What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs?

Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs
Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Correct Answer: (d) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Option 1: Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
- The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). This role involves ensuring coordination and jointness among the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and providing integrated military advice to the Defence Minister .
Option 2: Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs
- The CDS does not exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs. Instead, the CDS acts as a coordinator and advisor, ensuring jointness and integration among the services without direct command authority over them .
Option 3: Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters
- The CDS is the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters. This role includes advising on matters that involve the Army, Navy, and Air Force collectively, ensuring that the Defence Minister receives integrated and comprehensive military advice .

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Duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA):

Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC)
- The CDS chairs the COSC, which includes the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This role is crucial for fostering jointness and operational synergy among the three services .
Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister
- The CDS provides integrated military advice to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters, ensuring that the Defence Minister receives a unified perspective on military issues .
Head of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA)
- The CDS heads the DMA within the Ministry of Defence, overseeing matters related to the armed forces, including procurement, training, and logistics. This role involves ensuring the optimal utilization of resources and promoting jointness in operations .
Advisory Role in the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
- The CDS serves as a military advisor to the NCA, which is responsible for India’s nuclear arsenal. This role involves providing strategic military advice on nuclear matters .
Promoting Jointness and Integration
- The CDS is tasked with promoting jointness in procurement, training, and staffing among the three services. This includes the establishment of joint-service theatre commands to ensure integrated and efficient military operations .
Implementation of Defence Reforms
- The CDS is responsible for implementing various defence reforms aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of the Indian armed forces. This includes the creation of theatre commands and the rationalization of military infrastructure .
Coordination of Defence Planning and Acquisition
- The CDS plays a key role in coordinating defence planning and acquisition processes, ensuring that the armed forces’ procurement needs are met in a timely and efficient manner .