Role and Employment of Women in the Indian Armed Forces

Role and Employ workforcet of Women in the Indian fortify chock upsCHAPTER IINTRODUCTIONThe highest national priority must be the unleashing of charr power in governance. That is the single most important source of societal energy that we contrive kept corked for half a century.-Mani Shankar Aiyar1. It is the clubhouse that is the feeder to any organization within its realm and the homogeneous is seen by dint of its functioning projection. Tradition eachy, men were the warriors the women housekeepers, the places were fountainhead demarcated. Changes over the period nurse merge this distinguished line of specific finish upuality task distri neverthelession and has man ripend to throw a wedge into the male dominated grow. The low gear batch of women officers got licensed in1992, now 17 years past women still check non been fit to break the barrier fully inspite of breaking the crust and make inroads. Yet with sentence they oblige started to see the bigger appri zevas and so in addition their scope on the alike(p).2. falsifying readiness is nonpargonil knowledge aspect which is required to be borne in mind th approximate extinct fleck considering their employ expertness survivals. Their c atomic number 18er aspects and opport social unities need to be viewed holistic everyy keeping the final aim in focus. Yet a few discriminatory policies as been professed by the regime need review such as their short emolument com missyion, chip exclusion, and entry into ranks and so on. Fore- planning and systematic approach should be the objurgate approach prior to deciding on any such issue. Nevertheless, a sm al superstar beginning is ensuring a greater role for women. Government of India, later onward the high Court ruling, has decided to grant Permanent Commission in assign cadres.33. Different set of policies im cut off only affect the working efficiency and inter attain between the devil genders in the assistances. This exclusi on from select working conk give aways will only harm the organization and upset the formula working routine. Notwith tieing this, gird forces have been constituted with the sole point of ensuring defence of the region and all policy purposes should be guided by this overriding factor. completely matters concerning defence of the country have to be considered in a dispassionate manner. No decision should be forcen which still remotely affects the cohesiveness and efficiency of the legions. Concern for decentity of sexes or political expediency should non influence defence policies.44. Induction of women into selected plain stitchs of Indian Armed Forces has wedded rise to the issue of their employability in various spheres and how provision is to be affected. This study seeks to analyse the above issue in Indian context.CHAPTER IIMETHODOLOGYStatement of the Problem5. Justification for the Study7.Scope8. This study concentrates on the issue of role educate of wome n in the Indian force. Questions that ar likely to be raised in the context of railway line Force and dark blue in the light of this study ar kept beyond its purview. will only be dealt with in passing as far-off as its relevance to women in general is concerned. It will restrict itself to the .Methods of info Collection9. The following techniques of data collection have been used for the dissolve of the present study-(a) Objective type questionnaires circulated within student officers, provide at DSSC, Wellington and madam officers dowery and retired.(b) Interview with a overhaul lady officer.(c) Books, magazines, journals available at DSSC library and information from the net.10. Due to wideness of the subject, it is intended to study important aspects of the subject in septenary chapters as follows (a) Introduction.(b) Methodology.(c) Historical Perspective demesne Overview.(d) Employment Problems and Present Status.(e) Training and relate Aspects.(f) Future Role Prospects.(g) Conclusion.Source of Study11. Sources of study be the denial function Staff College library, personal witnesss and Internet. Bibliography is attached as appendix.CHAPTER III historical PERSPECTIVE AND WORLD OVERVIEW12. The Indian mythology sources the whole energy in the wide-cut creation to a feminine deity called Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva. The scriptures actually vividly describe the first ever war fought in the creation, i.e., between Devas and Rakshashas wherein the commander of Rakshashas, Mahishasura, was killed by none other(a) than the overall commander of Devas, named Durga. To this daylight we celebrate this victory every year as Durga Pooja. All civilizations have myths based on female goddesses- hunters, warriors, nurturers and preservers. The Greek goddess A accordinglya, Roman Diana, Nordic Valkyries and the Amazons argon cases in point. History is replete with such female warrior commanders, Maharani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Razia sultan and Chand Bibi to quote a few. This trend is in no way extinct. Nonetheless, the women culture in armies drew controversies during the medieval period and since then has refused to die down. disrespect various roles in the armies of past societies, it is only recently that women have begun to be given a more expanded role in contemporaneous build up forces of the homophile race, and thus, the debate picks up more vociferously.INA The Forerunner in Identifying Women force13. Subhash Chandra Bose, was the pioneer in recognizing the untapped potential of the Indian women. He thitherfore, abstruse them in Indian field Army, which was raised to snatch independence from the colonial builders. The first Rani of Jhansi fostering camp was inaugurated under the direct focusing of Subhash Chandra Bose, near Singapore on October 22, 1943.5 The seed sown back then has gained a definite con circle whilst making women in Indian Army an imperative part. The imold age of women of the Rani o f Jhansi regiment left the British spellbound. Women in India have always played an active role when it comes to safeguarding the nation. But organizing women into an force was, probably, done for the first epoch by Subhash Chandra Bose. The women in Indian National Army (INA) fought for their countrys independence a pertinacious with their male counterparts with equal courage and valour.A World ScanRecent History of Changes in Womens Roles14. Its been only 17 years since the women wore the ranks of a Second Lieutenant in the Indian Armed Forces. This period is a very base window in the history of women sacrifices for the arm dish ups baffle in contemporary world. To generalise the various facets of this gender developing through the time on that point is a need to scan through the world armies that gave women equal opportunities to serve their countries on base men without discrimination. The evolution in various countries is enumerated in subsequent paragraphs.Australia15 . The first women became snarled with the Australian Armed Forces with the creation of the Army Nursing Service in 1899. Currently, women make up 12.8% of the Australian Defence Force (with 15.1% in the Royal Australian oxygenate Force, 14.6% in the Royal Australian Navy and 17.5% in the Australian Army).21 In 1998 Australia became the second nation in the world to allow women to serve on its submarines. Australia does not permit women to serve in military positions involving direct storm. Australias first deployment of female sailors in a battle zone was during the 1991 Gulf war.Britain16. Women join the British Armed forces in all roles except those where primary duty is to c stand with and kill the enemy. instantly, 71% of all jobs in theNavy, 67% in the Army and 96% in the Air Force atomic number 18 tenable by women. Female personnel currently make up around 9% of the British armed forces.24Canada17. Women served in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps during the World War I and II besides they were not permitted to serve in armed flake teams. Same was during the Korean War of 1950-1953.In 1970 the government created equal opportunities, making it thinkable for women to reach any rank. In 1982 laws were passed ending all discrimination in employment and chip related roles in the Canadian armed forces were clear for women, with no restrictions in place, with the exception of the submarine service. In 1990 the Ministers Advisory climb on on Women in the Canadian Forces was created. Women were permitted to serve on board Canadian submarines in 2002. Canadian women have in like manner flex clearance divers, and commanded macroscopic infantry units and Canadian warships. On May 17, 2006 Captain Nichola Goddard became the first Canadian cleaning woman to be killed in combat during operations in Afghanistan. Today women account for close to 13 pctage of the total cogency of the Canadian forces.Denmark18. Women were employed in the Danish Ar med Forces as advance(prenominal) as 1934. In 1962 women were allowed to volunteer in the regular armed forces as long as they did not serve in units experiencing direct combat. The year 1971 dictum the plightment of women as non-commissioned officers. In 1978, based on the reports of studies on the topic, women were allowed to enlist in an all areas of the Danish armed forces, with combat trials in the mid-eighties exploring the capabilities of women in combat. In 1998 women were allowed to sample military life in the same way as conscripted men, however without being make outly open to conscription. NATO reports also indicate that the Danish military does not promote women to positions of leadership.26 Denmark has different grassroots fleshly requirements for men and women in their armed forces however the requirements for the more physically demanding jobs do not differ for either sex.Finland19. Finnish Defence Forces does not conscript women. merely, since 1995, the wom en between 18 and 30 years of age have the disaster of voluntarily undertaking the military service in the Defence Forces or in the Finnish Border Guard. In garrison environment, the females are lodged in separate rooms and are given separate rear end and bath facilities. In exercises and aboard ships, women are lodged with men. Yearly, some 500 women complete the voluntary military service.40France20. A study (December 200641) shows that women represent 19% of all French military personnel. They are allowed to serve in all posts (including combat infantry), except submarines and riot control units. However, they still represent a small part of the personnel in combat role specialties.Germany21. Germany had employed one of the most conservative gender-policies of any NATO country. During the final months of World War II, unfledged boys and old men were called up to fight the advancing Soviet forces, however no woman was called upon, in spite of the countrys long history of femal e battle figures. In the year 1975 the first women were appointed for the medical service of the German Bundeswehr. But it was not until January 2001 that women joined German combat units. Women represent a share of 7 percent of all troops except conscripted soldiers. Women in the German air force have received their jet grinder license.46Israel22. Several women transport pilot projects served in the 1948 War of Independence, but later the Air Force closed its ranks to female pilots. There is a draft of both men and women. intimately women serve in non-combat positions, and are conscripted for only two years (instead of four for men). In 2001, Israels first female combat pilot received her wings. Up to 83% of positions in the Israeli army are open to women. Combat duty is voluntary for women.Norway23. Women in Norway have been able to fill military roles since 1938, and during the Second World War female officers served in all branches of the military. Between 1977 and 1984, la ws expanded the role of women in the Armed Forces, and in 1985 the equal opportunities legislations were applied to the military. Norwegian women are permitted to serve on a voluntary basis, however in the event of national mobilization they will be under the same pressures as men. In 1995, Norway became the first country to allow women to serve on its military submarines.49 All women between the age 18-20 are given the fortune to attend national conscription selection.Russia24. Women have served since World War I as all-female units. Women make up 10% of Russias military loudness. Several programs during the height of the cold war were set up to encourage women to enlist. Participation in military orientated youth programs and laboured participation in the reserves for ex-servicewomen up to the age of 40 are some examples.United States25. The United States is considered a pioneer6 and a trend-setter as regards induction of women in the services. There are approximately 200,000 American women on active duty in the US armed forces. They constitute well 20 percent of its strength. The scope of combat- jeopardy assignments for women was redefined to open additional appointments to them. The Womens Army assistant Corps wasestablished in the United States in 1941 and saw combat during World War II. The Womens Naval Reserve and Marine Corps Womens Reserve were also created during this conflict. There were 350,000 American women who served during World War II, 16 were killed in action and 83 were captured and spent three years as Japanese prisoners of war. In 1948, women were fully integrated within units during peace time, with only the WAC remaining a separate female unit. The 1991 Gulf War essayd to be the diametric time for the role of women in the American Armed Forces to come to the financial aid of the world media. Over 40,000 women served in almost every role the armed forces had to adjure. Today, women can serve on American combat ships, to include command. However women are not permitted to serve on submarines or to participate in Special Forces. Women are barred from serving in Infantry, Special Operations, Artillery, Armoured, and out front Air Defence.Some Other Countries26. Bulgaria has adopted a extremely fictile model. Women are appointed to craftal military service in the Armed Forces on appointments proposed by the Chief of the General Staff. They have equal upbringing standards and equal professional rights as men. Women constitute about 7 percent of the total force.27. Turkey has introduced the first female combat pilot of the world.28. Since 1989 on that point are no gender restrictions in the Swedish military on access to military training or positions. They are allowed to serve in all parts of the military and in all positions, including combat. 5529. Thailand has recently begun recruiting and training women to conduct counter-insurgency operations.5630. Libya is the only Islamic nation to have women in th e military. The 500-strong unit of Presidents bodyguard is called variously the Green Nuns and The Amazonian Guard.47CHAPTER IVEMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS AND PRESENT conditionMen are the historic authors of organised violence.Jean Bethke Elshtain,19877.Issues Regarding Womens Role in the Military32. The role of women in the military has become a burning at the stake topic for debate in all Armed Forces and the governments all across the globe. With equality and parity being the norm of the day, womens combat exclusion is tag as gender discrimination. therefrom, the debate continues to rage. Arguments both for and against for inclusion of women as combat soldiers are placed by all in the organization as well as those who are analytical of the same.The Arguments33. Many argue these arguments have been showcased by those who favor women serving in combat roles as well as by those who are against playing with the system. Much of these arguments are not only based on the physical and phys iological differences between the two sexes, but also on varied behavioral aspects and the fallout of the heading of the fairer sex on the battlefield. Some of the arguments are discussed in the succeeding paragraphs.34. corporal Limitations.One of the most visible attributes in regards to the argument is the fact that, on average, female soldiers are physically weak in strength as their male counterparts.35. Behavioural Concerns.The dilution of a fighting units esprit de corps is highlighted as another(prenominal) reason for women to be excluded from forrad-line combat actions. Indeed, many soldiers have aread that they could not trust a woman to perform her duties in a place where trusting your fellow soldier would be exceedingly critical.1336. Gender divergence and Past Trends .Many have viewed the sidelining of women from jobs which can prove their equality with men as the biggest gender discrimination. They advocate that women should not be deprived from serving in these r oles just by citing historic well defined gender roles, which view soldiering as a profession for men, and that equal hazard be applicable in the military. History also provides examples of women outperforming men during conflicts and in specific in the combat roles.37. On Ground Concerns.Reason for removing female soldiers from the front lines is no reflection of the performance of female soldiers, but that of the tempestuous male infantryman after witnessing a woman wounded. Australian soldiers had describe reluctance to take women on reconnaissance or special operations, as they feared that in case of combat or discovery, their priority will be to save the women and not to complete the mission. Thus while men cleverness be able to be programmed to kill, it is not as easy to program men to neglect women.1415 How will the media and the public react to the spectacle of a woman being beaten and paraded on TV by her foreign captors? But, is there a difference between male and fema le POWs? Many offer views regarding females in battle, and that they would be as effective as men. They whitethorn be right but then let us put the possibility of one of our female officers being captured and raped, or worse still being repatriated pregnant or bearing the enemys children. The very notion creates turmoil. This point is countered, however, by the fact that women in non-combat roles are also exposed to the similar risk without having benefit of being armed and trained adequately to combat and symbolize them. In general, it can be stated that volunteer soldiers are evaluate to have accepted the risk of such handling when enlisting irrespective of gender. When one of the woman officer was asked, if she had fears of being captured and tortured, exactly the same fears as you had imagine, she replied. wherefore do you feel the need to worry about me? If I dismount captured it will be my problem, not yours.39. Dilemma for master Officers. Commanding Officers (COs) have a great role to play in moldable the course of young officers. Therefore, opinion of COs carries heavy weightage since these are organise directly from on ground performance. It becomes their utmost responsibility to ensure pencil eraser and security of women officers under their command which they find it quite difficult, especially during field exercises. Another problem encountered by them is regards to their efficient employment. Employing them in isolation and during iniquity hours as duty officers and on other tasks creates threat to their safety and hauteur. Thus their male counterparts have to undertake added responsibilities, which they silently detest.40. Referring to the recent increase in womens service, some COs pointed out that at 14 years of service a lady officer will be second in command of a unit and will officiate as its lordly officer. Initially having been employed on softer appointments, there is an obvious loss to the unit when they grow in rank and se rvice without matching experience.41. Extra hindrance Felt by Male Colleagues.The male fraternity adores the commitment of lady officers. It not only understands but appreciates as well the challenges they faced whilst severe to adapt into a male dominated environment. However, it is desired from the women officers to perform their part without much ado. Biased treatment expected and willfully accepted by them is just not warranted. One officer was outspoken enough to state They have joined the military on the plank of equality of sexes but this plank vanishes the day they join the training academy. Thereafter, they again become the weaker sex needing special dispensations. An officer recounted that a lady officer posted to an gunman Depot declined to carry out periodic stocktaking of stores lying in isolated sheds unless provided with escort for security. Other officers had to do her job.42. In army there is a concept of field and peace postings. Every officer looks forward to a good peace posting to be with his family and sort out family issues. But a large number of peace postings at lowly officers level are held by the women officers, thereby depriving male officers of their due share. It has become a sore point with many and cause of low morale.43. Soldiers View. Most soldiers view womens induction as a fall-out of Government policies and generally take it lightly. They are convinced that women can never lead them effectively. Some junior-grade Commissioned Officers were blunt enough to state An officer, who cannot run with us, cannot train with us and cannot exercise with us can barely be expected to lead us.44. Notwithstanding the above, India is proud of the fact that women in the Indian services are being treated in a manner befitting their dignity and self respect, despite the fact that the Indian soldier is drawn from countryfied stock where women to date are confined to household chores. In this regard, India can rightfully claim to have a record which is far best than that of any advanced nation in the world.Major Issues Experienced45. Women in all militaries are confronted with social, behavioral and psychological problems at all levels. correspond to many surveys carried out women are not fully satisfied with the ethos of military profession. Some of the major issues concerning women in all defence forces are discussed at a lower place in the succeeding paragraphs.46. Sexual Harassment.This is one single concern that has defied event so far how to ensure safety and protect dignity of women in the forces. Almost all women view this as their major fear. What hurts women most is the placement of military officials who dismiss complaints as frivolous and due to over-sensitivities of women involved. Even in effect(p) accusations of sexual assault are many times treated in a perfunctory manner. Moreover, many officers tend to adopt an attitude of assent by resorting to boys will be boys apology.47. Low Acceptance. Acceptance of women in the military has not been smooth in any country. Every country has to argue with sceptics who consider it to be a counterproductive programme. They tend to view it as a political gimmick to flaunt sexual equality, or, at best, a necessary liability. Additionally, every country has to mould the attitude of its society at large and male soldiers in particular to enhance acceptability of women in the military.48. neediness of Job Satisfaction.Most women feel that their competence is not given due recognition. Seniors tend to be over-indulgent without valuing their views. They are generally marginalised and not involved in any major decision-making. They have to work twice as hard as men to prove their worth. Many women complain that despite their technical qualifications. Lack of individual challenge confronts a vast bulk of servicewomen who find themselves in catch-22 situation of being a non- combatant , and a good deal without responsibility commensurate wit h rank, position and seniority- the three most acknowledged tools of strength in the armed forces.16 Since women are assigned only to support branches/ corps, the bulk of profiles to which women are designated tend to be routine and uninspiring desk jobs. The thrill and casualty associated with a career in the armed forces remains an unfulfilled ambition for most. Most women find the Services not matching with their expectations, in terms that their work profiles are not challenging enough. Women who do cite achievements in the armed forces are more as a matter of venture and the right connections rather than systematic opportunities accorded to all women officers in the Services.49. Poor ottoman Level.Most women accepted the fact that their presence amongst males tends to make the environment chunk and stiff. Mutual comfort level between men and women colleagues is low. Men miss their light hearted banter which is considered essential to release work tensions and promote pi geonholing cohesion. They consider women to be intruding on their privacy.50. Doubts about Role Definition.The profession of arms is all about violence and brutality. To kill another human is not moral but soldiers are trained to kill. They tend to arise a streak of raw ruthlessness and coarseness. This makes the environment passing non-conducive and rough for women. Women, in general, are confused about the way they should conduct themselves. If they accept lady-like, their acceptance amongst male colleagues is low. On the other hand, their active participation in casual repartee carries the danger of their losing colleagues respect.51. No Kid Glove Treatment.Women who are mentally robust, physically fit and highly motivated resent preferential treatment being meted out to them. They want to be treated at par with their male colleagues so that they get a fair opportunity to prove their worth. They demand same selection criteria, same training standards and same work schedules. T hey do not want to be treated as weaklings as it offends their sensitivities and self-respect. They take exception to some women seeking kid-glove treatment to escape hardships.52. Mismatch between Perception and Reality.However, most of the women opting for a career in the services belong to families where their upbringing has been in a highly sheltered environment. A career in the military is at the other extreme. They admit having limited knowledge of military life at the time of joining. Subsequently, life in the military comes as a big traumatize to them. While some adapt to it well others find the task to be too daunting. Additionally, many women officers are unsure of their identity they want to be officers and yet be given the deference of service wives. It has been a cause for despair for many.53. Hardships of Married Life.Women normally get commissioned at the age of 23 to 25 years. Soon, thereafter, family pressures start building up on them to get married. Many women c onfess that managing married life with military service is difficult, though marrying a service officer helps. Subsequent pregnancy and motherhood prove very demanding.54. Short Service Commission A Demoralizing Factor.All the three services offer only a short service commission (SSC). Unlike male officers, who have the option of a perm commission at the time of joining or at the time of completion of their initial term if SSC officers, women officers are not extended the option of a PC at any stage in their service. At the end of their maximum tenure of 14 years they have to chip in the service. The ceiling on their tenure of service has a serious constricting effect on the career, as they reach a certain doomed end in their career while they are in their early or mid thirties. As long as women officers in the services are denied the choice of a permanent commission, their service in the armed forces will remain merely a job and never a dedicated career option.55. Since the sh ortage of officers is being experienced only at the junior levels, the armed forces do not envisage any role for women officers at senior levels in the foreseeable future. This propensity is reflected in all current policies regarding employability and opportunities offered to women in the armed forces. With a limited service bitstock and the restrictions placed on their role employability, women have a double outrage of a prejudicial policy, which even if they overcome, they do not have the experience necessary to attain higher ranks. Since women are not employed in any mainstream roles they miss out on important rungs on the be given of experience, which are crucial for a command and therefore have no representation at the decision-making levels.17 This, of course, excludes the Medical Corps.56. A limited service tenure has overall critical ramifications for women. In their early thirties, faced with a of a sudden end and unemployment, women officers have little choice but to either chuck up the sponge themselves to their domestic responsibilities or to struggle all over again in a highly competitive environment to re-establish themselves in a wise career field. To have no options to continue in the armed forces after giving the organisation the best years of ones life is a highly stressful experience and often leads to periods of grave depression. Women officers, once they complete their tour of duty, have to cope with a sudden loss of status, occupation and payment all in one sweep. At the end of their short service tenure women officers are not eligible for any pensioners benefits either and so, they lose out on economic gains as well.57. Combat Exclusions.Career prospects of women are enormously constraint limited due to a strict and ceremonious combat exclusion policy for women.1958. The way to power decision making which includes command of troops with seniority is through tenures in field combat application. Since women officers have been d enied this arena they are considered to be on equal footing. Lack of field experiences will never let them compete for higher decision making positions therefore will not be able to stand tall at par with their male counterparts.CHAPTER VTRG RELATED ASPECTS59. Why women have traditionally been absent from the battlefield is, of course, their relative physical weakness. From ancientness males have been considerably larger and stronger than females indeed some biologists believe that record has made them stronger in order that they might fight. Over the last 20 years, studies found that the average US female army recruit was 12 centimeters shorter,14.3 kilograms lighter, had 16.9 fewer kilograms of muscle, and 2.6 more kilograms of fat than the average male recruit. She had only 55% of the upper body strength and 72% of the lower body strength of the average male. Since fat mass is inversely related to aerobic competency and heat tolerance, women are also at a significant disadv antage when performing aerobic activities such as marching with heavy gobs and working in heat. At high altitudes, womens handicap is such that it may affect their ability to reproduce. Finally, even when the experiments were controlled for height, women only had 80 percent of the strength of men. Overall, only the upper 20 percent of women can do as well, physically, as the lower 20 percent of men.60. Thanks to the superior ability of men to add muscle to their bodies, intensive training, far from diminishing the physical differences between the sexes, tends to increase them still further. After eight weeks of such training male plebes at West Point demonstrated 32 percent more power in the lower body and performed 48 percent more work at the leg press than female ones. At the bench press, the men demonstrated 270 percent more power and performed 473 percent more work than the women. One biologist claims that, if the hundred strongest individuals were to be selected out of a rando m group consisting of one hundred men and one hundred women, then ninety-three would be male and only seven female. Another