Sir,
This has reference to the editorial’Shortage of Personnel’ (DE, Aug 1, 2017). It is shocking that Indian Army has a shortage of 25,472 JCOs and other ranks, the Navy needs13, 373 more sailors and the Air Force requires 13,785 air men aggregating to about 52000 personnel.There is no doubt that keeping in view the long land and ocean boundary line of our country and the fact that India is home to the second largest population of the world, the need for a numerically commensurate defence forces is imperative for our country.
Moreover, we have two hostile and belligerant neighbours, China and Pakistan in unholy alliance with each other to harm our country.Pakistan is hellbent to cause trouble in our country by pumping in terrorists to kill innocent people in Kashmir and elsewhere whereas China is exhibiting aggressive postures with the ulterior purpose of claiming land which belongs to us.
Therefore, it is imperative that steps are taken to recruit defence personnel in different Forces to make up the deficiency and effectively counter the enemy in case they dare to challenge us.Steps also need to be taken to make the job of Armed Forces more lucrative and attractive so that more and more young people come forward to join the proud ranks of our Forces.Indian Armed Forces symbolise the ideals of service, patriotism and composite culture and those who aspire for excitement, adventure and challenges must choose the Armed Forces as their career.
Moreover, more avenues need to be provided to the girls in the Armed Forces as they have proved their mettle in every field.Last but not least, service of nation is above everything and our youth must come forward to join the Armed Forces to serve and defend our nation from the aggressors as there is no service greater than service to the nation.
Yours etc….
Ashok Sharma,
Udhampur.
Follow our WhatsApp channel