The Indian Army announced on Thursday that as part of a larger strategy to incorporate specialized technologies and update its online networks, it has chosen to operationalize its Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings(CCOSW).

The decision to have dedicated cyber operations wings was taken at the Army Commanders Conference that took place from April 17 to 21. The conference is an apex-level biannual event that is held in April and October every year.

With rapid migration towards network-based operations, which entails an increased reliance on modern communication systems, the Army Commanders reviewed the requirement to safeguard the networks and decided to operationalize what is called the ‘Command Cyber Operations and Support Wings’ in the immediate future.

The expansion of cyber warfare capabilities by India's adversaries has made the cyber domain more competitive and contested than ever before, they said.

“To safeguard the networks and increase the preparedness levels in this niche domain, CCOSW are being raised in the Army. These organisations will assist the formations to undertake the mandated functions to strengthen the cyber security posture of the Indian Army,” a source said.

Sources said a large number of niche technology-enabled equipment are being inducted into the Indian Army including swarm drones, loitering weapon systems, and anti-drone equipment.

Also, in order to augment the capabilities by absorption of niche technologies and equipment, the commanders’ conference decided to 'Test Bed' the equipment at identified formations. These will evolve optimal employment philosophies for the new technologies.

It said the Army Commanders' Conference also approved a new technical entry scheme (TES) for officers and it will come into effect from January 2024.

For the officers' entry to the Indian Army as B Tech graduates, a five-year TES model is currently being followed.

Under this model, one-year military training is imparted at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya.

Thereafter, three years BTech degree is imparted at the Cadet Training Wings (CTWs), followed by one year at the three engineering colleges of the Indian Army.

It is now decided to have a four-year tenure with three years of training focused on technical training at the Cadet Training Wings (CTWs), followed by one year of basic military training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun.

The four-year training model will ensure that young officers are available in the Indian Army units to serve the country for one additional year.

In a much-needed human resource measure, for the welfare of specially-abled children of soldiers who die in harnesses, it was decided to double the sustenance allowance to such children through Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF).

The Army Commanders took stock of the current and emerging security scenarios and reviewed the operational preparedness and readiness of the Indian Army. They reviewed the progress on the ongoing transformational initiatives in the key domains of force structuring, force optimization, modernization and technology infusion, and jointness and integration as part of the “Year of Transformation” announced in January 2023.

The commanders also determined that soldiers who have been "battle casualties" will have the option of competing in "Paralympics" activities. The mission of the Mission Olympic Wing (MOW) is to locate future athletes in the sports of rowing, archery, swimming, shooting, para lifting, kayaking, and canoeing. The volunteers will go through a screening process, and those who pass will be retained for training.

Image source: Indian Express