Theatre Commands: The need of the Hour
The Concept The Three-Armed Services of the Republic of India Army, Navy and Airforce work under geographical zones (Command) headed by a Three Star Flag Officer, a Lieutenant General for the army and equivalent for the other two services. The concept of the Theatre Command is to integrate the commands which will help improve co-ordination between them Tri Services. Currently the Militaries of China, Russia, the US, the UK and France work under a Theatre Command system.
The Tri Services of India
1. Indian Army
General Manoj Pandey is currently incumbent as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The Indian Army has a total of 7 Commands. It currently has 12,37,117 active and 9,60,000 reserve personnel.
2. Indian Air Force
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is currently incumbent as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS). The Indian Air Force has a total of 7 Commands. It currently has 1,70,576 active and 1,40,000 reserve personnel.
3. Indian Navy
Admiral R. Hari Kumar is currently incumbent as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). The Indian Navy has a total of 3 Commands. It currently has 65,000 active and 30,000 reserve personnel.
Theatre Commands
Theatre Commands for India is the brainchild of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff Late General Bipin Rawat and his successor General Anil Chauhan is going forward with the idea and working to integrate the Tri Services. The Theatre Commands will directly report to the CDS of India.
Currently Andaman and Nicobar Command is the only integrated theatre command formed in 2001 after Kargil War. Jaipur which houses the Indian Army’s South Eastern Command will act as the Theatre Command which will look after affairs with Pakistan. This can reportedly be announced on the Occasion of Indian Independence Day this year.
At present Army is the only service in favour of the decision , the Air Force is strongly opposing the decision and the Navy is not in favour of implementing the proposal at present.