General Bipin Rawat is first Chief of Defence Staff; will serve up to an age of 65 years

General Bipin Rawat has been announced as the Chief of Defence Staff.

The CDS will act as the principal military adviser to the defense minister on matters related to tri-services.

The CDS will create better synergy between the armed forces, and will not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so as to be able to provide impartial advice to the political leadership, according to a statement by the government.

The maximum age limit of the CDS will be 65 years, which comes after the amendment of a rule that allowed the Army chief to serve for three years or until the age of 62.

Prime Minister Modi during his independent day speech had first announced the creation of the post to ensure better coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force.

"India should not have a fragmented approach. Our entire military power will have to work in unison and move forward. All three (Services) should move simultaneously at the same pace. There should be good coordination and it should be relevant to the hope and aspirations of our people. It should be in line with the changing war and security environment with the world. After the formation of this post (CDS), all the three forces will get effective leadership at the top level," he had said.

General Bipin Rawat, is an alumnus of St. Edward School, Shimla, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was commissioned to the Fifth Bn, the Eleventh Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in December 1978, from IMA, Dehradun, where he was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’.

The General officer assumed the appointment of the Chief of the Army Staff on 31 Dec 2016.

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