SOURCE: AFI
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India’s military is taking a significant step towards greater integration with the deployment of senior officers to newly formed theater commands. These commands will see Brigadiers from the Army, Commodores from the Navy, and equivalent Air Force officers working together under a single commander for a specific geographic area.
The initial commands established focus on key border regions. Jaipur will handle Pakistan-centric issues, Lucknow will be China-centric, and Visakhapatnam will be a navy-centric command. This structure allows for a more unified response to threats on each border.
Theaterization presents both challenges and benefits. Merging personnel and resources across the Army, Navy, and Air Force requires careful planning. Additionally, ensuring compatibility between different weapon systems can be complex. However, the benefits are significant. A single commander can optimize resource allocation and lead to a more efficient and coordinated response to security threats.
The move towards theater commands wasn’t without its initial roadblocks. The Indian Air Force reportedly had reservations about certain aspects of the plan. These concerns appear to have been addressed, paving the way for further integration.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasized the separation of operational functions from administrative tasks like recruitment, training, and logistics. This allows theater commanders to focus solely on security matters, potentially leading to a more effective military.