The Other Side of the Coin: Veterans Criticism of Military Leadership

Recent opinion pieces by some veterans have been critical of the senior military leadership for its politicization and public display of religiosity.  This is not the first time that such issues regarding the prevailing organizational culture have been raised. Earlier, some veterans were critical of the Supreme Court's upholding of the military and the government’s decision to discharge an officer who refused to attend the regiment’s traditional religious ritual conducted by the soldiers.  The views of these veterans are based on their experiences and on how the military should conduct itself.

These veterans worry that, in recent times, military leaders have been observed in places of worship and participating in religious rituals in uniform along with politicians. Such interaction tends to be publicized in the news as well as on social media. This, as per these veterans, is contrary to military ethos and traditions. They fear that this behavior may be to align with the current political establishment. Such alignment may lead to the politicization of the leadership with detrimental consequences. The attempt at ingratiation may lead to turmoil when the ruling dispensation changes. It is also felt that religious and political partisanship may impact the military’s cohesion. Last but not least, such behavior may lower the military’s image and standing in the eyes of the citizenry.  Veterans consider that the Indian military is unique among its neighbouring militaries because of its apolitical nature and firm allegiance to the constitution: attributes that must be respected.

It is not clear if these fears and apprehensions expressed by these veterans were based on happenings or have been put forth as cautionary advice to the current leadership. However, these opinions project one point of view, and other perspectives are equally pertinent.  It would therefore be worthwhile to look at the other side of the coin.

Organizational culture is not static, but evolves as the conditions under which the organization functions undergo changes.  Most veterans commenting on behavior of the current military leadership need to remember that nearly a generation has passed since they relinquished their positions in the hierarchy.  There have been major demographic changes in the military's composition, both among troops and in the officer corps. Similarly, the nation and its citizens have become more aspirational, attempting to leave behind the colonial legacies. Indians are more confident and willing to openly discuss and follow their views and beliefs. Consequently, changes in culture are to be expected and would be part of the natural evolution of organizations.

In cases of cultural evolution, the acid test is whether these changes have affected the organization’s core values and performance. Let’s explore these aspects.

An Indian warrior's values can be traced to the scriptures, epics, and stories woven around the wars of yore. A warrior’s values are mission first, valour, steadfastness, self-sacrifice, loyalty, and courage. These attributes are legendary and are part of the Warrior’s Ethos. Kargil was an outstanding example of warriors undertaking the arduous task of dislodging enemy forces perched on mountain tops, disregarding the dangers, and accepting enormous loss of life. In recent times Indian military has displayed these values during counterinsurgency operations, raids across borders/LOC, against the PLA at Galwan, and in the scuffles in the North-East. Combatants of the Navy and the Air Force have also displayed these values during their operations. One can confidently state that recent operations on land, sea, and in the air confirm that there is no erosion of the values enshrined in the Warrior’s Ethos.  

As regards religiosity, most regiments of the Army are formed on a regional basis, and their war cry is generally related to their religious beliefs. Prayers and rituals form a part of the regimental traditions and are scrupulously adhered to. These traditions have cemented unit cohesion and furthered camaraderie.  Expecting Indian military culture to renounce religious beliefs may not stand scrutiny.

In terms of performance, from as far back as the Kargil war, we observed the tenacity, courage, and determination of soldiers and airmen as they overcame insurmountable odds to evict intruders from the Indian soil. The display of camaraderie, cohesion, and initiative was enviable. During the more recent confrontation with the Chinese in Ladakh, the Galwan tussle displayed the true mettle of an Indian soldier. Thereafter, Op Sindoor was a masterly display of military might and jointness as never before.  There may have been intelligence failures or glitches to start with, but the military’s ability to quickly recoup, recalibrate its strategy, and emerge victorious merits appreciation.

Indian military’s minor operations across the borders to hunt down terrorists are de rigueur. The manner in which the Navy and Air Force coordinated to air drop MARCOS more than 2000 km from our shores to save a pirated ship was unique. In multinational exercises, the Indian military’s conduct and performance are generally much appreciated. Many foreign militaries seek the participation of Indian forces in their exercises.

Overall, one can state with confidence that the military has more than measured up to the nation's expectations both in terms of conduct and performance. The cultural changes, if any, do not appear to have impacted the military in any appreciable manner. The government has, except in certain instances, generally avoided tinkering with the seniority principle in appointments, indicating that the fear of politicization remains just that, an apprehension. The fears and apprehensions about the state of the current military leadership appear to be somewhat misplaced. The apprehensions expressed by veterans appear more like cautionary advice and need to be treated as such.