Dehradun, June 8: India's future operational experiences will invariably be joint operations where a degree of synergy among the three services will be a key determinant of the final outcome, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne, said Saturday.
Addressing the gentlemen cadets at the passing out parade of 132nd Regular and Allied Courses at the Indian Military Academy here, Air Chief Marshal Browne impressed upon them the need to broaden their horizons and interact and make friends with their counterparts from the other services.
"India's future operational experiences will invariably be joint operations where, in addition to the specialised core competence of each service, the degree of synergy amongst the services will be a key determinant of the final outcome. So, widen your horizons, be 'full spectrum' in your thinking and develop a healthy professional respect for each other's capabilities, as these will have a force multiplier effect on India's future military power," he said.
Browne, who is the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee, said the Indian Army was going through a revolutionary phase of comprehensive capability enhancement, adding the young officers would be at the forefront of the momentous changes.
"Irrespective of your chosen arms, you would be operating in a knowledge-centric environment and technology would be intrinsic to each and every facet of future combat operations. To meet the stringent demands of this new environment, there will be a need to constantly prepare and adapt. So my advice to you would be to 'Never stop learning'," Browne said.
He asked the young officers to strive towards understanding every aspect of their job as future operational capabilities of the army will greatly depend on their professional capabilities.
Browne said it was a matter of honour for him to welcome 705 fine young men from 132nd Regular and Allied Courses into the "Brotherhood of Arms."
He also congratulated officers from friendly foreign countries who passed out Saturday.
Browne said the contours of national security challenges facing the country were fast evolving.
He said the service life will bring the officers face to face with a multitude of challenges and these will define their character, value system and credibility in their team.
Browne said the gentlemen cadet's future will be filled "with some good, some quite ordinary and some pretty bad times" and they should draw on their training when faced with doubts, temptations, dilemmas and deliberations.
"Make sure that you always do the right thing - the right way. On your strength of character and moral fibre depends the reputation of our Indian Army. Ensure that all your actions contribute towards strengthening it further," he added.
The air chief said that the gentleman cadets will join the army which has a long history of boundless valour and selfless service.
"Each one of you - with your talents, your intelligence and your previous accomplishments could have chosen something easy or safer but instead, you gentlemen willingly took on the mantle of duty, honour and country... I salute your spirit," he said and added that there were "very few vocations, as satisfying and as noble as yours".
He called upon them to live up to the high standards expected of an officer of the Indian Army.
He also thanked the parents "for offering the nation the gift of these fine young men".
