New Delhi, October 22
Former Army Chiefs today gave their views on the state of Army’s readiness and its tactics at a conclave which began at the Army headquarters here.
Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw and seven other former chiefs are taking part in the conclave.
Army sources said the former chiefs spoke about tactics employed by the Army and gave their views on the new battle doctrine likely to be adopted soon. A brainstorming session was held in the ‘Operations Room’ of the Defence Ministry in the presence of Army Chief Gen N.C. Vij and principal staff officers.
The sources said before the start of the formal session, General Vij outlined the
thrust of Army in dealing with terrorism and war scenario. Former chiefs gave their opinion on Army’s prolonged role in counter-insurgency, strategy concerning nuclear weapons and future warfare tactics.
The former chiefs, who attended an informal get-together later at the Army house, would hold two more sessions over the next two days, the sources said.
The former chiefs attending the conclave include Gen K.V. Krishna Rao, Gen O.P. Malhotra, Gen S.F. Rodrigues, Gen Shankar Roy Choudhary, Gen V..N Sharma and Gen V.P. Malik and Gen S. Padmanabhan.
The conclave was the brainchild of the General Vij, who wanted an “outsider view” on where the forces were headed and if they were keeping pace with modern warfare.
The exercise, aimed at
benefiting from knowledge and vast experience of former Army chiefs, came days ahead of the commanders conference.
Coinciding with the conclave, Field Marshal Manekshaw and Marshal of Air Force Arjan Singh will tomorrow take salute of a mounted
parade.
