Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

In a significant administrative reform aimed at enhancing jointness within the Indian Armed Forces, the personal staff officers, known as Aides-de-Camp (ADCs), to the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force will now be appointed from services other than their own. This change, effective from January 1, has been voluntary accepted by the three service chiefs, symbolising a commitment to inter-service integration.

Previously, service chiefs selected their ADCs from within their own branches, often choosing officers from units with which they had a special connection. The new arrangement, part of a comprehensive 200-point reform agenda outlined by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, represents a modest yet meaningful step towards fostering jointness among the services.

The role of an ADC is pivotal, encompassing the management of the chief’s daily affairs, attendance at official events and meetings, scheduling, correspondence and various administrative tasks. Assigning ADCs from different services is expected to promote a deeper understanding and cooperation across the branches, reinforcing the integrated approach essential for modern military operations.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to cultivate a joint culture within the armed forces. A special Joint Division has been established at the Defence Services Staff College to encourage collaborative and inter-service approaches to warfare, emphasising the importance of integration and mutual understanding.