Khanna - Art of generalship

When I first read this book I found it impossible to put it down till I reached the last page. My congratulations to Lt Gen KK Khanna for writing this absorbing and very informative book in simple language to be read by both military and civilian scholars as well as by casual readers.

Reading it I realise how development of directional level leadership has been completely neglected in India. I think senior leaders in every field should introspect. They will find this book extremely useful.

I joined the Indian Military Academy in 1948 when the Indian Army was fighting the first Indo-Pak War. By the time I was commissioned in June 1950, the Indian Army had been hurriedly indianised with Gen Cariappa as the Commander in Chief. I was fortunate to join 5 JAT, a battalion where Lt Col JN Sen could surround a cinema hall in Amritsar and thrash an errant son of the Chief Minister who dared to misbehave with ladies of 5 JAT. On completion of command, Lt Col Sen proceeded to Egypt as the Defence Attach. That was the Indian Army that I was proud to join.

Unfortunately, in the 50s, the only military history campaign that was studied was the Burma Campaign, and Slim the only Character. No one bothered to learn from the Germans, about the suppression of insurgency in Vietnam, or in Malaya, the War in Korea, or about the West Asian conflicts.

On return from Egypt Col Sen became the first CO of 16 JAT. I was fortunate to take over the battalion after him, in the North East where 2/Lt KK Khanna joined to operate in Manipur and Mizo Hills for the first two years of his service, followed by another three at the CIJW School. I mention this to explain my joy at his undertaking to write a book on Generalship and producing this book for the prestigious United Service Institution of India, assisted by Brig Harcharan Chaudhary, another stalwart of Sixteen Jat.

I was fortunate to command 340 (I) Infantry Brigade during the 1971 War. Having seen the utterly wasteful and costly attacks by our Division to capture strong points like Hilli in NW Bangladesh, I realised the need for better Generalship in war. I realised the same when commanding 16 JAT in Mizo Hills, during command of the Rajauri Division and 3 Corps in the NE. I completely agree the Indian Armed Forces need to take positive steps to improve senior leadership in all the Services. Honble Defence Ministers and civil servants in the MOD must first learn about the Services and then take special interest in promoting high grade senior leadership and synergy in the Services.

Gen Khannas analysis of the past conflicts is original and brings out many vital lessons not recorded earlier. These must be analysed to improve the higher direction of war in the nuclear age. No doubt our Generals have done the Nation proud in all wars. Yet they missed many opportunities which should not be missed in future. Thats the message of this book.

There can be no doubt that qualitative improvement of leadership at senior levels will enhance the capability of the Armed Forces manifold and save plenty of wasteful expenditure. Therefore it is time to take positive steps expeditiously to improve our senior leadership.

Some recent events involving senior officers have shocked the veterans. Officers of our vintage are amazed at such drop in officer like qualities. What kind of senior officers will such Generals groom for the future?

Therefore the time to act is now. That is the message of Gen Khanna in this book.

I imagine there will be resistance to change, and for the present senior officers to give up what are now looked upon as hard earned perks. They will have to curb ostentation, practice austerity, to try and be role models for the juniors. Will they be able to do it?

As far as this book is concerned I recommend every single officer reads it.

I congratulate the USI and Lt Gen KK Khanna for producing this very interesting and useful book.

Lt Gen B Joginder Singh, MVC, VSM (Retd)

29 June 2014

(Unfortunately the General expired on 19 July 2014,
after writing this foreword in June)