Integrated Triservice Theatre Commands

Shashank Raj Gupta
Integrated Triservice Theatre Commands

Question: Who is the first chief of the defence staff (CDS) of India?
a) Gen Bipin Rawat
b) Gen l V.K. Singh
c) Gen Bikram Singh
d) None of these
Answer: (a)
Related facts:-

  • On 22 June 2021; the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat chaired a meeting to iron out differences on rolling out theatre commands.
  • Idea of integrated triservice theatre commands now gaining momentum in Indian Defence System.
  • The theatre commands are being set up under a larger mandate of ensuring synergy among the three service chiefs to deal with future security challenges.
  • Recently, a high-level committee has been formed for the consultations on the creation of integrated triservice theatre commands.
  • All the issues related to the defence of the nation from external enemy will be examined by this committee.
  • It will try to find a way forward before a formal note on their creation is sent to the Cabinet Committee on Security.
  • The proposed Air Defence Command plans to integrate all air assets of the armed forces.
  • On the other hand the Maritime Theatre Command plans to bring in all assets of Navy, Coast Guard as well as coastal formations of Army and Air Force under one umbrella.
  • On land, the Army’s Northern command and Western Command would be converted into 2-5 theatre commands.

Integrated Theatre Command

  • Unified command of the three Services, under a single commander in an integrated theatre command.
  • Such an integrated theatre command would be envisaged for the geographical theatres (areas) that are of strategic and security concern.
  • The commander of such a force will be able to bear all resources at his disposal from the Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Navy.
  • The integrated theatre commander will not be answerable to individual Services.
  • Integration and jointness of the three forces will avoid duplication of resources. The resources available under each service will be available to other services too.

By – Rajesh Tripathi

Links:-
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/high-level-committee-formed-for-consultations-on-theatre-commands/article34852286.ece
https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-gen-rawat-chairs-meeting-to-iron-out-differences-on-rolling-out-theatre-commands/385895