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born2battle · 3 years

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My Innings as DDG at Army HQ

In the beginning of Mar 2002, while Op PARAKRAM was still in progress, I reported in Army HQ to take charge as Deputy Director General, DDG (Equipment Management) in MGO Branch. It was an exciting moment to enter the South Block for the first time in my career, for shouldering new responsibilities, in an entirely new role, in an entirely new Organisation. It took me almost a month to understand the magnitude of the tasks involving “Equipment Management”. I was in the core group for the purchase, procurement, stocking and release of all types of equipment, for all the Units & Formations of the Army. It entailed inventory management of diverse weapon systems & ammunition, a large variety of combat vehicles for specific requirements of each Arm/Service, complex communication equipment and a range of clothing including special clothing for high altitude terrain. Additionally, the entire supply chain management had to be monitored to ensure that the right equipment, of the right quality & in the right quantity, reaches the right location, at the right time. The challenges were numerous with multiple solutions.

Soon on arrival in Delhi, I was allotted temporary accommodation in Army Battle Honours Mess. I got accustomed to the new lifestyle of carrying pack lunch & commuting by the Army Bus. The new office timings (9 AM to 5 PM) and observing a five day week were some other major changes. It was quite a learning experience about new office procedures as well, since the MGO Branch had to interact with all the Command HQ and the officials in the MOD (Ministry of Defence) & the OFB (Ordnance Factory Board) frequently. In the first week of Apr, I went to Bagrakote & returned to Delhi along with my mother, Sanjivani & Aditya. We shifted to temporary accommodation in Shankar Vihar complex, near the domestic Airport. Soon thereafter, Aditya got admission in Xth standard in Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan. Incidentally, our children looked forward to this process of change consequent to each posting, which certainly laid the foundation of their personality development.

In order to familiarise myself with the functions of the Ordnance Depots & the Base Workshops, I visited Agra, Kanpur, Jabalpur & Pulgaon in the first one month. In addition, I got an opportunity to attend the Review Meeting at OFB, located at Kolkata. It enabled an update about the progress of achievement of targets by various production agencies and the PSUs, as also the progress of procurement of equipment and ammunition ex- import. Thereafter, we had the six monthly Review Conference at MGO Branch, which was chaired by the MGO and attended by the DGOS, DGEME and the MG Adm of each Command HQas also the members of the OFB. We had to modify our plans and allot the critical requirements to each Command HQ. It was always a race against time, specially for equipment management of the formations deployed on the LOC & the LAC. Necessary priority was also accorded to formations deployed in Counter Insurgency operations as also the units deployed on the Siachen Glacier. It was a great learning experience personally, facing entirely new challenges, which I had never visualised earlier.

In the end of May 2002, I felt elated to be selected as a member of MGO Branch Delegation for an official visit to USA. Our schedule included visits to several logistics establishments and the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) involved in manufacture of defence equipment. We had just one month to plan our itinerary, prepare the agenda for discussions for each visit and finalise the arrangements for travel & stay during our visit. Finally, in the last week of Jun, we took off by Air India, on our maiden long duration flight. On arrival in New York, we were received by our Defence Attache, who escorted us thereafter during the entire Tour. Our schedule commenced with an impressive briefing at the Operations Support Command.

Thereafter, we visited several Defence establishments and the OEMs on the West Coast and progressed in a sequence for completion of visits on the East Coast. The visit to the US Army Aviation Centre was really special. In fact every visit was unique and provided us an opportunity to visit local tourist attractions as well. In the end, we came to New York and boarded the return flight, with memories of this professional experience. On return to Army HQ, we prepared the Delegation Report and submitted it to the MOD, which was followed by a Presentation. I will always cherish this life time opportunity of a Defence Delegation.

Meanwhile, we were allotted permanent accommodation in Sardar Patel Marg complex, which was just adjacent to the Taj & Maurya Sheraton hotels. It was a coincidence that Ashvini & Nandini had come over to spend their summer vacation. So, all the members of the family again contributed their expertise of packing, shifting and unpacking before settling down in our new Home!! We organised visits to some of the major tourist spots in Delhi on the week ends. In the end, we went for a short trip to Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City. It was a refreshing break for all of us, before Ashvini & Nandini’s departure for Pune.

I continued my routine visits to various Ordnance Depots and the PSUs, on case by case basis. However, the most memorable visit was to the Siachen Base Camp. I went there to acquaint myself urgently, about the critical requirements of special clothing & equipment authorised to the Siachen Brigade. Initially, I went to Leh by the IAF Courier from Delhi and completed the acclimatisation process at Leh. Subsequently, I travelled by road from Leh to Partapur, crossing enroute the famous Khardungla Pass located at 18,000 feet. This journey itself was a breathtaking experience literally. I had a night halt at the Brigade HQ at Partapur before proceeding ahead to Siachen Base Camp, which is located at 12,000 feet. I observed the rigorous training & acclimatisation being conducted at Siachen Battle School. It was a prerequisite before the induction of Infantry Battalions & support elements onto the Siachen Glacier. I was also briefed about the logistic plans for supply & replenishment of various posts and methods of casualty evacuation which were vital for operations in the challenging terrain and climatic conditions on the Glacier. I returned to Delhi after two weeks, with profound respect for all the Siachen Warriors.

Next major event was the Army Commanders Conference in Oct. We had to compile the latest status of all types of equipment held by the formations, ascertain the essential requirements and prepare a plan for making up the deficiencies from the stocks held in the Ordnance Depots. In the Conference, all the Command HQ gave a review of their activities and projected their critical requirements. Similar Presentations were given by all the Branches & Directorates at the Army HQ. It was a great opportunity since I learnt about the methodology of integration of all operational and logistics plans, with a long term perspective. The ultimate aim was to continually enhance the levels of operational preparedness, with higher priority for operations on the LOC & LAC as also the Counter Insurgency operations and the Siachen Glacier.

2003 commenced with the preparations for the Army Day Parade & the Republic Day events. It was a privilege as we availed the chance to witness the magnificent Republic Day Parade, from the main enclosure reserved for the Armed Forces. The latest equipment on display was a matter of pride not only for the Contingents but equally for the MGO Branch. All the celebrations culminated with a splendid Beating the Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk followed by the illumination of Rashtrapati Bhavan and North & South Block.

It is often said --- “Time & tide wait for none.” It proved to be true as one year of my tenure was completed so quickly, enriched with so many professional experiences. Aditya completed his Board Exams and while the results were awaited, Ashvini & Nandini joined us for another summer vacation. This time, we visited the remaining tourist attractions in Delhi on every weekend. The most enjoyable visit was to the famous Red Fort where we learnt about it’s historical significance by watching the Sound and Light Show.

Thereafter, I arranged a short trip to visit Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. Our visit to the iconic Taj Mahal ---- one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was the most wonderful experience.

By now, the results of the Board Exam were declared and Aditya was delighted with a score of 90%. It was perhaps destined that Aditya would pursue higher education in Pune as we decided to shift base. I took Annual Leave for a month and all of us went to Pune. We completed the admission process in Fergusson College and rented accommodation in Kothrud. It enabled all the children to stay together and enjoy their college life. Sanjivani also stayed on in Pune and once again shouldered the responsibility as their coach, guide and mentor. I returned to Delhi and experienced an “Empty Nest” feeling for the first time!!

There was yet another important assignment when I was detailed as a representative of MGO Branch to witness the trials and evaluation of BPJs (Bullet Proof Jackets). I had to attend these trials in different locations and carry out the comparative analysis. All the subsequent procedures till the finalisation of the contract by the MOD were an educative experience. We continued to obtain monthly feedback about the state of holdings of equipment from the Command HQ and check progress of target fixation from the OFB. This ensured that the rate of supply was always faster than the rate of expenditure, specially in case of weapons and ammunition. The result of this proactive approach was higher state of combat readiness and enhanced user satisfaction at all levels. At the MGO Branch, it created a ripple effect of enthusiasm resulting in setting higher targets, stringent timelines and further improvement of the supply chain management.

In Jan 2004, Defence Expo was organised in Pragati Maidan. All of us at the MGO Branch attended this event since the exhibition showcased the latest trends and technological developments pertaining to military equipment. Thereafter, I got another opportunity to witness the traditional Republic Day Parade and associated celebrations. Next month, I was delighted to be selected as a part of another Defence Delegation for visiting a few countries in Europe ----- Finland, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. Our Delegation was specifically assigned the responsibility to examine the latest developments in Snow-clothing, Snowmobiles and Mountaineering Equipment essential in Snow Bound area. We left Delhi on 15 Mar 2004, and over the next two weeks visited several OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in Helsinki, Geneva, Berne, Zurich, Vienna, Rome and Venice.

We were shown the manufacturing process by each Firm and given a demonstration of the equipment in the Alps. We also got an opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle while travelling North of Helsinki. The Vatican City and the majestic Colosseum in Rome kept us spellbound. Finally, we went to Venice and enjoyed the enchanting Gondola rides. The Delegation was privileged to have a meeting followed by dinner with our Ambassadors, both in Austria and Switzerland. On return to Delhi, we submitted the final report to the MOD. Thereafter, we gave a Presentation which was attended personally by Mr. George Fernandez (then Defence Minister). I will always cherish the memories of this fascinating experience of another Defence Delegation.

Just after completing two years and three months of my prestigious tenure in the South Block, I received my posting orders to proceed to Ahmedabad. I was required to take charge as DDG NCC, Gujarat by mid Aug. I looked forward eagerly to shouldering this new appointment which would be quite different compared to all my previous assignments. It entailed training of the NCC Cadets, appropriately called the process of “Grooming Tomorrow’s Leaders”. As I finally departed after a traditional farewell from the MGO Branch, I had a feeling of tremendous accomplishment having fulfilled most of the expectations of the Formations. The dedication and support by my Team of Directors ----- Col Sanjay Kulkarni, Col KJ Singh, Col Saini and Col Ratnaparkhi deserve special compliments. I consider my innings at the Army HQ as a feather in my cap. It was time to shift from the dynamic Army HQ to the tranquil NCC Directorate, with an attitude of gratitude.

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