Opinion; Image of the uniform

[fatman17]

Opinion; Image of the uniform

Ikram Sehgal
Thursday, July 07, 2011

Some critics of the uniform within Pakistan rightly believe that nationhood stems from constitutional rule. The real venom emanates from a despicable few, mostly in line with vested external forces hostile to the country. Unfortunately, the intense negative propaganda is joined by many who act in good faith but do not seem to understand the crass ulterior motives of our foreign detractors making multi-dimensional attacks on the armed forces (and the ISI). This has one objective, and one objective alone, to denude us of our nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. Our nuclear reality is the one strong deterrent that augments the armed forces in guarding our freedom. The ISI is our first line of defence against external enemies.

The aspirations of the present military hierarchy to stay out of the political process notwithstanding, soldiers are also citizens of the country. Their conscience must be treading the safe line between tolerance and frustration. Does the present mode and method of governance qualify in being honest and aboveboard as required by the Constitution? While their fundamental duty is to act according to their oaths, they also have to guard against any evil “even to the peril of their lives.” Populism based on personal motivation must be distrusted as it makes democracy vulnerable. What compounds bad governance if that the Supreme Court is being treated with utter contempt by the government.

The armed forces took a massive pounding because of the May 2 Abbottabad incident, but recent polls conducted by foreign agencies must be painful for the army’s detractors. The people of Pakistan (79 percent) still retain immense faith in them. When two P3C Orion surveillance aircrafts were destroyed at the Mehran Naval Aviation Base in Karachi on May 22, the Navy’s confirming “insider” help for the militants did not help. Former COAS of the army, Gen Aslam Beg says “the Americans did not blame their armed forces for the 9/11 episode or the intelligence agencies for their failure to protect the country from the catastrophe. Similarly, after the attack in Mumbai in 2009, the Indians did not blame their armed forces or the intelligence agencies. Rather, they pointed their finger directly at Pakistan, while the Americans put the entire blame on Osama and Al-Qaeda.”

Although there is some truth in the Western drumbeat about individual Taliban sympathisers within the Pakistani armed forces or intelligence agencies, can the US certify that its armed forces are free of individuals with extreme rightwing views? Or can India certify that RSS sympathisers or Naxalites are not wearing Indian army uniform? To suggest Pakistan is providing institutional support is ludicrous. There is method to the madness behind the propaganda machinery framing this psychological warfare, relentless pressure being exerted through constant leaks to the media. The immediate objective being to discredit the uniform, the ultimate aim is to separate Pakistan from its nukes.

The civil and military media units have failed miserably in protecting the army’s image, both at home and abroad. With a 19th-century mindset, the 20th-century ISPR shows no comprehension of 21st-century media outreach potential. A well-coordinated media strategy that must project institutions, and not individuals, must be crafted by professionals to incorporate the new realities. Simultaneously, the military must be made more transparent and proactive.

On taking over as COAS Kayani stopped the army-officered intelligence services from interfering in the February 2007 elections, and simultaneously all army officers defacing governance in bureaucracy were recalled. However, while distancing the army from politics and governance, he shows no inclination of distancing the uniform from the negative perception of corruption. Connected individuals are making billions by plot manipulations in real-estate transactions or procurement contracts. The NAB has prosecuted many bureaucrats for “living beyond their means.” Why are those in uniform (and retired) breaking the same covenant and not being held accountable? Allotting residential plots to officers must be discarded. Instead, one apartment or house must be given to every individual commensurate to his rank upon retirement.

Corruption in military purchases is not Pakistan-specific. It is rampant all over the world. The law requires that agents (or lobbyists) be registered by their principals, their commission being included and declared in the prices quoted. Any money received beyond that, and if received abroad, constitutes illegality. In the “Tehelka” scam video recordings of Indian military officials taking bribes were shown. Unfortunately not a single agent has been successfully prosecuted in Pakistan, despite the availability of a wealth of evidence (and flagrantly displayed affluence). Influential agents openly boast about crafting GHQ’s General Staff Requirements (GSRs) and keeping the siphoning off of millions of US dollars in commissions hidden. Was everyone in the F-16s and the French submarines deals brought to justice?

Image-building must be the realm of specialists, not those who have never heard a shot being fired in anger despite displaying rows of medals.

A young and dynamic self-made advertising entrepreneur with amazing domestic and international experience, spelt out the most effective means of neutralising negativity against the uniform: (1) counter misunderstandings through change; (2) create positive news towards the agenda of Pakistan. In countering misunderstandings one has to: (1) do damage control on a day to day basis (2) announce a process of change and candidly explain situations, challenges and plans for progress within military (3) facelift all existing touchpoints including TV ads, songs, online touchpoints and others around this process of change (4) remind the public of past and present achievements and (5) emphasise young military faces for greater connection with the audience. In creating positive news, the “dream merchant’s” gameplan envisages: (1) a vision for betterment of Pakistan through human development; (2) realisation of vision through tangible initiatives with outreach audience. This can be done by: (1) leadership (2) innovation; and (3) uplift. Among the initiatives: (1) creating ambassadors on the ground and (2) opportunity for them to engage the youth of Pakistan through their opinions and voluntary support; and (3) creating a perception change on the armed forces.

Democracy being the cementing factor for Pakistan’s unity is good in theory. for all practical purposes it is the armed forces that hold the country together. Nevertheless, their being the prime guarantors of our sovereignty does not mean that they should consider themselves masters of the realm and not subject to accountability. A small minority in uniform believed it did, and a tiny percentage benefited enormously by this. For the actions of a few misguided individuals, the institution has nothing to be ashamed of.

The penchant to rule has made the army vulnerable to the propaganda of external forces. One of the finest fighting machines in the world, the Pakistani army is capable of warding off adventure from any quarter. No only is the army crucial to Pakistan’s existence, the very nature of this country’s demography and geography makes the army the champion of the state, in all senses of the word.

The army must get its image in sync with the tremendous sacrifice of its young men in the bloody killing fields of Swat and Waziristan.

The writer is a defence and political analyst. Email: isehgal@ pathfinder9.com

 

[Windjammer]

The ISI is our first line of defence against external enemies.

Says it all for me. !!!

 

[Xestan]

A very good article by Mr. Seghal, I have always liked listening to his views.

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

Another article in a similar vein:

Pakistan under siege​

By Samson Simon Sharaf | Published: July 5, 2011

The international and national media are speculating events that would lead to the endgame in Afghanistan. Commentators world over are drawing different scenarios on how the US would hedge its interests in the region against Al-Qaeda, its affiliates and nuclear proliferation (declared) and its political economy (China, Central Asia and Pakistan, undeclared). This debate was energised by the US operations that killed Osama bin Laden, followed by President Barack Obama’s decision to reverse the ORBAT of 33,000 US surge troops. Embedded within these debates are deliberate leaks to coerce Pakistan into pliability.

The debate is also a rationale for an existential victory (disrupt, dismantle and defeat Al-Qaeda), and an elusive victory (secure Afghanistan within the context of the ‘Great Game&#8217. Also, tucked between the failure of the third surge and the victory speech is Obama’s AfPak strategy, a sticky mess that will not allow the USA to let go; with the potential to sink the entire region with it. Perhaps, these events and the change of US command in Afghanistan bring into contention the superimposed COIN strategy (a lesson learnt from Iraq), and McChrystal’s painstaking JSOC strategy. This strategy was framed under the tutelage of Dick Cheney to pursue the objectives framed by the elitist group of US strategists, including Henry Kissinger, to control the region and tame Pakistan. Though JSOC covert operations began much earlier, it was officially given space to operate in Pakistan in 2007. This is precisely why I had written in an article titled Time to Eat Grass in 2008 that the instability of Pakistan was the key to a successful US strategy.

It also brings into sharper focus the debate between the military and counterinsurgency experts in Washington on how best to ensure US interests (not peace) in the region. Nothing can stop it from declaring victory in a war fought for its own interests; and who cares if millions of Afghans and Pakistanis are left to contend with the mess left behind. But will the US withdraw after having followed a plan relentlessly at a very high cost and intrigue?

Let the readers not be misled. This is not the truth. The truth is that the US is here to stay for an indefinite period. The corollaries of the plan secretly compartmentalised from each other for over a decade are now piecing together. The US game in the region has entered its most dangerous phase.

The State of Pakistan is equally responsible for the mess it allowed to be created within its region. Unlike Washington that has always had a flexible, well thought narrative to shape the environment, Islamabad has never cared or bothered to evolve a proper cohesive plan. The entire operation in the past 10 years has been reactive and the sole domain of the army. I do not think that the establishment ever evaluated alarm bells being raised by both the Pakistani and foreign analysts. It seems that having remained in constant touch with the USA through military diplomacy and Foreign Office, the ability to think clearly was eclipsed by being an insider and exclusivity syndrome. Sermons by the American Ambassadors, visiting dignitaries and the façade of aid also played its part in lowering the guard. Hence, step by step, the Pakistani leadership allowed the entire backwash of US operations to be pushed into the country under a misperceived strategic concept and false assurances.


This news was published in print paper. To access the complete paper of this day. click here

Pakistan under siege | Pakistan | News | Newspaper | Daily | English | Online

 

[S-A-B-E-R->]

DAM i thaught the new uniform have been revealed .good read though

 

[Kompromat]

Since the Abbotabad incident many on this forum and in the normal life have complained about the military and how "incompetent they are" , this article is a slap in their faces. Naive , stupid or misinformed remains no excuse. we must support The Khakis regardless of any campaign of propagandistic defamation from within or abroad.

"Divide the military and the people and that nation won't last long": Sallahuddin ayobi

 

[Mabs]

As long as the Pakistani civilian leadership keeps Pakistan's economy in shambles and on foreign aid ventilator, the military will not be able to do its job. The military can't do what it's supposed to when it knows that after 14 days of war, they'd be looking to sign a peace accord no matter what because the country's economy can not sustain a conflict longer than two weeks.

 

[alibaz]

we must support The Khakis regardless of any campaign of propagandistic defamation from within or abroad.

I love this statement

 

[VCheng]

Another article in a similar vein:

............ It seems that having remained in constant touch with the USA through military diplomacy and Foreign Office, the ability to think clearly was eclipsed by being an insider and exclusivity syndrome. Sermons by the American Ambassadors, visiting dignitaries and the façade of aid also played its part in lowering the guard. Hence, step by step, the Pakistani leadership allowed the entire backwash of US operations to be pushed into the country under a misperceived strategic concept and false assurances.

..... and that is how we lost Pakistan, history books will say.

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

..... and that is how we lost Pakistan, history books will say.

The baighairat liberal brigade baying for the blood of Pakistanis and Pakistan's defenders is playing its part in 'losing Pakistan'.

No matter what the flaws of the Army, intelligence, bureaucracy and government, those are Pakistani institutions and need to be fixed by Pakistanis, not by inviting the US or some other foreign player to undermine one or the other. These traitors, like Farhat Taj and Taqi, cannot look beyond their irrational hatred of the military to really comprehend the impact of their positions - openly inviting in foreign powers to conduct intelligence and military operations in Pakistan and undermine Pakistan's institutions (the Army and the ISI primarily).

Despicable Western bootlicking low-lifes without an ounce of self-respect and pride in their nation and nationhood is what they are.

 

[Moorkh]

Nice article on the whole. I however found the highlighted parts slightly odd

Some critics of the uniform within Pakistan rightly believe that nationhood stems from constitutional rule. The real venom emanates from a despicable few, mostly in line with vested external forces hostile to the country. Unfortunately, the intense negative propaganda is joined by many who act in good faith but do not seem to understand the crass ulterior motives of our foreign detractors making multi-dimensional attacks on the armed forces (and the ISI). This has one objective, and one objective alone, to denude us of our nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. Our nuclear reality is the one strong deterrent that augments the armed forces in guarding our freedom. The ISI is our first line of defence against external enemies.

This para somehow insinuates that the nukes are the be all and end all of pakistani defence. I am sure this isnt true and the armed forces can deter any agression. however the amount of time spent harping about this nuclear ability and "threat" to it is somehow odd

 

[VCheng]

The baighairat liberal brigade baying for the blood of Pakistanis and Pakistan's defenders is playing its part in 'losing Pakistan'.

No matter what the flaws of the Army, intelligence, bureaucracy and government, those are Pakistani institutions and need to be fixed by Pakistanis, not by inviting the US or some other foreign player to undermine one or the other. These traitors, like Farhat Taj and Taqi, cannot look beyond their irrational hatred of the military to really comprehend the impact of their positions - openly inviting in foreign powers to conduct intelligence and military operations in Pakistan and undermine Pakistan's institutions (the Army and the ISI primarily).

Despicable Western bootlicking low-lifes without an ounce of self-respect and pride in their nation and nationhood is what they are.

Wise words indeed. However, who are the Pakistanis who will do this job? Where are they? If they do not exist, or are unwilling and/or unable to do what needs to be done, then what is going to be the inevitable outcome?

 

[Leader]

if the Army wants to regain its previous respectful status that it enjoyed, its top leadership would require to think like Pakistanis, Behave like Pakistanis, act like Pakistanis...and stop killing Pakistanis... and stop being Amreeki pitho !

 

[MastanKhan]

Opinion; Image of the uniform

Ikram Sehgal
Thursday, July 07, 2011

Some critics of the uniform within Pakistan rightly believe that nationhood stems from constitutional rule. The real venom emanates from a despicable few, mostly in line with vested external forces hostile to the country. Unfortunately, the intense negative propaganda is joined by many who act in good faith but do not seem to understand the crass ulterior motives of our foreign detractors making multi-dimensional attacks on the armed forces (and the ISI). This has one objective, and one objective alone, to denude us of our nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. Our nuclear reality is the one strong deterrent that augments the armed forces in guarding our freedom. The ISI is our first line of defence against external enemies.

The aspirations of the present military hierarchy to stay out of the political process notwithstanding, soldiers are also citizens of the country. Their conscience must be treading the safe line between tolerance and frustration. Does the present mode and method of governance qualify in being honest and aboveboard as required by the Constitution? While their fundamental duty is to act according to their oaths, they also have to guard against any evil “even to the peril of their lives.” Populism based on personal motivation must be distrusted as it makes democracy vulnerable. What compounds bad governance if that the Supreme Court is being treated with utter contempt by the government.

The armed forces took a massive pounding because of the May 2 Abbottabad incident, but recent polls conducted by foreign agencies must be painful for the army’s detractors. The people of Pakistan (79 percent) still retain immense faith in them. When two P3C Orion surveillance aircrafts were destroyed at the Mehran Naval Aviation Base in Karachi on May 22, the Navy’s confirming “insider” help for the militants did not help. Former COAS of the army, Gen Aslam Beg says “the Americans did not blame their armed forces for the 9/11 episode or the intelligence agencies for their failure to protect the country from the catastrophe. Similarly, after the attack in Mumbai in 2009, the Indians did not blame their armed forces or the intelligence agencies. Rather, they pointed their finger directly at Pakistan, while the Americans put the entire blame on Osama and Al-Qaeda.”

Although there is some truth in the Western drumbeat about individual Taliban sympathisers within the Pakistani armed forces or intelligence agencies, can the US certify that its armed forces are free of individuals with extreme rightwing views? Or can India certify that RSS sympathisers or Naxalites are not wearing Indian army uniform? To suggest Pakistan is providing institutional support is ludicrous. There is method to the madness behind the propaganda machinery framing this psychological warfare, relentless pressure being exerted through constant leaks to the media. The immediate objective being to discredit the uniform, the ultimate aim is to separate Pakistan from its nukes.

The civil and military media units have failed miserably in protecting the army’s image, both at home and abroad. With a 19th-century mindset, the 20th-century ISPR shows no comprehension of 21st-century media outreach potential. A well-coordinated media strategy that must project institutions, and not individuals, must be crafted by professionals to incorporate the new realities. Simultaneously, the military must be made more transparent and proactive.

On taking over as COAS Kayani stopped the army-officered intelligence services from interfering in the February 2007 elections, and simultaneously all army officers defacing governance in bureaucracy were recalled. However, while distancing the army from politics and governance, he shows no inclination of distancing the uniform from the negative perception of corruption. Connected individuals are making billions by plot manipulations in real-estate transactions or procurement contracts. The NAB has prosecuted many bureaucrats for “living beyond their means.” Why are those in uniform (and retired) breaking the same covenant and not being held accountable? Allotting residential plots to officers must be discarded. Instead, one apartment or house must be given to every individual commensurate to his rank upon retirement.

Corruption in military purchases is not Pakistan-specific. It is rampant all over the world. The law requires that agents (or lobbyists) be registered by their principals, their commission being included and declared in the prices quoted. Any money received beyond that, and if received abroad, constitutes illegality. In the “Tehelka” scam video recordings of Indian military officials taking bribes were shown. Unfortunately not a single agent has been successfully prosecuted in Pakistan, despite the availability of a wealth of evidence (and flagrantly displayed affluence). Influential agents openly boast about crafting GHQ’s General Staff Requirements (GSRs) and keeping the siphoning off of millions of US dollars in commissions hidden. Was everyone in the F-16s and the French submarines deals brought to justice?

Image-building must be the realm of specialists, not those who have never heard a shot being fired in anger despite displaying rows of medals.

A young and dynamic self-made advertising entrepreneur with amazing domestic and international experience, spelt out the most effective means of neutralising negativity against the uniform: (1) counter misunderstandings through change; (2) create positive news towards the agenda of Pakistan. In countering misunderstandings one has to: (1) do damage control on a day to day basis (2) announce a process of change and candidly explain situations, challenges and plans for progress within military (3) facelift all existing touchpoints including TV ads, songs, online touchpoints and others around this process of change (4) remind the public of past and present achievements and (5) emphasise young military faces for greater connection with the audience. In creating positive news, the “dream merchant’s” gameplan envisages: (1) a vision for betterment of Pakistan through human development; (2) realisation of vision through tangible initiatives with outreach audience. This can be done by: (1) leadership (2) innovation; and (3) uplift. Among the initiatives: (1) creating ambassadors on the ground and (2) opportunity for them to engage the youth of Pakistan through their opinions and voluntary support; and (3) creating a perception change on the armed forces.

Democracy being the cementing factor for Pakistan’s unity is good in theory. for all practical purposes it is the armed forces that hold the country together. Nevertheless, their being the prime guarantors of our sovereignty does not mean that they should consider themselves masters of the realm and not subject to accountability. A small minority in uniform believed it did, and a tiny percentage benefited enormously by this. For the actions of a few misguided individuals, the institution has nothing to be ashamed of.

The penchant to rule has made the army vulnerable to the propaganda of external forces. One of the finest fighting machines in the world, the Pakistani army is capable of warding off adventure from any quarter. No only is the army crucial to Pakistan’s existence, the very nature of this country’s demography and geography makes the army the champion of the state, in all senses of the word.

The army must get its image in sync with the tremendous sacrifice of its young men in the bloody killing fields of Swat and Waziristan.

The writer is a defence and political analyst. Email: isehgal@ pathfinder9.com

Hi,

So Mr Sehgal has changed some of his tunes-----it is interesting to read what i have been writing for the last many years under someone else's name---most of it---not all of it.

 

[fatman17]

COMMENT: Military culture

—Tammy Swofford


Military organisations are like a Rube Goldberg machine. They have the look of an over-engineered machine performing a simple task: defence. And it is this complexity, the inner workings that look simple to the outside observer, which make the machine run.

Some men are hardwired for war. They are not necessarily hardwired for good order and discipline. It is instilled within a military culture where senior leadership both models and demands accountability. Professional standing armies use good order and discipline to separate the men from the boys. The men stay and the boys are sent home. Or that is the way it is supposed to work. Minus discipline, the classic model of warrior is quickly reduced to that dirty little five-letter word: rogue.

“Close the door firmly behind you,” my OIC (Officer in Charge) was seated at his desk with a swathe of paperwork in front of him. A Navy JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps officer had paid a visit to the detachment. The clearance for an officer had come up for review. The sailor pinged on the legal radar. An arrest brought to light an unusual public behaviour. It counted as a misdemeanour within a civilian courtroom. It was requested that I make a recommendation. The decision came down to two choices. The sailor could agree to a psychiatric evaluation. He (or she) should be processed for discharge. My thoughts were drawn from the envelope of psychiatric disorders. A trained professional combatant who behaves in strange public manner in time of peace will devolve even further with the stressors of war. The sailor was no longer a deployable asset.

Good order and discipline can be both brutal and magnificent. It is also purposefully indifferent. Military culture is the antagonist of a victim culture. The military personnel on the ropes made the decision to come under discipline. Their choice of action and the ensuing counteraction wrought by chain of command merely confirms the poor decision of the unruly party.

At the point of discipline it is no longer about “them”. It is all about “us” and the oath, rules, and traditions that have been violated within our ranks. There is little sentiment nor room to consider uterine relations. The censured individual looks like protoplasm with a clan of nerve endings, wearing a uniform. It is sought to hit those nerves. The process is impersonal man-to-man and yet highly personal when it comes to the survival of the organisation. The organisation and all its inherent strength is pitted against the solitary soldier. This is not about power. It is not about personal vendetta. Those who have not stood within our ranks will be unable to fully understand military discipline and why it works.

Discipline is based on a robust legal framework commonly referred to by the acronym UCMJ. The Uniform Code of Military Justice serves us well. The traditions held dear in each particular branch of service find place under this towering legal arch. US Navy traditions are especially strong. Our marrow and bones belong on the high seas. A bit of rowdiness can be our lot. In the early days sailors were flogged for drunkenness. The orders of the ship’s captain were like the law of God. Today men are no longer whipped but the captain still rules supreme over his crew during the sea passage. It is not fear of the physical whip that dominates thoughts today. It is the lash of a “Duck Dinner” or “Big Chicken Dinner” (Dishonourable Discharge or Bad Conduct Discharge) that rule the deck plates. Rowdiness pulls together as a team and under seasoned leadership the energy is harnessed for the good of our nation.

Military organisations are like a Rube Goldberg machine. They have the look of an over-engineered machine performing a simple task: defence. And it is this complexity, the inner workings that look simple to the outside observer, which make the machine run. Rube Goldberg machines are based on chain reactions and they do not perform their task until the last component is put in place. Within the military machine a series of chain reactions, otherwise known as “chain of command”, produce the Rube Goldberg effect. The final component in place in this massive machine is good order and discipline. Minus this component armies become sloppy, unethical, and rogue. Every professional standing army deals with members who show their true colours by defying rules of engagement, violating their oaths by disclosure of state secrets, or the average of the anomalous uniformed rapist. These things happen because the military draws from the human pool. The shock should never be that these things happen. There should only be a sense of shock when they are not dealt with swiftly, dispassionately and if need be, in brutal military manner.

It seems a good time to dispel a myth. Soldiers do not sacrifice and die for their nations. It certainly seemed like a good line of thinking when the oath of office passed my own lips. It is the public script, the comforting words, which accompany military personnel as they pack their sea bags and grab their rucksack. These are the hallowed words spoken over our warriors when their bones are returned to sovereign soil and families gather to honour the dead. Prolonged military service embeds the deeper meaning of the oath. We don’t give ourselves for our nation. We sacrifice and we die to sustain the values, traditions, and viability of our military organisation. It is never the lone soldier who is the bulwark of the nation. On the battlefield he defends his buddies. At time of death, a buddy brings him home. It is rank, upon rank, upon rank, which provides the backbone of national defence. We are the Rube Goldberg machine: exceptionally engineered and with a deceptively simple appearing ‘mission’. The machine works, because the final component is in place.

The writer is a freelance columnist. She can be reached at tammyswof@msn.com