- If someone becomes a CDS from the Navy or Air Force, then their uniform will also be according to the parent service
- After becoming CDS, General Rawat will not control any military command.
- He will be the Principal Military Advisor to the Minister of Defense in matters relating to the three Services.
The country’s first Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat will take over on Wednesday. He will act as the CDS coordinator between the Ministry of Defense and the three services. However, he would have no control over any military command. He will not be able to give any direct instructions to the three army chiefs. The government has also created a separate department for CDS. There will be a separate uniform for General Rawat. According to officials, the color of CDS’s uniform will be that of his parent service. That is, General Rawat will be seen in Olive Green uniform only. If someone becomes a CDS from the Navy or Air Force, the uniform will be according to their parent services. The new base of the Chief of Defense Staff will now be 3, Kamaraj Marg.
What would be the uniform, cap and badge of CDS:
The basic uniforms of CDS will be according to their service. It will only have rank badges and logo changes.
The uniform symbol has two swords, an eagle and an anchor. There will be an Ashoka sign on it.
There will be a maroon patch with anchors, swords and eagles in place of the baton on the shoulder to show the ranks. The logo and badge represent the three armies.
The Chief of Defense Staff’s cap, the badge will show his achievements.
General Rawat’s first name will be on the CDS baton
General Rawat is the first CDS and the baton for him will have his first name. According to retired General Vinod Bhatia, baton is like a relay race. It is considered very sacred and indicative of responsibility in the army. It has been a part of every command, brigade and division with its chief. Commanding officers, brigadiers and division chiefs take it along at every ritual. General Rawat handed over the baton to the new Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Narwane, and the name of the new Chief was written on it. Actually, the baton that is in the hands of the new Chief, it is running with the name of all the army chiefs who have been made since independence till date. It was also a ceremonial baton at the time of the British, but they carried all the signs of their tradition.
What will not happen under CDS jurisdiction:
The CDS will have no control over any military command. The operational operations of the three armies will remain with their chiefs.
They would not be able to give any orders to the chiefs of the three forces.
They will not have any command of any service like Army, Navy and Air Force.
CDS can neither stop nor hinder service specific acquisition plans.
Major Functions of CDS:
General Bipin Rawat will play the role of CDS which will be the coordinator between the Ministry of Defense and the three services.
key role in the nuclear command will be the Prime Minister’s Principal Military Advisor in the matter of pressing the nuclear button.
To coordinate the process of procurement, training and appointment of staff. Role in reorganization of military commands and formation of theater commands.
CDS will be the permanent chairman of the committee of heads of the three services. CDS will be the administrator of the joint organizations of the three services.
He will be the Principal Military Advisor to the Minister of Defense in matters involving the three Services. The heads of the three armies will continue to advise the Minister of Defense in their respective matters.
CDS will have a stake as a member in defense procurement and planning meetings. Combining training, procurement, transport, support services and operations.
CDS will also be led by organizations such as Cyber and Space Command, agencies associated with the three services.
Will give impartial advice to the political leadership, rising above personal matters related to the system.