Short-term command, long-term risks and national security

TALKING lightly on the strategically important subject of a nation's security strikes me in two significant ways. Firstly, it reveals how seriously a strategically heavy subject as national security is looked at by the State. Secondly, it highlights a significant vacuum of knowledge on the subject within the State apparatus.

- By Major General (Rtd) Kumudu Perera RWP RSP VSV USP ndu

National security is a subject that must be discussed by individuals who are well-versed in the field or who have the necessary experience and maturity to handle matters of national security. I believe I am somewhat qualified to share my perspective on the subject, having served for over 35 years in the infantry and having been wounded twice on the battlefield, neither of which were self-inflicted.

Before delving into the crucial matter of national security, I intend to share my views on an equally important subject, that is the tenure of an Army Commander. The current Government's stance on service extensions for Commanders is both strategically significant and commendable (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzCuyb31p0c). However, no newly appointed Commander should be deprived of a reasonable period in which to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the organisation. Therefore, minimum one extension is recommended, specifically to those who reach the age of 55 within months of their appointment, to enable such progress.

Reasonable tenure

Recently, the President declared his intention to transform the existing war-winning professional Army into an even more proficient force. If he is even slightly serious about this commitment, he should reconsider whether changing Army Commanders every 9-10 months is the right decision or whether a reasonable tenure should be granted to allow a Commander to implement meaningful and significant change for the development of the organisation.

The rationale behind the recommendation to grant an extension lies in what entails in the role and task of an Army Commander (responsibilities) as well as the age bracket in to which potential Commanders fall into. At the time I hung up my boots, role and task of an Army Commander was stipulated as "responsible for the Command, training, control, operational deployment, and administration of the Army".

Responsibilities of an Army Commander