The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande recently spoke at the spring term Passing out Parade (PoP) at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. The COAS spoke about the rapidly changing dynamics of combat due to the fast-paced developments and disruptive technologies. These developments make the battlespace more complex and contested. As a result, technical prowess, mental ability, critical thinking, and swift response are essential for success.
The newly-commissioned Army officers were advised to focus on training and preparing the men and women under them for combat. The COAS emphasized that the journey of a soldier does not end with commissioning; instead, it is the beginning of a life of commitment towards self-improvement.
The COAS expressed that soldiering is the noblest of all professions, as it provides the opportunity to don the uniform and serve one’s motherland with selfless devotion.
Previously, the IMA had a colonial-era tradition of ferrying reviewing officers and guests in horse-drawn buggies. The military headquarters directed the IMA to drop this tradition, and for the first time in the academy’s history, the reviewing officer was brought to the venue in a black sedan, escorted by two motorbikes on each side.
The COAS’s speech at the IMA highlights the importance of keeping pace with the changing dynamics of combat. As technology advances, the Army must adapt to provide better service to the nation. Soldiers must continuously improve themselves, keeping in mind that soldiering is a noble profession requiring selflessness and devotion to the country.
