<p>In the evolving dynamics of modern warfare, India’s military effectiveness increasingly hinges on a critical yet underappreciated factor – the synergy between its armed forces. Recent military developments, including the establishment of the future warfare course announced by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, highlight India’s commitment to joint operations. However, the path to true integration requires a more fundamental transformation through a dedicated Joint Training Command. A key premise of joint training is also a joint doctrine which will play a facilitative or guiding role. CDS General Chauhan did state that by the middle of 2025, a joint doctrine will be created that encompasses integrated multi-domain operations, network-centric warfare, airborne and helicopter, conventional missile forces and space operations, and joint communications. In 2024, the services established a tri-service cyberspace operations doctrine and a joint doctrine for amphibious operations.</p>.<p>The current challenge lies not in recognising the importance of jointness but in its comprehensive implementation. While existing tri-services academy and inter-services courses provide valuable exposure to joint operations, their impact remains limited by training at a very early level, restricted seat availability and merit-based selection processes. As the CDS in May 2024 laid stress on developing a “joint culture” for the armed forces, jointness must be ingrained across the services in very initial operational training as well as mid-level seniority in the armed forces. Currently in India, the National Defence Academy which is a tri-services academy imparts initial induction training before the cadets are commissioned into the respective services. However, this lacks training at the level where services jointly operate at the level of command. At all other levels, service-specific training is imparted from induction and onwards.</p>.Freebie culture disempowers citizens.<p>Individual service training commands, while excellent in their domains, naturally prioritise service-specific requirements. The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) focuses on land warfare excellence, the Air Force (TC) on air power employment, and the Indian Navy on maritime operations. This specialised focus, while necessary, creates inherent limitations in preparing forces for integrated operations. In addition, the coordination of training calendars across services often becomes a complex juggling act, potentially compromising the quality and frequency of joint training activities.</p>.<p>A Joint Training Command would fundamentally reshape this training environment. Rather than attempting to coordinate three separate training calendars, it would establish a master schedule prioritising integrated operations while ensuring adequate time for service-specific training. This command would take the lead in designing and executing tri-services training courses and exercises that simulate realistic battlefield environments across various geographical frontages, from high-altitude regions of Ladakh to maritime scenarios in the Indian Ocean.</p>.<p><strong>Training redefined</strong></p>.<p>The move towards the Joint Training Command is also in sync with the proposed concept of theatre command. The establishment of theatre commands, an important military reform currently underway, adds urgency to this transformation. These commands are predicated on the concept of integrated operations in specific geographical areas, pulling together all available resources for effective management. However, an important question emerges here: Are the current service-specific training establishments prepared for these new operational concepts and scenarios? The Joint Training Command would address this challenge by developing and implementing training patterns and methodologies aligned with theatre command requirements. It would create standardised protocols for joint operations while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to specific theatre needs. This approach would ensure that forces assigned to different theatres operate with consistent standards while understanding their unique operational environments.</p>.<p>Apart from doctrine, communications are also vital in joint training involving sea, air and ground forces. Military communications equipment vary, sometimes considerably and even between services of a single country. This is especially true for India as it proceeds to establish Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) and the Indian Army, the largest of the three armed services, develops Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs).</p>.<p>A joint exercise conducted under a joint training command would involve not just the three services but also relevant paramilitary forces and other agencies. Army units would train alongside air power with real-time integration of naval capabilities, while paramilitary forces would understand their role in the larger operational picture. This comprehensive approach would ensure that every participant understands not just their roles but the entire Concept of Operations (CONOPS), particularly at the tactical level.</p>.<p>Recent experiences, including operations along the northern borders, have demonstrated the importance of such integration. When multiple services and agencies operate together, success depends not just on individual capabilities but on their ability to function as a cohesive unit. The Joint Training Command would ensure this cohesion through regular, realistic training scenarios that involve all stakeholders. The command’s structure could incorporate regional training centres aligned with theatre commands, each equipped with advanced simulation facilities replicating multi-domain battlefield scenarios. These centres would conduct year-round integrated exercises, ensuring that joint operations become second nature rather than an occasional exercise.</p>.<p>Looking ahead, the Joint Training Command represents more than an organisational change. It embodies a fundamental shift in how India prepares its military for future challenges. Creating a unified approach to training while preserving service-specific excellence would ensure that India’s armed forces are truly prepared for the complexities of modern warfare.</p>.<p>As global military dynamics evolve and regional security challenges become more complex, India’s ability to conduct integrated operations will be crucial. The Joint Training Command would serve as the cornerstone of this capability, ensuring that the country’s military remains ready and effective in protecting national interests across all domains of warfare.</p>.<p><em><strong>(Ankit is an assistant professor of International Relations at the<br> Rashtriya Raksha University under the MHA; Kartik is a senior fellow with the Strategic Studies Programme, Observer Research Foundation)</strong></em></p>
<p>In the evolving dynamics of modern warfare, India’s military effectiveness increasingly hinges on a critical yet underappreciated factor – the synergy between its armed forces. Recent military developments, including the establishment of the future warfare course announced by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, highlight India’s commitment to joint operations. However, the path to true integration requires a more fundamental transformation through a dedicated Joint Training Command. A key premise of joint training is also a joint doctrine which will play a facilitative or guiding role. CDS General Chauhan did state that by the middle of 2025, a joint doctrine will be created that encompasses integrated multi-domain operations, network-centric warfare, airborne and helicopter, conventional missile forces and space operations, and joint communications. In 2024, the services established a tri-service cyberspace operations doctrine and a joint doctrine for amphibious operations.</p>.<p>The current challenge lies not in recognising the importance of jointness but in its comprehensive implementation. While existing tri-services academy and inter-services courses provide valuable exposure to joint operations, their impact remains limited by training at a very early level, restricted seat availability and merit-based selection processes. As the CDS in May 2024 laid stress on developing a “joint culture” for the armed forces, jointness must be ingrained across the services in very initial operational training as well as mid-level seniority in the armed forces. Currently in India, the National Defence Academy which is a tri-services academy imparts initial induction training before the cadets are commissioned into the respective services. However, this lacks training at the level where services jointly operate at the level of command. At all other levels, service-specific training is imparted from induction and onwards.</p>.Freebie culture disempowers citizens.<p>Individual service training commands, while excellent in their domains, naturally prioritise service-specific requirements. The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) focuses on land warfare excellence, the Air Force (TC) on air power employment, and the Indian Navy on maritime operations. This specialised focus, while necessary, creates inherent limitations in preparing forces for integrated operations. In addition, the coordination of training calendars across services often becomes a complex juggling act, potentially compromising the quality and frequency of joint training activities.</p>.<p>A Joint Training Command would fundamentally reshape this training environment. Rather than attempting to coordinate three separate training calendars, it would establish a master schedule prioritising integrated operations while ensuring adequate time for service-specific training. This command would take the lead in designing and executing tri-services training courses and exercises that simulate realistic battlefield environments across various geographical frontages, from high-altitude regions of Ladakh to maritime scenarios in the Indian Ocean.</p>.<p><strong>Training redefined</strong></p>.<p>The move towards the Joint Training Command is also in sync with the proposed concept of theatre command. The establishment of theatre commands, an important military reform currently underway, adds urgency to this transformation. These commands are predicated on the concept of integrated operations in specific geographical areas, pulling together all available resources for effective management. However, an important question emerges here: Are the current service-specific training establishments prepared for these new operational concepts and scenarios? The Joint Training Command would address this challenge by developing and implementing training patterns and methodologies aligned with theatre command requirements. It would create standardised protocols for joint operations while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to specific theatre needs. This approach would ensure that forces assigned to different theatres operate with consistent standards while understanding their unique operational environments.</p>.<p>Apart from doctrine, communications are also vital in joint training involving sea, air and ground forces. Military communications equipment vary, sometimes considerably and even between services of a single country. This is especially true for India as it proceeds to establish Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) and the Indian Army, the largest of the three armed services, develops Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs).</p>.<p>A joint exercise conducted under a joint training command would involve not just the three services but also relevant paramilitary forces and other agencies. Army units would train alongside air power with real-time integration of naval capabilities, while paramilitary forces would understand their role in the larger operational picture. This comprehensive approach would ensure that every participant understands not just their roles but the entire Concept of Operations (CONOPS), particularly at the tactical level.</p>.<p>Recent experiences, including operations along the northern borders, have demonstrated the importance of such integration. When multiple services and agencies operate together, success depends not just on individual capabilities but on their ability to function as a cohesive unit. The Joint Training Command would ensure this cohesion through regular, realistic training scenarios that involve all stakeholders. The command’s structure could incorporate regional training centres aligned with theatre commands, each equipped with advanced simulation facilities replicating multi-domain battlefield scenarios. These centres would conduct year-round integrated exercises, ensuring that joint operations become second nature rather than an occasional exercise.</p>.<p>Looking ahead, the Joint Training Command represents more than an organisational change. It embodies a fundamental shift in how India prepares its military for future challenges. Creating a unified approach to training while preserving service-specific excellence would ensure that India’s armed forces are truly prepared for the complexities of modern warfare.</p>.<p>As global military dynamics evolve and regional security challenges become more complex, India’s ability to conduct integrated operations will be crucial. The Joint Training Command would serve as the cornerstone of this capability, ensuring that the country’s military remains ready and effective in protecting national interests across all domains of warfare.</p>.<p><em><strong>(Ankit is an assistant professor of International Relations at the<br> Rashtriya Raksha University under the MHA; Kartik is a senior fellow with the Strategic Studies Programme, Observer Research Foundation)</strong></em></p>
