any calamity or war. In fact, it is the reverse. The nation has let the soldier down on numerous occasions. It has failed to provide him with the wherewithal to fulfill his task, provided him sub-standard equipment and clothing and still expected him to complete his mission.
Like any other organization, the military too has its share of rotten apples,who have lowered its standing and prestige, including some serving at the very top of the hierarchy.There have also been incidents of misbehavior within the forces, which have harmed its reputation. Those who have let the military down are always considered pariahs and ignored in all forums where the serving and retired gather, irrespective of the legal status of their case. Their own batch mates cold-shoulder themat every eventthus making them feel ignored and insulted. Such an action is never resorted to in any other service.
Since restrictions and rules curtail an individual’s behaviour, it therefore becomes the paramount responsibility of the state to ensure the well- being of the soldier and his kin, as also his standing and prestige in society. The term state also implies various committee’s nominated on behalf of the state in dealing with military issues. By preventing members from the military in participating in committees formed to examine soldier benefits, like the pay commission and the present on-going committee under the cabinet secretary, the Government denies the soldier his basic representation in a democratic forum. There is no one to project his true demands and hence any decision taken, would only increase heartburn and enhance intra Government service rivalry.
It may surprise the public, but the military never forgets its veterans. They remain in contact with the organizations they have served in, attend regular get-togethers and exchange notes. The brave hearts (war widows) are always in touch and all efforts are extended by the organization for their wellbeing. It is this bonhomie and feeling of brotherhood which creates the environment for a soldier to consider the extreme sacrifice. While this action is at the organization level, the government too has to pitch in. It is here again that the system fails.
In every nation, there is respect for the man in uniform. They are never downgraded at every possible opportunity and reduced in stature to their civilian counterparts. In India, there is a skewed concept of political control over the military. Political control is different from bureaucratic control. By ensuring that service headquarters are kept away from the ministry, bureaucratic control continues in some form or the other. A weak defence minister, unsure and ill- informed would depend more on the advice of his bureaucracy than his uniformed advisors, as pure military matters remain foreign to him. This sad state affects functioning as also becomes a barrier to decision making. The nature of the military is such that it is only the man in uniform who can take military decisions once broad parameters are given to him clearly by the political leadership. The government can contribute by ensuring the availability of equipment and creation of correct structures to enable decision making and implementation of synergy in operations.
Every pay commission since independence, has reduced the prestige of the military. It has ensured that the military is downgraded in protocol and salary. Such actions affect will and morale at every level. The military has never demanded the moon, it has only requested forequity in status,fairness in salaryand respect for its role and task. Is that too much to ask from the present Government?
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
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