Ethics in the Indian Military

Book excerpt: In today’s tempestuous environment, the issues of indiscipline, corruption and criminality in the armed forces reflect broader issues of military ethics, culture and leadership. A military leader has to motivate his followers to achieve maximum results with minimum friction within the group. The ability to motivate men stems largely from the ability to understand them. It is time for military leaders to do some soul-searching on the components of military ethics. The book argues that the existing legal and policy framework is inadequate to regulate behaviour in the barracks as well as in conflicts. It recommends reforms in the military legal system, incentives, practices and training. This book is for policy makers in the armed forces, military officers, military lawyers, academics, journalists, and those with an interest or professional involvement in the subject.