CDS calls for creating joint culture in Armed forces

New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan today called upon the three services to create a joint culture as they move towards forming joint operational structures.

Speaking on ‘Jointmanship: The Way Ahead’ as part of the 22nd Major General Samir Sinha Memorial Lecture, the CDS termed developing joint culture in the armed forces as “Jointness 2.0”, which is the way forward, a Defence Ministry statement said.

He also pointed out that Jointness 1.0 was about better bonhomie and consensus among the services, and as there were no major differences, there is an impetus to move towards the next level, which is Jointness 2.0.

“Joint Culture though different from Service specific Culture, needs to respect the uniqueness of each service. We must be able to distill the best of each service, and incorporate the Highest Common Factor, rather than settle for the Least Common Denominator,” Chauhan said.

He also mentioned various initiatives of symbology that were being processed towards fostering the Joint Culture, including Tri-Services participation in national events.

Furthermore, Chauhan termed jointness and integration as prerequisites to the creation of functional Integrated Theatre Commands, and explained the significance of such commands.

“The creation of such commands will separate the ‘operational’ functions from the Raise-Train-Sustain (RTS) and other administrative functions, and will allow greater focus of the operational commander to matters of security,” he said.

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