Defence Minister authorised CDS to issue joint orders for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- It replaces the old system, where each service issued separate orders, marking a new step toward jointness and integration in the Armed Forces.
About jointness and Integration
- Jointness of defence forces implies synergised use of the resources of the three Services while respecting the uniqueness of each to achieve optimum results and avoid duplication.
- Jointness can further lead to the integration of defence forces, i.e., formal combining of constituent elements into a single structure.
- It is a crucial prerequisite for the creation of theatre commands.
- They are among the nine priority areas for defence reforms in 2025 (declared as the “year of reforms”).
- They can streamline procedures, cut redundancies, and boost coordination among the services.
Initiatives taken for jointness and integration
- Proposal for theatrisation: Proposal for Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) and Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) to boost operational readiness by combining the capabilities of all three forces based on geography and function.
- Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Rules, 2025: To ensure effective command, control, and efficient functioning of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs).
- Appointment of the CDS: CDS is mandated to bring about jointness in the operation, logistics, transport, training, etc. of the three armed services.
- Department of Military Affairs (DMA): Established under the Defence Ministry with the CDS as Secretary.
- Joint Commands: The Andaman and Nicobar Command (A&NC) and the Strategic Forces Command (looks after nuclear assets).
- Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS): To provide a single point, tri-Service, military advice to the government.