New Delhi,
Sept 9 : Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval
Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta released the “Joint Doctrine for Amphibious
Operations” in New Delhi today.

The
doctrine is meant to serve as a guideline on how Armed Forces intend to
plan and conduct these operations and achieve full synergistic effect
of joint combat power. It lays down the commonality between the three
services, for the smooth conduct of amphibious operations.

The
Joint Doctrine had been under preparation since 2004. Lessons learnt
during the joint amphibious exercises, conducted since 2004, have been
incorporated in the doctrine. Chief of Army Staff General Deepak
Kapoor, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major, Chief of
Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen HS Lidder and other senior officials of
the three forces were also present on the occasion.

Indian
defence forces have been moving in the direction of integration.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has made great strides since its
inception, in streamlining some of the joint aspects, be it training,
operations, ''financial planning, budgeting and overseeing the
tri-Service institutions of the defence forces. A number of joint
doctrines and orders, instructions have also been promulgated.

One
of the oldest Signal Regiments of the Indian Army, the “1st Army
Headquarters Signal Regiment” has always been in the forefront to
promote the spirit of adventure.

The Regiment is now organizing a unique desert trekking expedition in the great Thar Desert from 09 September– 03 October.

Led
by Colonel Vivek Dogra the 17 member team will attempt to cover more
than 480 kms of desert stretch by trekking on foot, an attempt,
considered by people as extremely challenging in the sandy camel
country of Thar.

Amongst the team members is Subedar Jagmail Singh a leg amputee, who lost his leg during Sri Lanka operations whose steely determination will be a constant source of motivation for everyone.

The
proposed expedition besides trekking and exploring the desert flora and
fauna also has an important aim of showcasing the unique versatility of
Corps of Signals and the Indian Army to the people inhabiting remote
hamlets of the desert.

The
chief patron of the expedition, Lieutenant General P. Mohapatra,
Signal-Officer-in-Chief and Colonel Commandant of Corps of Signals
alongwith with patrons Major General T.K. Das and Brig Ajay Kohli of
Army Headquarter Signals flagged off the expedition from the historic
India Gate lawns today. (ANI)