Indian Army Considering A 3-Year Voluntary ‘Tour Of Duty’

The Indian Army has proposed a 3-year ‘tour of duty’ internship for youths citing a “resurgence of nationalism and patriotism”.  In addition, the Indian Army also stated that “unemployment in our country is a reality” and this move could help combat that. The internship would be for both officers as well as soldiers.

As per the proposal, the voluntary ‘tour of duty’ could be a good option for youths who do not want to make a dedicated commitment to the profession. According to the internal note, the internship is for youths who “do not want to make defence services their permanent vocation, but still want to experience the thrill and adventure of military professionalism”.

“The proposal is a shift from the concept of permanent service/job in the Armed Forces, towards ‘internship’/temporary experience for three years. Unemployment in our country is a reality, however there is resurgence of nationalism and patriotism,” the note states.

However, the criteria for the candidates will be the same. Army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand that the proposal was under discussion, as reported by NDTV.

“If approved it will be a voluntary engagement and there will be no dilution in selection criteria. Initially 100 officers and 1,000 men are being considered for recruitment as part of test bedding of the project,” Spokesperson of the Army Col Aman Anand said.

As per the note, the major hurdle would lie in making the proposal “attractive to the government, Armed Forces, corporates, and most importantly the individuals”. Therefore, the volunteer’s income during the 3-year tenure could be made tax-free and they could be given preference in public sector jobs.

“The government may not make ToD (tour of duty) as a compulsory criteria for central/state jobs, however, any edge in terms of qualitative/quantitative/supernumerary criteria will give the scheme a boost,” it said.

In addition, the proposal could also bring in savings from salaries and pensions. It could serve to “decrease the frustration” among officers released after 10-14 years of short service. The Army has also pointed out there will be “immense financial benefits to the organisation due to reduction in pay and gratuity payouts.”

Currently, the cost of pre-commission training, pay, allowances, gratuity, leave encashment among other services costs up to 5-6.8 crore per officer who serves for 10-14 years. The Indian Army has stated that the cost of a three-year service would be around Rs 80-85 lakh.

In addition, the Indian Army has stated that the move will help “channelize the youth energy into positive utilization of their potential”. The note further adds that “rigorous military training and habits inculcated will lead to healthy citizenry”. Moreover, it stated that the nation will also benefit from “trained, disciplined, confident, diligent and committed” young men or women who have done the three-year service.

An initial survey has indicated that the corporate sector will also prefer to hire people with such experience.

“Initial survey tells that all corporates would favour an individual who has been trained by military and comes to them at 26/27 years of age rather than a raw college graduates at 22/23 years of age,” a military officer said.

The Indian Army has also stated that the proposed scheme will be on a trial basis with limited vacancies. However, “it can be expanded further, if found successful”.

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