State of the Army

The appointment of Gen. Bipin Rawat has been done keeping in mind his experience and expertise in the issues of counter-insurgency along the Line of Control (“All’s not well in the Army”, Jan.3). The border area is always trouble-prone and has erupted time and again over the past one year. His role as a “chief coordinator and strategist” would be buoyed by his hands-on experience in this field which would also help the forces react better in the face of aggression. While the politicisation of the armed forces must be avoided at all costs, there are times when certain steps need to be taken keeping in mind the situation at ‘ground zero’.

Rohi Rajbar,

New Delhi

Officers in the defence forces often get overlooked or superseded at some stage or the other given the pyramidal structure of promotion. Hence to harp on the point of discontent is baseless. Senior officers have the privilege of choosing their own staff officers who are selected on performance, merit and, yes, regimentation. It is never on the lines of caste, creed or religion. The Infantry division is the largest component of the army, so there are bound to be more generals from this division.

A.E. Charles,

Coimbatore

The article raises certain important issues about promotion, policy and procedures in the army that deserve consideration at the appropriate military and political levels. In the context of the appointment of Gen. Rawat, the writer is right in questioning the decision made by the government. Is it trying to reduce the Indian Army to being a counter-insurgency force? The government seems to be economical with the truth behind these seemingly questionable supersessions. However, the suggestion that promotions to the higher levels be vetted by an empowered parliamentary panel deserves outright rejection as it would amount to politicising the entire selection process.

Sunil Choudhury,

Bengaluru