Gunners Shot

I had the opportunity to moderate a CASA webinar on Agnipath : The Path Ahead It was a fascinating discussion. It covered ground hitherto glossed over. The panel was very knowledgeable. To have a  panel comprising of a C-in-C, an AOP and a DGMO going into various issues professionally from different perspectives was enriching. If you are really interested in the Agnipath Scheme and how to take it forward spend time going through the video. It will be worth your while.      

Previous articles on Agnipath @ https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/agnipath-operational-challenges-this.html https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/tour-of-duty-kindergarten-army-by-lt.html https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/modified-agnipath-beyond-kindergarten.html Also published @  https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/agnipath-the-kindergarten-mathematics/2573285/ The movie  ‘Hidden Figures’   recounts the time when NASA was first attempting to put a man in space. Scientists are not sure that the orbit they had figured out would enable them to get their astronaut back to earth. An African American lady who is a whizz at maths and space geometry  is called  upon to work out a safe orbit. She examines the problem and says words to the effect “The answer will be in the maths. Maths cannot be wrong”.  In the event, she re-works the orbit mathematically using complex equations (including Euler’s and Navier Stokes equations I guess) and presents a solution. The astronaut is launched in

China has become more assertive in its global forays despite a visibly slowing economy. The reasons for a slowing economy are many…omicron, failed common prosperity, reality melt down, isolation, ageing, internal politics, supply chain disruptions, higher input costs and more. Historically, Communist China has been assertive and aggressive when it was it was at its weakest. Hence the assertion to continue to expand influence and prove that it still counts in Global affairs is a natural genetic reaction. However, what China is experiencing these days borders on rejection as being even a fair weather friend. These articles which I have put together suggests so. All these have happened in a short time span. As days go by, the chorus is likely to get louder. The article on Sri Lanka from even as staid a paper as South China Morning Post very explicitly suggests China’s fairweather behaviour in International relationships. It is an eye-opener. Combine it with the reaction from smaller natio

A senior veteran sent to me, an extract from the  Report of the Sixth Central Pay Commission (Pages 138 -143)  I went through it.  I realised while ignorance is bliss, knowing and ignoring facts is a crime . It for the Rakhsa Mantri, Chiefs of Services, Defence Secretary and AS DMA to have look at this report and reflect - Does this mirror organisational ignorance or ‘knowledgeable’ ignorance? In my opinion, the answers to many vexing questions regarding  Agniveers  and the  Agnipath Scheme are in this report which has been accepted by the Government. The rest I leave for the nation and conscience of those in chair to decide their  ‘Path’  .  Are we reinventing the wheel or destroying it? The wheel has been kept static and not turned since long!  Lateral movement of Defence Forces personnel  Introduction  .4 2.4.1 Defence Forces have been facing a shortage of Officers. Resettlement of retired Personnel Below Officers Ranks (PBORs) is also an issue that has been engaging deep attention

I had a very interesting conversation with Mr Sanjay Dixit on how to make the Agnipath Scheme more effective and beneficial to the nation.  The dialogue is in Hindi. A first time for me. Hence you will have to interpret my intent rather than understand my language. I also clarified some misconceptions of the regimental system which are floating in the air. 

  Authors Previous Articles on Agnipath Scheme https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/agnipath-operational-challenges-this.html https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/tour-of-duty-kindergarten-army-by-lt.html Published @  https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/modified-agnipath-beyond-the-kindergarten/2566901/ HOME DEFENCE  Modified Agnipath Beyond The Kindergarten Modified Agnipath : Beyond The Kindergarten This crisis affords an opportunity which we must cash in on. However, prior to outlining the scheme certain issues are being highlighted to clarify some perceptions and blow away the cobwebs which are still visible.  June 20, 2022 5:19:47 pm There are a lot of views that the Indian Armed Forces are not for job providing.  By Lt Gen P R Shankar (R The Agnipath scheme has been announced and it has drawn heavy fire. Intellectuals and the common man have weighed in on it. From all the news and information in the open media, it is more than clear that the scheme has not met aspirations of t

It is now quite clear that the current Agnipath model does no meet either individual aspirations or improve organisational effectiveness. It needs to be reworked and repackaged. This video has a powerpoint presentation on a modified Agnipath scheme. It needs consideration.   Previous articles on Agnipath Scheme https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/agnipath-operational-challenges-this.html https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/tour-of-duty-kindergarten-army-by-lt.html  

Also published @  https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/agnipath-operational-challenges/2564010/ This article is a follow up, after the announcement of the Agnipath Scheme, on my article. @ https://www.gunnersshot.com/2022/06/tour-of-duty-kindergarten-army-by-lt.html  also published in the Financial Express.    The ‘Agnipath’ is going through a severe ‘Agni Pariksha’. The acid test of any military transformation of such nature must be the effect on the operational ability of our cutting-edge fighting units. If the transformation enables and empowers the frontline units and enhances the security of the nation, then it is great. Otherwise, it must be rethought. From what is available in public domain so far, the ‘Agnipath’ is on a shaky wicket on two grounds. It does not appear to have met the aspiration of the people who want to join armed forces. It might not contribute to better operational efficiency of a unit on the frontline. Let me analyze the latter further and leave the forme