Indian Defence Forces Embrace Cross-Service Integration with ADCs

In a significant move towards integration, Indian defence forces will now have personal staff officers from sister services for their chiefs starting January 1. This step aligns with the ongoing transformation towards Theaterisation and jointness, aiming to empower the Indian military for future warfare.

In a pivotal shift aimed at enhancing inter-service cooperation, the Indian Defence Forces are set to implement a new policy where the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force will have their personal staff officers, known as Aide-de-Camps (ADCs), from sister services. This change, effective January 1, marks a departure from the tradition of sourcing ADCs from within the same service.

Defence officials have confirmed that all three service chiefs have willingly accepted this cross-service arrangement, which aligns with India's strategic move towards Theaterisation. Currently, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan already has an ADC from the Indian Air Force, exemplifying this initiative's practical rollout.

This reform is seen as a stepping stone towards the major structural shifts anticipated for 2025, reflecting a broader consensus-based approach to creating theatre commands. The ongoing HR reforms have already witnessed initial cross-postings of junior officers in mid-2023, with plans to allocate senior personnel to key positions by mid-2024. Aided by a newly established Joint Division at the Defence Services Staff College, India's armed forces are fostering an inter-service approach to warfare, vital for future military readiness and empowerment.

(With inputs from agencies.)