Beyond the Bayonet - A Review
The world today finds itself in a larger chaos and turbulence than before. The strife within the nations and the tensions among the nations are on the rise. There are no permanent allies or enemies - a situation akin to that found in Indian politics. Every country would look towards its own security in such a scenario. Men of the military try to formulate innovative strategies for their armies’ success.
Brig Deepak Sinha’s ‘Beyond the Bayonet’ is a book that attempts to visualise the Special Operations Forces in India in the 21st Century. Since the book is written by a long-serving, much-felicitated Army Officer who himself belongs to an elite SOF of the country, the expectations soar high. That too since it is one of the few books that address the issue of SOF requirements. Even the introduction on the inside cover of the book promises a tantalising account.
The book is divided into four main sections: The evolution of SOF - an historical perspective, the SOF in various (developed) countries, the Indian SOF and lastly, the remodelling of SOF in India. From the word go it becomes apparent that Brig Sinha has culled a vast number of sources (and resources) to author this book. He quotes extensively from his rich sources. The description of evolution of SOFs in various countries (including India) is interesting. He also paints a good picture of the various SOFs - their evolution and status - of India.
However, the author places a far greater emphasis on the evolution of SOF over the centuries and the models of SOF available in many developed countries than necessary. Almost half the book is consumed even before the author addresses the SOF from the Indian perspective and even more before he arrives in the 21st Century. But that is only one of the minor flaws. Further, Sinha shuttles between many ages at the same time creating confusion in the reader. Also, the only noteworthy mention of any Indian SOF of the past (read, pre-British) he makes is that of Shivaji.
Any book written about the defence requirements of a nation must first analyse the threat perspective. A country has to devise an SOF based on its needs and not on what kind of SOF exist in other countries. Today the needs (read, threats) are both internal and external. The strife and tension in the world has two broad reasons: resurgent religious fundamentalism and economic disparity. Similar tensions threaten our nation too. On an international level, the threats have only expanded. A peaceful Nepal has turned a Maoist haven. Bhutan’s porous borders have provided shelter to the ULFA militants. Bangladesh too has been a problem of late. The resurgence of LTTE is a reality that cannot be overlooked. These aren’t recognised by the author. Apart from giving lip service to the perceived Chinese and Pakistani threats the author does little else. Even here, the author assumes that the ‘conventional’ advantage India enjoys over China will continue for another 10 years! And, just last year China has successfully completed and launched its high-speed rail line between Lhasa and Beijing - a technical marvel - that brings the traditional advantages of India to a naught.
The balance between China and India doesn’t exist despite the nuclear deterrent. China’s nuclear stockpile is far, far larger than that of India’s. Similarly, its conventional weapons are far superior and greater (in numbers too) than that of India. The Kargil war established the woefully inadequate supply mechanisms of the Indian armed forces. The author talks about Pakistan exploiting anti-Hindu sentiments among the minority Muslim population in certain pockets in cases of Mumbai blasts and attacks on Akshardham temple in Gujarat. However Pakistan’s hand in either of the cases isn’t conclusively proven. And, it could even be strongly argued as an ‘expected’ reaction by the disgruntled Muslim minority - without any Pakistani involvement - to the destruction of Babri Masjid and post-Godhra riots.
There is very little that is said regarding the internal threats that India faces and the creation of SOF to meet these challenges. The Naxal problems of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, the ULFA menace of Assam, the perennial problem of Kashmir militancy and many other divisive forces that are striking at the root of the country are not discussed nor are any suggestions made to create SOFs (or better the existing ones, like the NSG or Assam Rifles) to handle these issues. Instead the author indulges in pettifogging about the minuscule allowances made to the Para regiments!
If an SOF has to perform well, it has to be linked with extremely well-equipped and reliable intelligence systems. Our intelligence networks have been in news for all wrong reasons - leaks et al. Brig Sinha overlooks this aspect in his book.
Good intentions do not make a great book. It is the originality of ideas espoused that make it eminent. Sadly Brig Sinha lacks original ideas. Ideally the book should’ve been written from a strategic perspective addressing the following under separate heads (apart from brief introduction on what SOF is and its evolution, present SOF in the country):
a) The Need for SOF in India - Internal and External Factors - The Threat Perspective
b) The requirements of different kinds of SOF (to meet internal and external challenges) and their organisation
c) The various requirements for a successful SOF apart from manpower - training, weapons
d) The Support Systems required for a successful SOF - Intelligence networks, Supply systems etc
Brig Sinha’s is one of the first books to be written on the SOF in India. He deserves credit at least for starting the process. The process of forcing the mandarins and the pundits to look at our dire needs and plan to meet them. It is fervently hoped that this book kindles the interest among the many military strategists of the country to write a more authoritative, original and handy book on operational forces. One that really looks beyond the bayonet!
P.S. This book was sent to me to be reviewed. This is my first 'official' review. It took a great effort to not further hack the book to pieces!