Military Leadership In The Military

FUTURE MILITARY LEADERSHIP

I keep Six honest serving men (They taught me all I know)

Their names are what and why and when and How and where and who. - KIPLING

CHAPTER 1

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Indian Defence Services are considered the ‘last line of defence’ of our great country. An onerous responsibility has been placed on the shoulders of our armed forces. They are mandated to defend the country from all kinds of aggression - internal or external. This reposes an arduous faith on the rank & file of the forces, who are to undertake this duty. A duty, that is often fraught with untold dangers, challenges, & countless hazards. This profession is unique. It calls for its guardians to be prepared to brave all adversities, even

His call for duty demands active counter insurgency operations, handling riot situations, provide rescue & relief during natural calamities & guard our frontiers in the most challenging climatic conditions. Naturally, the demands take their toll. A soldier therefore needs to be guided, motivated, encouraged and led to perform his mission competently. This brings to fore the task of a leader. Whether you lead ten soldiers or ten million soldiers, the essentials of leadership are the same. These essentials have been the same for over 5000 years. The leader’s ability, knowledge, exertion, inspiration and capacity to function under difficult situations make a leader different from those who are not able to do

The nature and scope of military leadership have changed considerably in the present century, and have undergone further transformation in the last few decades. At this juncture it is pertinent to examine the impact of society’s psyche, and the technological/operational imperatives of modern battlefield, which together govern the dynamics. Environmental changes have occurred at a rapidly changing pace at multi-levels. These have changed the dynamics of our socio economic structure. Implications on the rank & file of our esteemed forces too has been immense. The population world over is getting more educated and more aware of the rights and this manifestation is noticed in the men too. The men today are able to question commanders ' judgment and have become more demanding. The men too are facing certain peculiar problems which have occurred due to the socio – economic changes which have taken place in the recent past – major one being disparity in income, break up of joint