The top Army leadership is holding its bi-annual conference, concurrently, veterans What'sApp groups are witnessing unprecedented spewing of venom. There is widespread apprehension that a major drive is underway to take away privileges and so-called perks in the garb of optimisation and economy drive. Self perpetuating rumours are viral about impending cuts in canteen entitlements, ECHS benefits and even pensions.
The overall sense is that the current hierarchy, afflicted with a tinkering syndrome is out to cut down hard-earned and well-deserved benefits and destroying time tested traditions like messes, bands and regimental norms.
At the outset, it will be pertinent to state unequivocally that very little of this, affects the serving community and they continue to be in high morale and josh. The Army has enough resilience to get over such rough patches and its core remains strong and focused. Normally, it is best to trust current leadership even when some criticism is natural to vent off the steam but when diatribe goes beyond normal level, it is best to flag such trends, especially when they impact the veterans directly. The unfortunate part is that there seems to be some sort of distancing and even a bit of disconnect between the serving fraternity and veterans, which is both unfortunate and avoidable.
As a veteran, I am conscious of the likelihood of being accused of "20x20 hind sight" but in all humility, let me flag three relevant examples. The Tricity has probably the most vociferous and very large veteran community, yet after every bi-annual conference, we had structured feedback sessions.
Over ruling staff advice open house sessions were included. It is to the credit of veterans that they not only maintained decorum but also understood the constraints. The second major initiative was the creation of the regional think tank, Gyan Chakra, which has been stymied as Delhi Durbar considers thinking as their exclusive right. Thirdly, veterans were projected to the Shekatkar Committee by arranging interaction. Covid-19 precludes physical sessions but webinars can still enhance interaction, feedback and reduce apprehensions. To put it very bluntly, communication with the veteran's community needs urgent attention.
The current angst is also fuelled by rank hypocrisy across cadres. The Army seems to be in penny pinching overdrive while others are not even remotely contemplating similar measures. A dangerous trend of self-depreciation of golf courses and and messes is manifesting, even when others are creating highly subsidised, seven star facilities. Rentals for rooms in state and PSU guest houses are a mere fraction of Army mess, though former may have better facilities. Another recent irritant has been the much publicized oath taking on probity, unintended signalling of deep rot within.
Armed Forces must aspire for zero tolerance on corruption notwithstanding challenges of keeping out societal osmosis effects. While others get away by annual vigilance day oath, soldiers have to maintain vigil on 24x7x365 basis. It is apparent that the timing and airing of the oath were avoidable.
Tehelka scandal, resulted in an Army General, with enviable track record, not only accepting lapse but suspension by the end of the day. I had the onerous responsibility to serve him that order which he literally took it on the chin. He was 'sorted out' at bullet train speed. His civilian counterpart, went on leave, resurfaced after crafting his defence, shifting blame to the mental state of his wife. He rose to become secretary and later held the statutory appointment as the tribunal chairman. Tehelka was classic publicity-oriented sting by fauji kids-turned-journalists exploiting hypothetical scenario.
Whe queried about targeting the Army, their response, "Corruption outside hardly makes news but in fauj, it is dhamaka (bang)". The Army has a fairly rigorous system, where even an inquiry spells doom, whereas other cadres have near zero accountability. Most importantly, will focus ever shift from, 'chiller-chors' (small time thieves) to highway robbers?
Whe we joined Sainik School, immediately after 1965 war and NDA after 1971 operations; wars were frequent, risks high and pay without perks (like earned rations), just about adequate. We didn't dream beyond unit command and Lt Col rank. We were attracted by an ecosystem promising 'izzat' (respect), camaraderie, outdoors and adventure.
Environment was modelled on "the battle of a Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton". By and large, the Army enjoyed anonymity and was insulated from politics. I recall ex-CM of Punjab Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir refused to nintervene in an Army related matter even when the applicant belonged to our village, Adhwal, now in Pakistan. His stern refrain was : "Let Army remain free of influence and politics". Over the years, things have taken full circle, on a wrong trajectory.
Supersessions, social media, opening of cantonments and politicisation have eroded privacy and insular character of the forces. There is a need to restore this ecosystem, give it privacy and space. This is not to suggest that the forces should be beyond scrutiny or accountability. As CO, we received from a newspaper editor, a photograph of a regimental vehicle parked incorrectly. When we enquired, why didn't they publish it the wise reply was, "Army is best out of news, we know you apply correctives". Zero-error and fix-all syndromes sound the death knell for risk taking and innovation/ Naysayers are advised to reflect on raising of Special Forces (Meghdoot) by court-martialled Maj Megh Singh. Transition from hollow demonstrative support to trusting its systems is overdue.
Parting advice, for those in a tearing hurry for tinkering, in the garb of transformation; it is time to take counsel from the Japanese saying, "Hurry, but slowly". It will also be appropriate to take veterans on board, essence is communication and inclusion.
- Lt Gen KJ Singh.
Tailpiece.
Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Washing machinex of the bed linen. It was a quiet Monday.
Came the sad news from our caretaker, that his wife has been tested positive and is admitted in hospital. What worries us is that she has quite a few co-morbidities. Hope she returns safe and sound!
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