Whine & Shine

So much has been said, written and argued regarding the perceived injustice to services in the 6th CPC. One of the core issues that is Placing of Lt Col in PB 4 as their counterparts in CPOs have been placed higher is nothing but a canard that Army is keen on propagating. Lt Cols are in reality, neither commanding a battalion nor authorized to put on the rank badges of a Commandant (Col Equivalent)..Post implementation of the AVS Committee report most of the Lt Cols are actually Majors performing the duties of Company Commanders. Functionally it is the job of an Assistant Commandant ( Capt) in CPMFs. The point is, Lt Col is no more a selection grade post and it makes no sense in comparing it with selection grade post of counterparts in CPOs.
If life in army is difficult, the officers are more than compensated by perks and privileges.The club facilities, free ration , travel concessions , canteen and reservation for ex servicemen and their wards are just a few of the numerous facilities given to them. This is all tax payers money including the tax paid by the so called “corrupt unpatriotic civilians and babus”. Has anyone ever said a word about improving the conditions of PBOR. It is still a colonial structure in our Army. What about BSF which is second to none when it comes to fighting for the nation? It is BSF which is guarding almost 6200 kms of IB including the treacherous terrain of Rann and Thar desert. BSF is also holding vigil in more than 1/3 of the LC. During the Kargil fiasco only BSF sector saw no vacation of posts and no incursions. BSF’s role in 1971 war was nothing short of exemplary but never got the recognition it deserved. BSF jawans are the unsung heroes who are working 24 X 7 with the barest minimum facilities and still not complaining. It is time our army stopped whining for more money like mercenaries.