1. During the Army
Commanders Conference the issue of services being non-combatants was discussed.
Some personnel from Army Service Corps (ASC) have expressed apprehensions that
since they are non-combatants they should not be considered for posting to
field areas. It is highlighted that Army in its Affidavit in Supreme
Court has mentioned the following:-
(a) To boost strength essential
in Line of Control, Low Intensity Conflict, Counter Insurgency and Counter
Terrorist environment a number of Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks from Combat
Support Arms and logistic units are posted on tenure basis in infantry (Counter
Insurgency/ Counter Terrorist units). This also provides much necessary
operational experience to these Officers, JCOs and Other Ranks. It is submitted
that their performance in such roles has been noteworthy.
(b) Army performs its role in war and Peace as a whole and not in
isolated compartments. Each Arm/ Service has designated role and function.
(c) Combat Arms/ Combat Support Arms/ Services are operational entities
of Army which has clear and defined roles with charter of duties. Further,
without diluting the role played by Services in maintaining logistic support to
Combat Arms during operations it has been the consistent stand of the Army
during litigation that Commanding Officers (COs) of ASC, Ordnance and
electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) are not required to largely remain
in contact with front line forces where major combat may take place during
operations. Therefore, ages of Command of Services could be higher than
those of arms, where COs are expected to move forward in the combat zone, where
their physical efficiency becomes relevant. It was never in dispute that
all arms and services are combatants. Hence, at no stage has the Army referred
to Services Units being non-combatant Units.
2. In addition Chief
of Army Staff on assuming the appointment had mentioned that he would consider
all arms and services at par and they would get their dues that they deserve.
Some aberrations, if these are being perceived by any particular arm or service
are being addressed during the Conference. The anguish amongst some personnel
on discrimination in their status, needs to be put to rest and the COAS has
assured that necessary corrections, where needed will be addressed.
Col Aman Anand
PRO (Army)
