Gunners Shot

At Army Futures Command, we believe in utilizing the best expertise, whatever the source, to create innovative solutions faster and better. We’re on a quest to modernize the way the Army does business by creating a space of endless possibilities to explore, develop, and test new methods, organizations, and technologies . Above all else, we want to make sure Soldiers have what they need, before they need it, to protect tomorrow… today. .......... My wish list Preamble This article has been motivated by “Imbalance of Power. India’s Military Choices in an Era of Strategic Competition with China” ( https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/imbalance-of-power ) and   “Do Generals Matter” ( https://warontherocks.com/2019/06/do-generals-matter/ ) and   War is Changing. Are We? ( https://palepurshankar.blogspot.com/2019/10/war-is-changing-are-we-by-lt-gen-p-r.html ) amongst others.   However the real trigger for these thoughts is a conversation I had with a balanced and

                            I got some great feedback on my earlier article in which I highlighted the concept of Multi Domain Operations ( https://palepurshankar.blogspot.com/2019/10/era-of-disruption-in-military-affairs.html )   and the requirement of Indian strategic thinking to align with this emerging thought process. The feedback suggested that it was a great futuristic concept.   Sorry folks. It is not a futuristic concept I was outlining. It is current, clear and happening now. It further led me to ask myself a question. War is changing. Are we? The short hasty answer would be – No. However, the issue needs deeper thinking and reflection. Let me attempt it. Changing Face of War In Jul 19, two oil tankers were sunk in the Gulf of Oman through use of mines. In Sep 19, two coordinated air strikes were carried out on oil facilities deep in Saudi Arabia by UAVs. Study them and one realizes that these attacks are co-related and well-coordinated highly le

A Follow up on  https://palepurshankar.blogspot.com/2019/10/shaastra-2020-student-defence.html   Happy Deepawali! May the festival of lights which ultimately celebrates victory of good over evil bring joy to your families and friends.    I am celebrating Deepawali by bringing forth an update on the Defence Technology Summit being conducted by students of IIT Madras as part of Shaastra 2020 ( https://summit.shaastra.org/#home ) mostly in their own words. The Defence Technology Summit is on track and will be held in IIT Madras from 3-5 Jan 2019.     Defence Innovation Challenge   The response for the flagship event – the Defence Innovation Challenge has been terrific. Over 700 participants have registered themselves to participate in this event. To remind everyone, the Challenges will be in the field of defense on three tracks AI, Robotics and AR/VR, Robotics To design a swarm of 5 ground-bound robots working, using a collaborative efficient algorithm and mesh

The subject and content of this article are largely based on environmental feedback recieved from time to time    Preface to the book  Generalship its Diseases and Their Cure  by Maj Gen JFC Fuller At the battle of Waterloo, Colonel Clement, an infantry commander, fought with the most conspicuous bravery; but unfortunately, was shot through the head. Napoleon, hearing of his gallantry and misfortune, gave instructions for him to be carried into a farm where Larrey the surgeon-general was operating. One glance convinced Larrey that his case was desperate, so taking up a saw he removed the top of his skull and placed his brains on the table. Just as he had finished, in rushed an aide-de-camp, shouting: ‘Is General Clement here?’ Clement, hearing him, sat up and exclaimed: ‘No! but Colonel Clement is.’ Oh mon General cried the aide-de-camp, embracing him, ‘the Emperor was overwhelmed when we heard of your gallantry, and has promoted you on the field of battle to the ra