New Delhi: Fast paced changes in the
security situation along Pakistan and China border, Maoists
threat, low intensity conflict and Army infantrymen`s
readiness to meet these challenges came up for discussion at a
conference of infantry commanders that began at Mhow in Madhya
Pradesh on Tuesday.
Chaired by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, the biennial
meet, which will go on till September 17, is further expected
to discuss future increases in its strength, including raising
of new units to deal with fourth generation warfare threats
posed by militants in Jammu and Kashmir, North East and the
Naxals in Central India.
The meeting, presided by Army`s Director General
(Infantry) Lt Gen Jasbir Singh, would also introspect on the
infantry battalions` and formation`s capabilities, training
curriculum, and look at future technologies -- both weaponry
and Information Technology -- for infantrymen.
"The theme of the conference is `Transformation of
Infantry to Meet Future Challenges` and it will crystal gaze
towards a vision for infantry of the future," Army sources
said here.
India`s ongoing Future-Infantry Soldier as a System
(F-INSAS) would also come up for critical examination in the
subsequent days of the three-day conference, sources added.
"The main focus is on measures directed at transformation
of the infantry into a lean, agile, versatile, optimally
configured arm to conduct operations at short notice across
the entire spectrum of warfare," Army sources said.
The commanders of Infantry battalions and formations
would debate means to adapt to modernisation, future weaponry
and also come up with ideas for operational planning, training
and management of assets and personnel.
"The changing geo-strategic environment, threat
perception, technological advancements and training aspects
are being discussed at the conference," they said.
Officers of infantry from Army Commands, Operational
theatres and training establishments were participating in the
debates, sources said.
A technical exhibition related to latest innovations and
techniques in the field of weaponry and modern equipment
systems at the Army`s Infantry School was part of the
conference, they added.
Bureau Report
