Armed forces facing shortage of 9,845 officers

The three services of the armed forces have a combined shortage of 9,845 officers, with the Army alone facing a shortfall of 7,989.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that excluding dental and medical branch, Army fell short of 7,989 officers as on July 1 this year. The Air Force was short of 1,499 officers and the Navy 357, at the beginning of November this year.

He said the government has taken a number of measures to encourage the youth to join the armed forces. He said improved promotion prospects in the armed forces is one of the measures taken up to attract young talent.