Military-civil integration vital for stronger defence ecosystem: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stressed the need for greater integration between the military and civilian wings of the Ministry of Defence to strengthen the country’s defence ecosystem. Addressing the 85th Armed Forces Headquarters Civilian Services Day celebrations in New Delhi on Monday, Singh emphasised that this will effectively address evolving security and technological challenges. The Defence Minister said that both the uniformed and civil services share the same commitment of ‘Nation First’, and when the objective is singular, every element of the system transforms into national strength. 
The Defence Minister underlined that military and administrative integration cannot proceed along separate paths. He added that as joint and integrated structures develop, there will be a need for continuity and expertise across policy, administration, human resource management, among others. Mr Singh also highlighted the need to further enhance structured cross-exposure between civilian and military officers through joint training programmes and developmental assignments, enabling both sides to learn from each other’s experiences. 
The Minister said that Armed Forces Headquarter (AFHQ) services are the institutional memory of the Ministry of Defence. Singh said that the AFHQ cadre is an institution that provides the Ministry of Defence with continuity, domain expertise, and policy stability. The Defence Minister said that, AFHQ also plays the role of an important bridge in strengthening civil-military synergy.The Minister urged the AFHQ cadre to go beyond their mandate and role. He further urged them to contribute to strengthening the country’s defence ecosystem through defence technology research, geo-strategic thinking, and new ideas.