Army to let Lt Cols who specialise in niche tech opt out of command posts

Army to let Lt Cols who specialise in niche tech opt out of command posts

ARMY OFFICERS specialising in niche technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and drones, among others, can now continue in the same domain on promotion to Colonel instead of getting posted out for command assignments, The Indian Express has learnt.

According to sources, the Army is bringing in a new HR policy under which Lieutenant Colonels approved for promotion to the rank of Colonels can voluntarily continue in their field of expertise and not move for command appointments, which is the standard practice at present.

Only about 30-40 per cent of Lieutenant Colonels are approved for the rank of Colonel.

This will also be applicable for officers specialising in niche areas like space, information technology, nano technology, weapons, ammunition as well as in information operations, specific languages and other important projects. The idea, as per sources, is to promote domain specialisation in the Army.

However, such officers who choose to remain in their selected domain, will have to forgo command assignments. They will also not be eligible for subsequent career courses such as senior command, higher command or equivalent courses.

As per the policy, the officer will continue in his domain of specialisation for two years, after which his/ her further extension will be decided by a board of officers, based on his performance and the organisational requirements at that time. In case he/ she does not get an extension, the officer will be posted to other staff appointments as a Colonel.

The policy also mandates that the officers must be approved for the rank of Colonel as per their merit.

“While the policy will provide an opportunity to officers to develop an expertise and excel in a specific domain, it will also deny him any future promotion and career enhancement,” an officer explained.

“Such officers would continue to be employed in the specialised field and would also be eligible for study leave or deputation only in the selected domain,” the officer added.

The need for this policy came after it was found that few officers choose to continue in their specific domain of specialisation and forgo their command appointment. For further progression in career, it is mandatory for a Colonel to serve in a command appointment as a commanding officer.

Officers moving out prematurely from their domain specialisation appointment also create a void, thus adversely affecting the overall requirement of the Army.

According to sources, the policy will be reviewed after three years after its impact is studied.

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