We all 3 services will work as a team through synergy and integration, says nations first CDS Bipin Rawat

New Delhi, January 1: Today, General Bipin Rawat took charge as the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff, CDS. He assumed office after inspecting a Tri-Services Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns. “All three services will work as a team. As per the task was given to the Chief of Defence Staff, we have to enhance integration and do better resource management,” says Rawat while speaking with media.

 

He also added that we stay far away from politics, very far. We have to work according to the directions of the Government in power.

"The task of the CDS is to achieve more through synergy and integration among all 3 services - Army, Navy, Air Force," said Rawat.

On a lighter note, CDS Rawat said, “My head is feeling lighter because I’ve had to take off that angled Gurkha hat which I have been wearing for 41 years. I have come to peak because of the peak cap I am wearing is to say that CDS will be neutral.”

CDS will function as a single-point advisor to the government on matters related to the military and will focus on the better synergy between the Army, Air Force and the Navy. General Rawat will retire as Army Chief today. The defence ministry had recently amended the army, air force and navy rules by bringing in a new clause that allows the Chief of Defence Staff to serve upto a maximum age of 65 years. The post of Chief of Defence Staff will be the rank of 4-Star General with a salary equivalent to Service Chiefs and will head the Department of Military Affairs to be created under the Ministry of Defence and will function as its Secretary.