Army Commanders Conference Gets Underway

New Delhi, Oct 11 (UNI) Operational review of the situation in Jammu&Kashmir and the North-East -- including operational readiness and training -- will come up during the biannual Army Commanders Conference that commenced here today.

The three-day conference, chaired Army Chief Gen JJ Singh, will also discuss other activities of the Army and, wherever required, issue directions to carry out mid-course corrections, according to an official spokesperson here.

A large number of important issues have been slated for discussion. A review of the training for primary tasks and important administrative matters will be focussed upon. In particular, discussion will be held on 'Force Restructuring Through Optimisation of Manpower' to formulate a suitable long-term policy on the subject, the spokesperson informed.

Also, the Confidential Roll System in the Armed Forces Medical Services will be reviewed.

Other important issues slated for discussions include the steps to be taken at ground level to 'Uphold Army Ethos', 'Ex-servicemen Welfare' including update and roadmap on 'Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)' and a review of the policy on 'Marching Contingents on Army/Republic Day'.

Immediately after the Army Commanders Conference, the capital will be the venue of the Second Chief's Conclave to be held on October 15 and 16.

The conclave -- first instituted in 2004 -- is held every two years.

This year most of the former COAS's, notably Gen OP Malhotra, Gen Krishna Rao, Gen SF Rodriques, Gen VN Sharma, Gen Shankar Roy Choudhury, Gen VP Malik, Gen S Padmanabhan and Gen NC Vij will attend the conclave.

Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw will, however, not be present due to ill health.

The schedule of events for the Second Chief's Conclave include a briefing on general issues in the Army and new policies formulated by Army HQ.

This will be followed by an administrative briefing to including matters pertaining to welfare of soldiers and currently sensitive issues to seek their considered opinion. The interaction with the former Chiefs is aimed at eliciting the combined invaluable views -- emanating from their collective experience and wisdom -- that will assist in shaping the future of the Army in the present-day dynamic environment.

Separate functions are also being organised for wives of former Chiefs, including wives of Chiefs who have since expired, namely Mrs Radhika Bewoor, Mrs Piroja Kumaramangalam, Mrs Bimla Thapar, Mrs Rajkumari Srinagesh, Mrs Ninette Raina and Mrs Vani Sundarji who will also be present to attend these functions.

COAS Flight Safety Trophy will also be presented on the culmination of the Army Commanders Conference.

UNI DG VD HT1932