According to fresh recommendations by a high-level committee set up by the Adjutant General’s branch, the age profile of the Brigade Commanders (Brigadier) and Commanding Officers (Colonels) should be reduced.The committee which was set up last year also recommended creating more posts at the levels of colonels, Brigadier, major generals and lieutenant generals to reduce the ‘‘steepness of the rank structure pyramid.’’At present the commanding officers in the army are at least 39-years-old. ‘‘They are expected to lead troops from the front. It is too taxing for them to do so. Secondly at that age family responsibilities also lead to a change in outlook. It has been recommended that an officer be made a Lieutenant Colonel in 12 years of service (as against 16-18 now) and a Colonel in 16 years of service (as against 20-23 now). A Colonel at 35 years of age can lead better than a colonel at 42 years. Similarly the age profile of brigade commanders should also be lowered,’’ says a senior official privy to the report.
