Author Archives: sword

An open letter to the COAS

Posted on July 1, 2011 by sword

Dear General, As the head of an organization like the Indian Army, you represent many things to many people. To the serving officers and soldiers, you are a role model. To them, you stand for excellence of the highest order.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, COAS, Military, Ponderings, Values | Tagged , , , | 55 Comments

Of scoundrels and parliamentary democracy

Posted on June 8, 2011 by sword

If patriotism is the last resort of scoundrels, parliamentary democracy seems to be that of some politicians. Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, Corruption, National Issues, Politics | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

JOINTMANSHIP EXPERIENCED

Posted on May 26, 2011 by sword

  “I have visited nineteen countries in my career of two decades. Do you know that your Navy is interoperable with over twenty six other navies?” The dashing naval Commander from the visiting naval training squadron was not trying to … Continue reading →

Posted in Higher Defence Management, Military, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Gridlock

Posted on May 20, 2011 by sword

Setting up of the National Intelligence Grid is stalled due to turf wars – and red herrings being thrown up. Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, Counter Terrorism, Cyber Warfare, National Issues, Terrorism | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Brand Army

Posted on May 14, 2011 by sword

“Capt Avinash Rathod, ek soldier ke nazar kabhi neechi nahi honi chahiye” (roughly translated – a soldier must never look down) – says the lissome model in the latest Airtel ad on TV. The ad is well made, and effectively … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, Media, Military, Shortage of officers | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Last Cavalier

Posted on May 1, 2011 by sword

Glamour in peace, glory in war – the cavalry stands tall. Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, Cavalry, Military, Regimental spirit, Tanks, Traditions, Values | Leave a comment

Pull of the Lanyard

Posted on April 13, 2011 by sword

Regimental spirit wins wars. But does it have any rôle to play in deciding who reaps benefits and privileges? Continue reading →

Posted in Appraisal System, Blogitorial, Military, Promotion System, Regimental spirit, Values, Welfare | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Double Bogey

Posted on March 27, 2011 by sword

Avoid bogeys and play by the rules – should not be very difficult to do. Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, Military | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Deja Vu

Posted on February 28, 2011 by sword

People are leaving – whether it’s the US Army or Indian – they are finding greener pastures. Is this a new phenomenon? Not according to Norman Dixon. Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, Management, Military, Shortage of officers | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Canteen Brouhaha

Posted on January 13, 2011 by sword

The Comptroller and Auditor General recently carried out the ‘Performance Audits’ of Canteen Stores Department and of the Supply Chain Management of Ration Supplies in the Army. Incidentally, these are two separate audits, and DO NOT relate to “Irregularity in … Continue reading →

Posted in Blogitorial, Civil Military Relations, CSD, Military, Welfare | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments