
In
a major step towards modernisation and transformation of the armed forces,
defence minister Rajnath Singh has authorised the chief of defence staff (CDS)
and secretary, department of military affairs (DMA) to issue joint instructions
and joint orders for all three Services. This marks a shift from the earlier
system wherein instructions/orders pertaining to two or more Services were
issued by each Service separately.
The first Joint Order on ‘Approval, Promulgation and
Numbering of Joint Instructions and Joint Orders’ released on June 24,
emphasises the need to streamline procedures, eliminate redundancies and
enhance cross-Service cooperation. This initiative lays the foundation for
improved transparency, coordination and administrative efficiency in the three
Services. It also marks the beginning of a new era of jointness and
integration, reinforcing the armed forces’ unity of purpose in serving the nation.