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NEW DELHI: The problem of shortage of officers at the junior level continues to plague the Army as it experiments with a variety of means to mitigate the status. In spite of an upward drive in the selection of officers in the recent past, the problem remains.
The Army is also inducting more technically qualified officers keeping in view the ingress of technology in the battlefield. The women entry officers are training in the NDA and will ultimately join units on completion of their training. Artillery is the latest combat arm to open its doors to women officers.
The silver lining is that shortages notwithstanding, the army has not lowered its standards in recruitment of officers.
Guest: Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa. The General officer is currently the Adjutant General at the Army HQ. He is also the Colonel of the Mahar Regiment.
He was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery after having graduated from the Indian Military Academy. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College, and Senior Command course at the Army War College, he commanded a medium artillery regiment in high altitude area, an artillery brigade in deserts, and a Corps artillery brigade in intense counter insurgency environment in Kashmir Valley.
A prolific writer, the officer has written a book: Vintage Guns of India.
Recently, he has co-authored the book: Home of the Brave. History of Rashtriya Rifles.
He has a chapter in the book: Know India Better; a chapter in another book yet to be published.
He has over 300 articles on various subjects in newspapers and military magazines in India, US, Canada, Singapore and Hong Kong.
He has also, edited the book: The Guardsman; and drafted the Regiment of Artillery History.
