Col Shiv Choudhary (Retd)
Indian defence forces veterans day is being celebrated in Indiawith all the poignancy and respect. These tri-services veterans ( here after referred as veterans) are a valuable resource that can play multiple roles especially the critical role in enhancing the national security and nation building. With a pool of approximately 2.6 million veterans, including both officers and enlisted personnel, and 60,000 retiring annually, India boasts a highly experienced workforce. Many of these veterans are still within their prime working years, typically between the ages of 35 to 45, and have served in a wide range of challenging and demanding environments. From deserts to high-altitude mountains, jungles, plains, and islands, they have operated in conditions with temperatures ranging from 48°C to minus 48°C, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.
This human resource has consistently risen to the call of duty, embodying pride and unwavering integrity in the face of numerous conflicts, battles, and non-military tasks. While these achievements might seem straightforward at first glance, they carry significant weight when considering India’s unique security challenges. With borders stretching over an imposing 15,106 km and sharing land and maritime boundaries with nine countries, India faces unpredictable threats, particularly from its two aggressive neighbours. These challenges are further complicated by the evolving dynamics in global and regional security. In such a scenario, it is prudent to look at utility of veterans rather than unnecessarily expressing anguish over their hard earned pension as burden.
In this context, it is essential to ask whether such a valuable group which has honed skills in some of the toughest environments, can be overlooked, underutilized or looked down upon. This article explores how these veterans can be harnessed to strengthen national security, combat terrorism, enhance border defence, and provide crucial guidance and training, thereby benefiting society as a whole.
Veterans represent a rich reservoir of practical knowledge and expertise, honed through years of service in complex defence operations. Many have operated and maintained advanced technologies, ranging from missiles, radars, and air defence systems to submarines, aircraft engines, and state-of-the-art communication equipment. They are proficient in modern weaponry, managing ammunition, and navigating challenging terrains under extreme conditions. This technical expertise, combined with their hands-on experience in critical security areas such as counterterrorism and insurgency, over sky and sea and under water makes them invaluable assets in addressing both internal and external threats to national security.
Most veterans have operated in conflict zones such as Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and other regions bordering hostile countries, where they gained firsthand knowledge of enemy tactics, local socio-political environments, and the psychological profiles of terrorists. This unique combination of practical experience and tactical insight makes veterans an indispensable resource for assisting in developing counterterrorism strategies that go beyond mere military action. They bring a deeper understanding of the root causes of extremismsuch as poverty, alienation, lack of opportunities, and political grievances, which are often ignored in traditional military approaches. Their knowledge of local communities gives them an edge in crafting solutions that address these underlying issues while ensuring security.
Veterans’ deep familiarity with insurgency tactics, terrain, and regional dynamics allows them to engage more effectively with terror groups. They excel in navigating complex situations, gathering intelligence, and minimizing civilian casualties. Their expertise in human intelligence (HUMINT) is a crucial advantage, as it can complement or even surpass technological surveillance in some scenarios. Veterans are also embedded in local communities, especially in affected areas, which enhances their ability to identify suspicious activities and unusual movements. This local knowledge makes them pivotal in preventing security threats and strengthening overall national defence.
The security of India’s vast and often porous borders is another area where veterans can make a significant impact. Having served in these regions, veterans possess valuable insights into the local terrain, climate, and the tactics of both adversaries and local populations. Their operational experience allows them to effectively monitor and patrol border areas, providing early warnings of infiltration attempts and acting as a deterrent to hostile activities. Moreover, veterans’ firsthand knowledge of disturbed areas helps to shape policies that balance military operations with diplomatic and community-focused strategies. These approaches contribute to long-term stability, reducing opposition and fostering cooperation with local populations.
In addition to national security, veterans can also play a vital role in crisis management. Their experience in high-pressure situations equips them to handle emergencies, from natural disasters and accidents to counterterrorism operations. Veterans are trained to remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and efficiently organize resources, which is invaluable during national crises. Whether it’s providing humanitarian aid, managing refugees, or ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies, veterans’ skillsets are critical to minimizing the impact of such events. Their training in managing civilians during emergencies further enhances their ability to protect strategic assets and support local authorities in times of need.
Beyond their operational contributions, veterans are uniquely positioned to combat radicalization and indoctrination. Having experienced the devastating consequences of extremism firsthand, they can serve as influential voices in preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorist ideologies. By engaging with vulnerable communities, veterans can offer guidance, mentorship, and intervention, helping to steer at-risk individuals away from extremist paths. This preventive role adds an important layer to national security efforts, making veterans a key asset in the fight against radicalization.
Another significant contribution veterans can make is in training and mentoring not only law enforcement and security personnel, but youth across board for multiple aims and goals. Many security agencies, including the Para-Military Forces (PMFs), state police forces, and Village Defence Committees (VDCs), are on the front lines of internal security. While these agencies are well-trained and dedicated, they can benefit immensely from the specialized knowledge and real-world experience that veterans bring. Veterans can share crucial skills in areas such as counterterrorism operations, crisis management, and emergency response, without undermining the authority, capability or cohesion of these forces. Additionally, their understanding of local terrains, languages, and security protocols would improve coordination between different security agencies and local communities, ensuring that operations are executed more efficiently and effectively.
Veterans can also serve as important advocates for peace and reconciliation, helping bridge the divide between military, civilian communities, and government institutions. Many veterans, disillusioned by the brutal realities of war, can become powerful voices against the emotional and psychological toll of conflict. Through speaking engagements and written works, they can shift public perceptions, promoting diplomacy, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution over militaristic approaches. Incidentally, the far less percentage of veterans absorbed in the corporate sector continues to excel and sustain in their organizations seamlessly.
Veterans are in a unique position to offer a more realistic perspective on military life, especially to young individuals considering joining the armed forces. While military recruiters often highlight the brighter side of service, they may overlook the emotional, physical, and moral tolls of war. Veterans, by sharing their personal experiences, can help guide prospective recruits toward a better understanding of the realities of military service. This can ensure that individuals who join the forces are better prepared, reducing the risk of attrition and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the military.
The relationship between the military and civilian sectors is vital for national security. Veterans, having experienced both worlds, can play a pivotal role in fostering understanding between the two. They can help civilians understand the complexities of military goals, role and operations, as well as the challenges soldiers face. At the same time, veterans can communicate the concerns and aspirations of local populations to military leadership, particularly in border areas where civilian-military relations are often fraught with tension.
Many veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological challenges. Their journey of healing and recovery can serve as a source of inspiration and support for others facing similar struggles. By fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, veterans can help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and promote a culture of care and solidarity within both the military and civilian communities.
India’s tri-services veterans are a critical, yet underutilized, asset in the country’s national security framework. By recognizing their potential and strategically, smartly and selectively deploying them in areas where their skills and experience can be most effective, the government can tap into a wealth of knowledge and capacity. Rather than relegating veterans to mundane jobs, they should be engaged for larger societal and national benefits without unduly worrying for remuneration where they can contribute to national security and nation building in numerous meaningful ways. Their skills, experience, and dedication to the nation can be harnessed to safeguard the country, just as they demonstrated during their active service.
(The author is a military veteran and a motivational speaker)
