Indian Army will finally have a new rank position which will now aid quicker decision-making and synergy as the government has approved the post of Deputy Chief (Strategy) who will oversee operations, intelligence and logistics.

The need for the position was felt during the Doklam standoff with China in 2017. The approval interestingly comes after a year’s delay amid the ongoing military tussle with China in Ladakh.

The Deputy Chief (Strategy) will be a Lt General rank officer and have the Director Generals of Operations (DGMO), Military Intelligence (DGMI), Perspective Planning (DGPP) and Operational Logistics (DGOL) along with another new post DG Information Warfare (DGIW) under him.

Current DGMO Lt Paramjit Singh is expected to take over as the Deputy Chief (Strategy).

All these posts working separately would report to the vice-chief earlier and would often lead to delays in taking strategic decisions. “Now, all important aspects meant for any quick decision will come under one vertical,” said an official.

This will not just quicken decision-making but also lead to a more focused approach.

An Information Warfare branch has been set up to combat misinformation campaigns and propaganda through social media being used for psychological conflicts.

The new setup is part of the military reforms planned by Indian Army and is finally getting shape.

Even though an in-principle approval for the new position of Deputy Chief (Strategy) was given by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh last year, it took a year the final approval as part of the reorganisation of Army HQ. A cabinet approval for the new post of Deputy Chief (Strategy) was required.

The new post of Deputy Chief (Strategy) is in addition to the two existing posts of the same level.

The Deputy Chief Planning and Systems dealing with procurement issues will be merged with the Master General Ordnance (MGO) branch and rechristened as Deputy Chief Sustenance instead of Deputy Chief, Planning and Systems. Deputy Chief Information Systems and Training will continue to function in its usual form.

Agencies