‘Jointness of three armed forces important amid changing nature of war’

Pune, May 29 (PTI):
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh on Saturday called for the “jointness” of three defence forces, saying that it is far more important in changing nature of war than it was in the past.
He was speaking at the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla here on Saturday, after reviewing the Passing Out Parade of 140th course of the academy.
“The nature of war is changing and it is important to engage in all adversariesin all domains, like land, sea, air, space and cyber. It is for this reasonthat the jointness amongst the three services is far more important than in the past,” he said.
The armed forces are seeing landmark defence reforms with the establishment of Department of Military Affairs, institutionof Chief of Defence Staff and soon to be formed of theatre commands, the Navy chief said.
“Traditions, identity, uniforms and customs of each service matter as do the requirements generated by the distinctiverole of the three services. But jointness in the armed forces is paramount for more synergised and effective application of force in present day complex battlefield,” he added.
NDA has been a symbol of jointness for 72 years. Its existence enforces the core values of jointmanship, which are the founding principles of the academy, Singh said.
“All of you must remember that no matter how future warfare evolves, few personal abilities and attributesremain key for the effective leadership. Leadership, as you know the essence of the officer…,” he said in his address to the cadets.
Admiral Singh, an alumnus of the NDA’s 56th course, arrived at his alma mater, after which he visited his parent squadron “H” (Hunter Squadron) and interacted with the cadets. He presented a memento for thesquadron to the cadets, an official statement said.
During the visit, the Navy chief got down on his hands and did push-ups with the cadets, as is the tradition followed in the squadron, it said.
The entire staff of the Admiral, NDA Commandant and other officers present there also joined him, the statement added.