Battle space has become more complex, contested and lethal: Army chief

Addressing the passing out cadets, the Army Chief said, “In another year’s time, you will be commissioned officers and will be mandated to lead men and women into combat. The character of warfare is undergoing a profound change. Disruptive technologies, advancements in space, cyber and information domains and progression in the capabilities of conventional means of war are making the battle space more complex, contested and lethal. In order to operate in the battlefield of tomorrow, you need to enhance your technical competency thresholds. So keep your quest for embracing technology and striving for professional excellence going.”

He further said, “The need to remain congruent to contemporary and future environments remains enduring one. The armed forces are keeping pace to the developments and putting into effect required transformation which span across multiple domains. Remain aligned to the changes underway since as junior leaders you will be important stakeholders responsible to drive the transformation effort.”

Underlining the role of the training at the NDA, the Army Chief said, “Despite technological advancements, the critical role of the man or woman behind the machine in the battlefield stands undiminished. During the training at NDA, you have been introduced to fundamental aspects of leadership. As you journey ahead, do focus on sharpening the leadership skills and work towards making yourself worthy of donning the mantle of a junior leader. Keep yourself physically fit, have an inviolable yardstick of integrity as your beacon and brave through difficult situations on the edifice of moral as well as physical courage. Have the courage of conviction to select the harder right even when it is the hardest thing to do, because that is what leaders are expected to do. A true leader leads by example, ensures the well-being of his or her command and never takes their trust for granted, rather earns it. In a sense, always uphold the values that have been instilled into you at the NDA.”

The chief said in his speech, “The female cadets on parade truly epitomise Nari Shakti and our commitments towards the inclusive armed forces.” A contingent of 24 female cadets, presently in their third and fourth term of training, were part of the marching contingent of the parade.