The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) is set to initiate a five-day training program for senior military officers on Monday, aiming to bolster jointness and integration among India’s armed forces. This initiative, named Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE), marks the first time IDS is conducting such a comprehensive course focused on preparing senior officers for leadership roles in the evolving landscape of military strategy.
The CORE program is designed to sharpen skills in strategic planning, help officers anticipate and prepare for future conflicts, and foster greater coordination across the three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force. This development aligns with India’s ongoing efforts towards theaterisation, a major reform aimed at optimizing the military’s resources for future warfare.
The program, which will involve panel discussions and lectures by 30 distinguished experts, will cover topics such as the changing nature of warfare, globalization, cyber and information warfare, and the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. The curriculum is intended to deepen understanding of the operational environment and enhance the ability of officers to respond effectively to emerging threats.
Senior Defence Ministry officials highlighted that the CORE program is part of a broader effort to ensure that military leaders are equipped to handle the complexities of modern warfare. This emphasis on jointness and integration follows recent discussions at the Joint Commanders’ Conference in Lucknow, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of a unified vision and prompt, coordinated responses to global conflicts and regional challenges.
The theaterisation model under development includes the establishment of a China-centric northern theatre command in Lucknow, a Pakistan-centric western theatre command in Jaipur, and a maritime theatre command in Thiruvananthapuram. These changes are part of a strategic overhaul aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and readiness.
The CORE program will play a crucial role in preparing India’s military leadership for the demands of future conflicts, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of global defense strategies and technological advancements.
Sources By Agencies
