As the Indian Army continues its transition toward inclusivity, the role of women officers has gained increasing prominence. From commanding key units to participating in strategic decision-making, women have shattered several glass ceilings. However, challenges remain, as highlighted recently in the context of the Indian Army’s 17 Corps, also known as the Brahmastra Corps, stationed at Panagarh, West Bengal.
This critical battle formation, tasked with safeguarding the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor and Doklam—a hotspot of the 2017 India-China standoff—has brought to light issues that go beyond the battlefield. When a Coprs commander who recently relinquished the command of the 17th Corps flagged significant gaps in the leadership preparedness and behavioural dynamics of women officers at Colonel-level with his senior, according to a report in the Times of India, this sparked a debate about inclusivity and operational efficiency in the Indian Army.
Not uproar, but ponder
Maj Gen VK Singh (Retd) expressed strong support for the letter from the former 17th Corps Commander to the Army Commander, highlighting the seriousness of the concerns raised.
“The fact that the Corps Commander felt it necessary to write such a letter to the Army Commander indicates that he is deeply concerned. He must have observed the situation closely before addressing it, taking due cognisance of the matter. He intends not to undermine women in the army but to share his concerns with a senior commander for the overall betterment of our army. I am positive that whatever the Corps Commander has written, it has been written with utmost maturity and due diligence. It needs to be taken cognisance of and treated with the utmost importance, as it is aimed at securing the future of the army. We are all part of this great Indian Army and share the goal of making it the best,” Maj Gen Singh told Firstpost.
The former officer made it amply clear that the letter in no way diminishes the role of women in the army.
“There is no difference in training for male and female officers in the army. Both men and women officers graduate from the same training academies. However, there are different benchmarks for physical endurance, to incorporate physiological differences that are natural.Being physically present on the frontline carries inherent risks, including facing male adversaries and the possibility of capture and mistreatment. Therefore, I would say by all means women officers should be given equal opportunities in fields where they can perform the best and contribute in making our Army rise and face every situation that arises with elan,” Maj Gen Singh said.
Challenges in leadership integration
However, structural barriers persist, as pointed out by Lt Gen Puri, the former commander of the 17 Corps, the Times of India report said. In an October correspondence with Lt Gen RC Tiwari, the Eastern Command chief, Lt Gen Puri pointed out that unlike their male counterparts, women officers often lack opportunities to undergo essential training programmes such as junior command and staff college courses or hold key early-career appointments that are vital for preparing for command roles. These observations show the broader structural and cultural challenges the Indian Army faces in integrating women into leadership positions within its ranks.
The former GOC of 17 Corps, in a detailed note to senior officials, noted patterns of behaviour of women officers under his command such as frequent grievances directed toward junior officers, limited collaboration in decision-making and insufficient empathy for both officers and troops. Additionally, he observed tendencies toward over-centralisation of authority creating undue stress on personnel due to overly ambitious performance expectations.
The report identified two distinct behavioural patterns among the officers. While some reportedly used dismissive language toward juniors to claim credit for outcomes, others opted for a subdued leadership style, showing minimal interest or enthusiasm for commanding their units effectively.
Indian Army’s progress: A milestone in inclusivity
Over the years, the Indian Army has made commendable strides in integrating women into its ranks. While core combat roles in infantry, armoured corps and mechanised infantry remain closed to them, women officers have assumed command roles in support arms such as air defence, signals, ordnance, engineers, intelligence and service corps. These support arms play a crucial role in military operations as their performance during wartime can significantly impact the effectiveness of the combat arms they assist.
As the Indian Army transitions toward inclusivity with the Supreme Court mandating permanent commissions and leadership roles for women, the institution faces the dual challenge of breaking gender barriers while maintaining operational efficiency. Last year, a landmark selection process resulted in 108 women officers being empanelled for command roles, following policy adjustments and special considerations. With India facing strategic challenges from Pakistan and China, the army’s leadership emphasised adopting a gender-neutral approach to ensure combat readiness and organisational integrity.
Maj Gen Singh highlighted the significant opportunities available for women officers in the Indian Army, asserting that both men and women can perform equally across various roles.
“In the Indian Army, there is sufficient space for both men and women officers to perform equally. There are many roles can be handled better by women officers from the rear, as evidenced in the Israel-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Women officers can play a stellar role in such scenarios, working in secure areas, utilising computers and delivering results of equal significance. Women officers can work in the Intelligence Corps and Cyber Security. Tasks that can be managed remotely, such as artificial intelligence operations, UAVs and remote weapons systems, offer opportunities for women officers to avoid direct frontline engagement while making impactful contributions at par with their male counterparts,” he said.
Gone are the days of Cathay Williams who disguised herself as a man, changed her name to William Cathay and joined the US Army in 1866. She joined the 38th United States Colored Infantry—a group of distinguished fighters later given the name “buffalo soldiers.” She was discharged after a period of two years, having contracted smallpox and been revealed to be a woman.
Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, Gen Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan, herself a woman, indirectly addressed US Senator Jim Risch’s comments on the role of women in combat during a panel at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia on Saturday. Gen Carignan defended the contributions of women in combat, highlighting that they have served their countries for centuries without proper recognition. She highlighted that women in uniform should not be perceived as distractions to defence and national security and reportedly expressed her disbelief that even in 2024, it remains necessary to justify their contributions in the military.
Global perspectives: Learning from US and Israel
The Indian Army’s journey toward inclusivity can draw valuable lessons from the experiences of the United States and Israel, two nations that have integrated women into their military leadership structures with varying degrees of success.
United States
Since 2015, all combat roles in the US Army have been opened to women. Training programmes, while maintaining rigorous standards, have been adapted to address physiological and practical differences. The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), for instance, assesses endurance, strength and agility with performance categories adjusted for gender and age.
In mixed-gender units, fostering mutual respect and collaboration has been a critical focus, ensuring combat readiness and cohesion. This experience highlights the importance of tailored yet equitable training for women transitioning into leadership and combat roles.
Israel
In Israel, women undergo the same foundational training as men, focussing on physical endurance, combat tactics and decision-making. The prestigious Officer Training Course (OTC) ensures that female recruits are equipped to handle high-stress situations effectively. Women in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have excelled in diverse roles, including intelligence, logistics and elite combat units, proving their capabilities in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Both nations emphasise mentorship and continuous skill development, ensuring women are not only integrated but thrive in leadership roles.
Building a level playing field
Today, women in the Indian Army are increasingly taking on important roles. While a gap still exists between them and their male counterparts, the focus should be on bridging this divide and creating a level playing field where neither gender feels either preferred or neglected. Gender representation is vital, but its impact on military performance must be carefully evaluated.
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How a Corps commander’s concerns could foster a more inclusive Indian Army
