: Opinion: Operational challenges in ‘Agnipath’ #IndiaNEWS #News By Lt Gen P R Shankar (retd) The ‘Agnipath’ is going through a severe ‘Agni Pariksha’. The acid test of any military transformation

Opinion: Operational challenges in ‘Agnipath’ #IndiaNEWS #News
By Lt Gen P R Shankar (retd)
The ‘Agnipath’ is going through a severe ‘Agni Pariksha’. The acid test of any military transformation of such nature must be the effect on the operational ability of our cutting-edge fighting units. If the transformation enables and empowers the frontline units and enhances the security of the nation, then it is great. Otherwise, it must be rethought. From what is available in the public domain, the ‘Agnipath’ is on a shaky wicket on two grounds. It does not appear to have met the aspiration of the people who want to join the armed forces. It might not contribute to better operational efficiency of a unit on the frontline. Let me analyse the latter and leave the former to the government and elected leaders to handle.
I have no doubt that there is a requirement to rightsize the Army. There is a need to decrease the age profile. The balance between technology prowess and manpower intensity is skewed at present. These are indisputable. I had written earlier: “This is the best time to try it out when such (large) shortages are existing. We could recruit a limited number of youngsters for a five-year term and put them through a trial. Simultaneously, the Government must pass rules to ensure that all these youngsters are side-stepped into society in responsible posts/jobs with a reserve liability for at least ten years with a dash of annual refresher training thrown in. Unless the intake and exit models are balanced, this concept will result in a massive failure like any other open ended idea. We need to evolve into a balanced option over a period of time through informed open debate and thought. Let us not burn the rope from both ends???. I stand by it. (https://www. gunnersshot. com/2022/04/agnivirs-of-agnipath-bottom-up. html)
The Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has stated there will be 50% Agniveers by 2032. Hence my modelling which I published earlier is officially confirmed. If that be so, eventually, there will be 75% Agniveers in the Army. In 2032, when the 50% mark is reached, each subunit will have one experienced soldier for three inexperienced Agniveers; only 25% experienced, progressively going down to 15% in a sub unit. (see table). Further, every six months 4-6 Agniveers will come in and 3-5 will go out. A turnover of 10% every six months in a subunit! What will be the effect on team spirit and bonding in such a churn? Very importantly, all these Angiveers will be competing for retention. Common management sense informs us that intense cutthroat competition is the antithesis of bonding.
A word about Low Medical Categories (LMC). Most of the LMCs in the new dispensation will be in the experienced lot.

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