Hit by shortage, Army to re-hire brigadiers 2 yrs
May 11: Severely hit by a shortage of young Army officers, the government on Tuesday approved a proposal to re-employ retiring brigadiers for two years. They will perform the task of lieutenant-colonels in this period but retain their rank and report to major-generals.
Brigadiers, who retire at the age of 56, will thus be able to serve till 58. There are around 870 brigadiers in the 35,000-strong officer corps of the Army.
Defence sources point out that the Army is short of 11,000 officers, primarily in the ranks of lieutenant, captain, major and lieutenant-colonel. Re-employment of colonels was permitted a few years back, and they do the job of majors during re-employment. Since rank is a sensitive issue, the Army is taking pains to ensure that the re-employed officers can retain their earlier ranks and get salaries on the basis of the last pay drawn. They will also be appointed to posts in which they can report to officers of a higher rank. One source explained: “The shortages exist more in staff (administrative) and instructional posts since the Army cannot afford shortages in field units which are crucial in counter-insurgency operations. So re-employed officers will be appointed in staff and instructional posts.”
The shortfall has been increasing since the Army ceased to be an attractive career option for young people due to low pay in comparison to higher private sector salaries. The government is hoping that implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations will change this.
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