Military is to support the Govt. Needless to mention that tasking of Military is articulated by the Govt. time-to-time through its Governing System to achieve various objectives that may be crucial for security of the nation. In democracies, the 'System of Governance' and the 'Chain to be Followed' are well-established. No one is expected to violate it.
It also needs no stressing that national defence is a complex phenomenon in which Military does play a role, vital though. The Military is expected to have requisite expertise in the domain. Other stakeholders will recognize the expertise if it contributes ‘positively’ to national aims and objectives; no one can ever ignore the ‘sane’ advice. It is here that ‘key’ to Civil-Military Relations lies. ‘I can’t force my opinion, others must find it useful in the overall context’, this should be the guiding thought. 'You be so amazing that You are needed for advice'.
Military must recognize that it is a part of the System. It can’t pursue or postulate anything else but the systemic line. Civil-Military aberrations that erupt in routine interactions, either way, can’t be allowed to derail the established System. Nor any statements which are not in sync with the official position of the Govt. be permitted - Opposition does it on occasions - otherwise the System will ‘deliver marginally’ to the extent of becoming ‘insane’.
It also needs no stressing that national defence is a complex phenomenon in which Military does play a role, vital though. The Military is expected to have requisite expertise in the domain. Other stakeholders will recognize the expertise if it contributes ‘positively’ to national aims and objectives; no one can ever ignore the ‘sane’ advice. It is here that ‘key’ to Civil-Military Relations lies. ‘I can’t force my opinion, others must find it useful in the overall context’, this should be the guiding thought. 'You be so amazing that You are needed for advice'.
Military must recognize that it is a part of the System. It can’t pursue or postulate anything else but the systemic line. Civil-Military aberrations that erupt in routine interactions, either way, can’t be allowed to derail the established System. Nor any statements which are not in sync with the official position of the Govt. be permitted - Opposition does it on occasions - otherwise the System will ‘deliver marginally’ to the extent of becoming ‘insane’.
As in personal life, CMR are a two-way traffic. This needs to be appreciated by all the stakeholders. Each must play its part truthfully, and with the desired maturity.
'Indian Military Maryada' can then manifest into 'Civil-Military Maryada', 'Military-Civil Maryada', 'Military-Military Maryada', 'Civil-Military-Veteran Maryada', and even 'Civil-Civil Maryada' for the System to resonate effectively all the time - be a Role Model - build the Indian Military Brand, do not diminish it.
Svipja CMR Chair
'Indian Military Maryada' can then manifest into 'Civil-Military Maryada', 'Military-Civil Maryada', 'Military-Military Maryada', 'Civil-Military-Veteran Maryada', and even 'Civil-Civil Maryada' for the System to resonate effectively all the time - be a Role Model - build the Indian Military Brand, do not diminish it.
Svipja CMR Chair
