Mixed response from experts on army's plan to induct civilians for three-year tenure; While some call it 'fanciful', others hail it as 'timely'

The Indian Army's plans to induct civilians for a three-year tenure drew a mixed response from military and strategic affairs experts on Thursday with some calling it "fanciful" and warning of inherent risks that could have implications for national security while others said it was timely and will strengthen the forces.

The experts, were, however of the view that the proposal must be deliberated upon in great detail and adequate care must be taken before implementing what is being touted as a "game-changer".

A number of former military officers wondered why the army has brought forth the proposal when they should have focused on making the short service commissioning attractive while aiming to induct talented young professionals into the 1.3 million force.

"We cannot ape the West. No other Army in the world has got 7,000 kms of land frontiers to guard. The proposal will have implications on internal as well as external security dimensions of the country," Lt Gen (retd) Rameshwar Roy told PTI.

Lt Gen Roy, who served extensively in Jammu and Kashmir including as a Corps Commander, claimed that the new proposal has a political dimension, asserting that a "false sense" of nationalism and patriotism cannot be generated by recruiting people for three years in the armed forces.

Among those who supported the proposal included former Army Chief Gen (retd) J J Singh.

"It is an out-of-the box idea which I am sure would be extensively deliberated upon. It is for those who have a feeling to have a military background and not wanting to have a career in the Army. It may also help inculcating discipline into the civil sector," he said.

Asked whether the move has a political overtone, Gen Singh did not give a direct comment and said:"The army has been the most nationalistic force. The army has been the most motivated force which is always ready to make supreme sacrifices for the country. The nation comes always first for us."
When sought his reaction, former Chief of Army Staff Gen (retd) Deepak Kapoor told PTI, "It is just a proposal. One will have to study."