Theaterisation of Armed Forces

28 Oct Theaterisation of Armed Forces

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Theaterisation of Armed Forces”. This topic has relevance in the “Security” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is the Theaterisation of Armed Forces?
What are the different commands of the Armed forces? 

For Mains:

GS3:  Security

Why in the news?

The Armed Forces have finalised integrated theatre commands, with proposed theatre commanders under a national defence committee led by the Defense Minister. 

What is Theaterisation?

• Theaterisation of armed forces is the integration of the army, air force, and navy under a single unified command structure for a specific geographical area. 
• This means that all the assets and resources of the three services in that area are placed under a single commander responsible for planning and executing all military operations.
• A theatre of operations is a specific area in which military operations are conducted. The term can also refer to adapting military forces to the specific challenges and requirements of a particular operational environment, such as a desert, jungle, or urban setting.

Examples of theaterisation in practice:

• The United States has several theatre commands, including the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for the Middle East and Central Asia, and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), responsible for the Indo-Pacific region.
• China has five theater commands: Northern Theater Command, Southern Theater Command, Eastern Theater Command, Western Theater Command, and Central Theater Command.

Advantages of Theaterisation

• Improved coordination and cooperation between the three services: Theaterisation helps to break down silos and improve coordination and cooperation between the three services. This is essential for effective joint operations.
• More efficient use of resources: Theaterisation allows for a more efficient use of resources, as assets can be allocated to where they are most needed, regardless of which service they belong to.
• Faster and more flexible decision-making: Theaterisation allows for faster and more flexible decision-making, as the commander is not constrained by the different bureaucratic procedures of the three services.
• Enhanced deterrence and warfighting capabilities: Theaterisation can enhance deterrence and warfighting capabilities by creating a more integrated and cohesive force. This can make it more difficult for adversaries to assess and exploit vulnerabilities.
• Increased synergy and efficiency: Theaterisation can lead to increased synergy and efficiency in operations, planning, and training. This can result in a more effective and efficient armed force.

Plans for Theater Commands in India

• The Kargil Review Committee, the Naresh Chandra Committee, and the Group of Ministers all called for significant changes in India’s higher defence management. 
• The Shekatkar Committee was instrumental in proposing the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) role and the creation of theatre commands.
• According to the reports, the initial phase will involve setting up three theatre commands: 
  • To address security challenges along the Pakistan border located at Jaipur
  • To counter potential threats from China, situated at Lucknow
  • A maritime theatre command to protect against maritime threats beyond India’s coastal borders located at Karwar. 

Implementation Challenges

• Absence of National Security Strategy (NSS): Critics, including retired military professionals, highlight the need for a coherent NSS before implementing theatre commands to provide a clear policy blueprint and objectives for their functioning.
• Inter-Service Disagreements: The three forces hold differing views regarding the scope, structure, and command authority within theatre commands.
• Resource Transfer: Ambiguity surrounds the allocation of war-fighting equipment and the transfer of weapons, platforms, and resources between theatre commands.
• Inadequate Training: The nation lags in establishing an adequate curriculum framework for military personnel to serve in theatre commands effectively.

India’s Current Command Structure

• Currently, India maintains 17 single-service commands and two tri-service commands. The 17 single-service commands are categorised as follows:
• Army: 7 Commands
  • Northern Command
  • Western Command
  • Southern Command
  • Eastern Command
  • Central Command
  • South-Western Command
  • Training Command
• Navy: 3 Commands
  • Western Naval Command
  • Eastern Naval Command
  • Southern Naval Command
• Air Force: 5 Commands
  • Western Air Command
  • Eastern Air Command
  • Central Air Command
  • Southern Air Command
  • Training Command
• Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC): a tri-service command that is responsible for the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Strategic Forces Command (SFC): a nuclear command responsible for operating and maintaining India’s nuclear weapons.

The process of theaterisation necessitates the careful consideration of crucial aspects, such as the establishment of a well-defined hierarchical chain of command, the delineation of relationships between service headquarters and theatre commands, and the provision of comprehensive training to accommodate the diverse roles arising from theaterization. Theaterisation is a significant change for armed forces, but it is a necessary step to ensure that they can meet the challenges of the modern world.

Sources: Contours of joint theatre commands ready, await Govt nod before tweaks | India News – The Indian Express

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Q1. With reference to Theaterisation, consider the following statements: 

1. A theatre refers to a geographical area where military operations are conducted.
2. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the creation of theatre commands in the Armed Forces. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) None 

Check Answer

Q2. Consider the following: 

1. Andaman and Nicobar Command
2. Strategic Forces Command 
3. Training Command
4. Central Command

How many of the abovementioned factors are tri-service commands of the Armed Forces?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) Only three 

(d) All Four 

Check Answer

Q3. Discuss the concept of theaterization in military strategy. What are the primary objectives and advantages of implementing theaterization in the armed forces?

Gaurav N