Another Step Towards Theatre Commands As Indian Armed Forces To Introduce Common Annual Confidential Reports Soon

In a significant move towards the creation of integrated theatre commands and fostering jointness and integration among the three services, the Indian Armed Forces have decided to introduce common annual confidential reports for senior officers, the Indian Express has reported.

This decision follows a series of recent cross-service postings of a substantial number of officers.

Currently, the system for posting officers in combined or tri-services appointments relies on service-specific parameters. However, there is a recognized need to harmonize the appraisal system for tasks undertaken in various tri-services appointments within the Armed Forces.

According to defense sources quoted by the daily, the implementation of common Confidential Reports (CR) for two and three-star officers will commence within the next three to four months. This initiative aims to establish uniformity in procedures and assessments, leading to enhanced outcomes and contributing to the overall jointness and integration efforts.

The introduction of common annual confidential reports is expected to facilitate the better identification and selection of officers for tri-services appointments in Command, Staff, or Instructional channels, based on their suitability for the roles.

This development holds great significance as the employment of officers in tri-services organizations and environments is projected to increase in the near future, aligning with the Armed Forces' progress towards joint structures and organizations.

According to the report, a second source revealed that the ultimate goal is to establish a comprehensive system-based appraisal framework capable of accommodating cross-service deployments seamlessly.

Currently, the existing system exhibits substantial variations across services. The envisioned common appraisal system will encompass jointness while also supporting service-specific requirements.

The introduction of common annual confidential reports marks another significant step taken by the Indian Armed Forces towards the realization of integrated theatre commands and the cultivation of jointness and integration among its three services.