MILITARY TRANSFORMATION

During the Vietnam War, a study was conducted in the US as to why soldiers fought for the nation and the most common reasons were for respected and valued leaders, out of sense of duty and for survival. These reasons are further corroborated by observations of American soldiers during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraqi War and the Afghanistan War. The fact of the matter is that organizations having structures to control and support individual behaviour might lead to greater individual commitments. Through a control over individual behaviour in supporting his day to day needs, a total institution often engineers a great sense of identification and devotion to the organization which in turn is reflected in individual's effort to carry out goals and purposes of the organization.

Reports of combat effective soldiers show greater similarity to the institutionally oriented soldier. These factors could be in terms of honour through service, sense of duty and loyalty. Institutionally committed soldiers are therefore, more strongly committed to the military, the unit and more willing to undergo adversities to serve others.

Observations of this American study needs a greater emphasis in the Indian context. Although, we don't have any political leader who can inspire the nation and other values too, eroding quite significantly, our armed forces needs an urgent check to transform themselves. They need to create a strong interface with the society and understand as to what the society expects from them and based on the honest evaluations, a structural transformation is the need of time. This transformation should never be associated with monetary gains from the state.

Armed forces for ages have remained sacred organizations world over... an ultimate weapon of the state, it should in no manner be equated with a police or a para-military force. An honour to serve should always remain as the sole guiding factor.