Towards complete integration of our defence forces, the post of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) would prove a significant milestone in making that really possible. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken about it in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15 this year. He termed the creation of this post towards better direction and towards higher defence management .
The post of the CDS could prove as central nerve centre to ensure that our defence structure lived up to its true potential and emerged stronger. In the year 2001 itself, it was recommended that appointment of CDS was pertinent to act as the principal advisor to the Government on defence matters. Later , much progress on it could not take place due to lack of both political and administrative will in spite of its dire need having always been felt. Now, appointing one probably from amongst the senior most from the chiefs of the staff of Army , Navy and Air Force appears imminent . About institutional objectives and particular roadmap and a definite vision are all required to be worked out keeping in view protocol, the tenure , definite role and responsibility given to the occupant of the post. Joint planning, high trainings and operations must be among the pivotal roles played by the CDS. He must , however, remain not one but the first among the ‘equals’.