Standardisation of equipment, common supply chains for logistics and procurement, combined training at all levels, more cross-postings, exposure to other services and even greater social interaction among personnel — these are among the steps being pushed to increase jointness and integration among the Army, Navy and Air Force, ahead of the creation of theatre commands, The Indian Express has learned. Some of these measures were discussed at the Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata earlier this month, which was also attended by the Prime Minister. According to sources, the Armed Forces are working to deepen their understanding of each other’s capabilities and challenges so that tri-service requirements can be built into operational plans from the outset, as part of wider measures to increase jointness and integration before any major reform such as theatre commands is implemented. The three services, however, are yet to reach consensus on the creation of theatre commands. The push follows decisions announced at the Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata last week, including the formation of a single tri-services Education Corps and the establishment of three joint military stations, in Thiruvananthapuram, Visakhapatnam and Gandhinagar, in the first phase. Efforts to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force have gathered pace in recent years, as the military works to prepare for theaterisation. The services have already undertaken cross-postings, created joint logistics nodes, and brought in greater coordination in procurement, training and staffing. The Indian Express has learned that there will now be a sharper focus on inter-services training at all levels, to ensure personnel are familiar with each other’s equipment and capabilities for optimal use. “This knowledge will play a key role in operational planning, incorporating tri-service requirements and capabilities right from the beginning,” a source said. Vacancies and syllabi of select courses are being reworked so that personnel of all three services can train together, contribute and learn from one another. The tri-service communication network, which currently exists at a limited level, is also planned to be expanded for seamless communication and data-sharing. Sources said some service-specific customs and traditions are being phased out or harmonised, and there will be greater scope for social interactions among personnel to build understanding of each other’s culture and ethos. Inter-service postings are set to increase at all levels. Alongside, efforts are underway to standardise equipment and platforms to ensure interoperability, streamline supply chains and spares management. According to sources, changes are also being considered in the format of annual confidential reports, so that they reflect both service-specific and tri-service requirements.
