Spl Interview Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (retd) :::: "Integrating forces veterans into corporate ecosystem gives advantage in strategic imperatives"

Blogger 

(Nirendra Dev) had an interaction with Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) on the defence industry ecosystem and how ex-military forces can play the role of a ‘force multiplier’ in the system.  

Lt General Abhay Krishna served as General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Central Command. He also commanded Eastern Command and South Western Command. 

Question: (Blogger)  

In Military, failure or even the dilemma - to do or not to do is never an option. But Indian defence industry ecosystem apparently has a missing link. We are perhaps not in the best of positions to use the talent pool of retired officials. Have you explored this issue ?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (retd) 

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) : I am myself a retired soldier ... hope you know this. (Smiles) 

Over the past decade, India has made decisive strides in defence manufacturing, policy reform and private sector participation. Yet, it is true one powerful resource remains underutilized. This is where your question is relevant. That is the vast pool of experienced, disciplined and highly skilled retired armed forces personnel. I have always believed that their integration into the corporate defence ecosystem will be the catalyst that will propel India into a truly self reliant defence powerhouse.

Question: 

I would like to know the 'skill' areas ex military officers can be utilized to boost the Defence industry. 

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) : It goes this way ... say every year over 1000 officers retire from India’s Armed Forces between the ages of 54 and 60 years. These individuals bring decades of leadership, crisis management and technical expertise. 

They have skills in Communication and adaptability in dynamic environments. They have appreciation for diversity and commitment to excellence. These are essential features of any sound industry and more so for the defence sector. We retired officers have inherent Leadership skills under pressure. We can take strategic decision making in complex scenarios and can ensure team cohesion and cross functional coordination.

Question: 

But I suppose a few good companies are already encouraging the ex military officers and even taking them in.

 

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) :

Yes, things are changing no doubt. India Inc. has already begun recognizing this potential. Companies like Reliance Industries have actively employed a large number of ex-servicemen. Moreover, the structured programs supported by the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) continue to grow and do well.

There are many armed forces retired officers in the corporate who exemplify how defence professionals can excel in senior corporate roles, driving transformation in HR, operations and strategy. Their journeys demonstrate a simple truth that military experience is not just transferable but it is transformative. 

Question: 

The post retirement appointment is one issue. But what we may be interested at this juncture is 'integration'. How much of that is happening vis-a-vis ex military officers and the defence industry as a larger unit?  

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) :

Your question can be answered in different ways. Firstly, I take a holistic stand and would like to underline the importance of building Long Term Value.

I agree to the spirit of your question that integration is not just about recruitment but rather it’s about retention and growth. 

Areas we can do better is Targeted onboarding programs with mentorship, Skill bridging certifications, for example ISO standards, corporate compliance etc and also Inclusive workplace cultures that value discipline and diversity.

Such initiatives, therefore, will not only enhance productivity but also strengthen organizational resilience. Look, India’s journey towards defence self reliance is not just about machines, systems or policies but essentially it is about people at large. 

I have tried to make the point go home that the armed forces veterans represent a rare blend of rich experience, skills, integrity, operational insight and selfless commitment. Do not misread what I say. Integrating them into the corporate ecosystem is not merely a welfare measure. There is an element of  strategic imperative which must not be ignored any longer.

This will help you march ahead and reach the target of a Viksit Bharat -- becoming a Developed Nation with global overtones by the year 2047 where Defence security system is robust.

Question:

Do you suggest such integration may help strengthen industry leadership and governance ?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) :

That's true. We can talk about nation construction through Human Capital. Therefore, I would say if India is to achieve true Atma-nirbharta, that is self-reliance, we as a nation ought to look beyond infrastructures and investment.

Here comes the role of ex military officers and the importance of focusing on human capital. From my experience, I can say we can have a structured, institutionalized pathway for integrating armed forces and thereby ensure achieve - Accelerate innovation in defence manufacturing and reduce skill gaps across critical sectors.  

Question (Nirendra Dev/Blogger) 

Another ques­tion that comes in mind is – Risk Tak­ing abil­ity vis-à-vis defence pre­pared­ness and the industry itself ?

Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd) :

I agree there is a point. I feel that Defence officers develop a

"Risk Tak­ing Abil­ity" in decision mak­ing, incul­cated and grown in one's nature based in the types of oper­a­tional envir­on­ments due to their exper­i­ence along the Line of Actual Con­trol, Gla­cier, Counter Insur­gency etc. 

For the Indian Defence Industry to grow aggress­ively, it requires dynamic, Risk tak­ing lead­er­ship. 

These qual­it­ies are abund­ant in major­ity of Defence officers in dir­ect oper­a­tional roles… they are more nat­ural in Arms com­pared to Services ---; which requires care­ful selec­tion and fun­el­ling into the Industry.

Brighter Kashmir Link

ends