The Need for Critical Military Thinking: Veterans Debate

Introduction 

After reading a ' First Person ' view titled ’The Easy Way' on ' Critical Military Thinking '  by the Editor of a leading defence magazine ( Ref PDF below)  I felt the need to analyse the same from a neutral perspective and also  introspect our existing  systems for critical military thinking that are being  followed by  our training institutions of the three services right from the lowest-  NDA level upto the highest  - NDC level , encapsulating the nurturing,  training ,grooming and promotion systems  of our military officer leadership  . Having  seen the system  closely for over  five  decades and having interacted with several  renowned and reputed  officers of our armed forces  I felt that our  responsible and concerned serving  officers  and veterans of three services must read the undermentioned 'first person' observation on critical military thinking ( on PDF below )  without any  personal bias  and give their forthright views about the  present state of affairs and the way  forward  to  address the shortcomings highlighted . 

First Person Critical Observation Titled ' the Easy Way’ 

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Responses  Invited From Veterans 

With the above  'Observations' on critical military  thinking as   ' Food for Thought' MVI approached  a few  knowledgeable, qualified and experienced  veterans  ,some of whom  had been instructors in various leading / elite  officer training institutions . They were asked about the seriousness and truth about the shortcomings brought out in the Observations about the quality and reality of critical military thinking of our officers at various levels of command. They were also asked what could and should be done to improve the state of affairs.

The responses received are reproduced below to give the readers an overrall honest and forthright overview of the situation as narrated by the veterans painstakingly for the benefit of readers and posterity.

 It is left to the readers to draw their own conclusions. We hope that the serving military hierarchy validate these responses and draw some valuable lessons to benefit the organization.

Coincidentally there was a piece written by the  same author & Editor of this  defence magazine on an interesting and intricately linked subject that highlights one of the main causes for present state of affairs on the subject of ' Critical Military Thinking ' .

This was appreciated by several veteran readers and responded to and magnamously published by the magazine. 

The Photos below would enable readers to connect with those observations and validation by veterans. 

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Col Vinay Dalvi,

Editor,MVI 

Note - All images are for symbolic representation only

Responses from Veterans

Col NP Sharma 

Critical thinking in the first stage of its interpretation implies- Questioning:

Although the ability to question an order or belief or tactical or a strategic concept requires moral courage, it is not a very preferred quality because of our acceptance of total compliance of orders in the battlefield scenario which also has its own merits. This has led to disallowance of critical thinking in the peace time as well. If it is encouraged, then the benefits would generate an environment of mutual trust between the leader and the led.

Col Shivaji Ranjan Ghosh 

The two articles written by Ms Ghazala Wahab basically discuss the same issue, the intellectual capacity of the average military officer and, to a great extent, that of the officers in senior positions. This needs serious and honest introspection, and not a belligerent or an indignant response.

Right at the outset, let me state outright that every word that she has written is true. Today, almost , 20 years since the day that I retired, I look back and marvel at the kind of senior commanders that I encountered during my service. Leaving aside a small minority of individuals who continue to strike me as intellectuals, the vast majority were, to say the least, men with feet of clay who could bulldoze their way through the rank and file simply because of the rank badges that they wore. Their interaction with officers and men seldom went beyond the “how’s the josh” kind of rhetoric. They never discussed, nor encouraged any discussion on professional matters. Sometimes I wonder if the reluctance to encourage discussions and debates was actually an attempt to cover their own inadequacies. I remember one occasion when, as the Commanding Officer of an infantry battalion, the only outcome of my briefing of the Army Commander in my office was an admonishment by him regarding my failure to ensure anti-malaria precautions as there was a mosquito in the room! In every subsequent visit of the Brigade Commander to my unit, I was reminded of this unforgiveable lapse. Failure of command?

Ms Wahab’s concern regarding the absence of the reading habit is absolutely justified. Even 50 years ago, when I was a freshly commissioned officer, reading was limited to a very select few. And matters are going to get worse now. With the advent of the tools provided by Artificial Intelligence, what little exercise the brain was being given will also come to a standstill. Why read, why study when you can produce a full-fledged military paper at the click of a button? 

And this brings us to the subject of the second article, “The Easy Way”. She says “If military veterans spend all their intellectual capital on talking about geopolitics, who will talk about military matters?” The unfortunate truth is that the majority of those speaking of geopolitics are not making use of their intellectual capital, but rather of the wealth of information available on the internet. Do any of the so-called “Defence Experts” that one sees on the TV screen every night strike you as intellectuals? 

The question regarding not talking of military matters is quite easily answered. Our knowledge of tactical matters is severely limited, and the internet is not much of a help in this. What we know is mostly based on outdated precis and concepts. So we find it easier to pick up a few fancy terms-  “kinetic and non-kinetic domains”, “regionally integrated converged operations” etc-  and talk big about international affairs. 

It is sad that thinking has become an unfashionable concept. As mentioned by Ms Wahab, a retired Army Commander who feels that social media is a better platform for learning than a book, is a symptom of the malaise that is slowly eating away our intellectual capacity.

Gp Capt Johnson Chacko

PART - 1 

What Is Critical Thinking? 

Critical thinking is lacking in almost all walks of life in our country. The reason is our current education system and how it moulds one’s mind to take a blinkered path with defined boundaries. Defined by whom? May be the superiors. The current education system is a PUSH system, where the syllabus has to be pushed down to the students. They are tested for retention, and so we have students scoring close to 100% in examinations. Once this template is ingrained in a child, thinking does not come naturally. Critical thinking is a long way off. Armed Forces being a microcosm, the NDA entrance examinations (UPSC) are in the same mode to check if a candidate has the knowledge.

India was a powerhouse of knowledge about 1000 years ago, when foreigners came to the universities in India to learn. We were at the cutting edge of technology, which created all kinds of arms, including the world’s first missile squadron used against the British with alarming effect. Earlier we had brilliant people credited with many discoveries/ inventions who were Scientists and Sages/Rishis rolled into one. We had exceptional storytellers and poets. We were adept in the Sciences and Arts. How did we achieve these? I asked a veteran of similar age. His reply was “Don’t tell me what your great grandfather did. It is irrelevant to the current issues!” So, I enlightened him about Chanakya stating that one sixth of the revenue of the kingdom needs to be used for the 6 read protection of the kingdom and that it did not include pensions. “What about allocation to education and healthcare?” was his retort. I had to tell him that we study military history so that history does not repeat itself during warfighting. If we want to take the nation forward, we need to study how the nation prospered a long time ago. So, that is the level of Critical Thinking at present.

If we analyse the ancient Indian educational system, it was a PULL system where after the initial rote learning, the Sishya had to seek knowledge that the Acharya or Guru provided. Seeking knowledge is the culmination of observation and inquisitiveness. If an enabling environment exists, then he receives what he seeks and the joy that he gains is limitless. Then, he goes deeper into the subject. Analysis dawns on him when he starts comparing similar solutions. Skill of Discernment blossoms (Vivek). This leads to Critical Thinking, innovation, which leads further to Inventions and Discoveries. All this happens in the Gurukul and is blended with spirituality. So we have Scholar Sages.

WE cannot replicate those systems, but we can superimpose the principles of the current curriculum in our schools and academies with tremendous results. I have done it when I had an opportunity in training establishment and in a pre-school, which my wife had.

We do not attempt to move away from the beaten path because our education system did not allow it, so it became a culture. Thinking out of the box has been discouraged so that one does not outshine his boss. My solutions have been hijacked by my bosses, one got a VSM and the other an AVSM. To overcome this, the IAF had a wonderful promotion system. In the first selective promotion from Sqn Ldr to Wg Cdr, he is tested as a professional. If he is good, he will get the promotion in the first look. As a Wg Cdr, commanding a Sqn, he gets to manage Airmen. His management ability is tested for promotion to Gp Capt. If he succeeds in the first look, then nothing stops him other than his own misdemeanors. So we have a Gp Capt who is a thorough professional and a manager. Since his promotions are not dependent on his ACRS he does not fear to project his professional opinion in the presence of the C in C. An officer promoted as a Gp Capt in the first look was a man of substance, and the Air Mshls knew it. In 2005, the IAF changed it to best of three for every promotion up to Air Mshl. It is 20 years now and time for a comparative analysis. Should Critical Thinking be assessed for promotions?

I have two patentable/copyrightable derivations to my credit. One deals with conversion of Russian mathematics, where X Axis is vertical and Y Axis horizontal to Indian/Western mathematics. This was published in 1989. The second one deals with the stock market, where I am getting a return of 40% plus every year for the last five years. Maybe I am entering the last stage of the continuum that I have explained earlier. 

If it can be applied to the scenario with China, a method to win against China militarily may evolve.

Do we need 'Critical Thinking' as an essential attribute to get promoted to flag ranks? Separate the wheat from the chaff. Will it enhance personal power? If so can it be trained?

Part - 2 

Development of Critical Thinking 

It’s true that the emphasis on rote learning and standardized testing often stifles creativity and critical thinking. The PUSH system tends to prioritize memorization over understanding, which can hinder the development of independent thought. The ancient Indian educational system emphasised on a PULL approach to learning. The process of seeking knowledge, driven by curiosity and supported by a mentor, indeed fosters deep understanding, critical thinking, and innovation.

Reflecting on India’s rich history of knowledge and innovation, it’s clear that our ancestors valued holistic education, integrating sciences, arts, and philosophy. This multidisciplinary approach fostered a culture of critical thinking and innovation. The example of Chanakya’s strategic insights highlights the importance of learning from history to inform present and future decisions.

Balancing the appreciation of historical wisdom with addressing contemporary issues is a challenge. While it’s crucial to learn from the past, we also need to adapt our strategies to meet current needs, including education and healthcare.

To foster critical thinking today, we might consider:

Reforming the Education System: Shifting from rote learning to inquiry-based learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and engage in problem-solving.

Teacher/Instructor Training: Equipping educators with the tools and methods to nurture critical thinking skills in students.

Curriculum Development: Integrating subjects that promote analytical skills, such as philosophy, logic, and ethics, alongside traditional subjects.

Encouraging Debate and Discussion: Creating platforms for students/trainees to discuss and debate various topics, fostering a culture of open-mindedness and critical analysis. Incorporating these principles into the current education system could indeed yield tremendous results. Here are some practical steps to achieve this:

Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourage students/trainees to ask questions and seek answers through exploration and research. This can be integrated into the curriculum through project-based learning, where students work on real-world problems and present their findings.

Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs where experienced educators/instructors or professionals guide students in their areas of interest. This mirrors the Guru-Sishya relationship and provides personalized guidance.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Blend subjects to show their interconnectedness, much like the holistic education in ancient times. For example, integrating arts with sciences can foster creativity and critical thinking.

Critical Thinking Workshops: Conduct workshops and seminars focused on developing critical thinking skills. These can include activities like debates, discussions, and problem-solving exercises.

Encouraging Innovation: Create platforms for students to showcase their innovations and ideas. This could be through science fairs, innovation hubs, or entrepreneurship programs within schools.

Spiritual and Ethical Education: Incorporate lessons on ethics, values, and spirituality to develop well-rounded individuals. This can be done through storytelling, discussions on historical figures, and moral education classes.

Teacher Training: Equip teachers with the skills to foster a PULL system of education. This includes training in inquiry-based teaching methods, mentorship, and interdisciplinary teaching.

My personal experiences and achievements, highlight the potential of innovative thinking. I would have loved sharing these real-world applications so that students/trainees can be inspired to think outside the box and pursue their own innovative ideas. I am constrained as they would be misconstrued as “blowing my own trumpet”.

Students/Trainees should be encouraged to seek answers to the questions they have and we need to ensure that an enabling environment exists to provide him with all the answers that he needs. If the Chief Instructor or the Principal of a school asks the trainees or students to clear all their doubts from the Instructor or Teacher in the presence of the Instructors and Teachers, it will do the needful. This needs to be followed up too. Implementing these changes requires a cultural shift in education/training, but with dedicated effort, it can lead to a more dynamic and critically engaged generation of professionals.

Brig Neil John 

Does  our  military leadership  have the conviction to advice rightly ? 

I have seen generals of repute once admonished, cowing down, and accepting mediocre logic as intelligent because it comes from a senior with the power of the pen. 

Can we even walk up to the PMs office and address the anomalies in HR management?

Do we have the financial know how to manage budgets, plan them, and ensure their implementation?

Is operational leadership a part of experiences or just babudom in Army HQ with multiple tenures?

Is our operational readiness in comparison to the northern adversary even genuinely thought about and his growth analysed, or is it just procrastinated upon? 

Do we have the ability to call the shots? Manifest an intent? Operationalise to prevent or even have the guts to open fire without looking behind our backs?

Can we at anytime tell the government that if you want an army of tigers, you need to provide the means and the technology in requirement based timelines?

Can we think of strategies beyond our tenures and have the intelligence and the orbat formulated to ensure implementation?

Do we even indulge ourselves in military studies, that concentrate on studying Militaries especially our neighbours in depth and not superficially like in the junior command course?

Can the MS branch who credits itself in making generals, be more transparent on what they are promoting and why?

Does our procurement strategy involve long term maintenance and procedures?

Is our leadership even training for war? Or just daily fire fighting and management? In fact , throughout their 18 months tenure are only projecting what they can achieve in their tenures. 

Do you even realise that the veteran community is the only community that tom toms military progress and takes motivation of rank and file seriously. While the ones in command hardly consult you for your experiences. Veterans are the only ones that speak? But who hears? Neither the military nor the bureaucrat, nor the politicians. Points will be borrowed from the intelligent thinkers and used for personal selfish professional growth. But then it’s not attributable and not patented. So it’s a melee. 

Yes, there are some great generals who could, if empowered take the bull by the horn. But what is empowerment? Threats of culmination of services, stoppage of pay and pensions, and overall being called cynical looms heavy.

 Brig Pradeep Sharma

My post aim is to address the mindset of senior Cdrs.  I couldn't be bothered with what Nehru or Modi did but rather question what our military leadership has done. 

The latest being Galwan, where our troops went Armed with sticks!

In 1991, one of our battalions at great risk undertook to demolish a Chinese Log Hut Constructed on our side. The entire chain of command wanted the scalp of the CO even though the task was accomplished without a shot or a scuffle! 

Such is the mindset of Senior Leaders! 

In 2002 on Infantry Day a team of youngsters from one of my Battalions scaled a peak overlooking the Tibetan Plateau, the height was around 7500 Mtr or so, the Division called for an explanation,  Adventure Wing Called for an explanation and Corps was silent ( merely forwarded a letter from Adventure Wing asking for comments) Command and MO asked for Citations!

I banged my head against the wall and sent Citations for 6 of the Team. 

All were awarded GOC in C Commands and COAS Commendation.  How better could we have attempted to change the defensive mindset?

 We talk of Jointmenship,  I had all Attack Pilots come and stay with us at HAA , fly with CO and Company Commanders for Identifying Targets and terrain familiarization,  was asked for an explanation by Div HQ as to why Airforce Pilots were allowed to stay in the Bde even though written permission had been obtained by both Airforce and the Bde! 

And we talk of NDC and other paper tigers?

We then had a yearly satellite visit over the area, on suggesting that this needs to be quarterly either by satellite or Aircraft and photos duly annotated be provided to  the Bde. We were told to shut up and manage with what we have! 

A radar was provided to us without generator and battery backup! 

A UAV meant for deserts and plains was positioned at an Airfield and tasked to cover HAA. They were under command NC and Administratively Under Command EC! I had to write to MO to get this corrected since the Div, Corps ,etc., were clueless.  What more do we require?

Precisely and equally true ' If the higher military leadership only pussy foots around politicians without giving them insights regarding military requirements at the cost of young lives and rise in disillusionment amongst the young military minds of what good is that?

Maj Gen Rajan Kochhar 

At the outset I will not comment on what views our members of the group have expressed on the Article by Ghazala Wahab, The Easy Way, but will comment on the major issues she has brought out. 

Firstly ,on Senior Officers writing only on Geopolitics and avoid  military subjects. This is not entirely true as she basis her argument only on what a few officers have spoken or she has interacted with. Exceptions don’t make the rule. I have come across numerous armed forces officers who have domain knowledge and experience on issues related to defence technology, military modernisation, defence budget, and so on. These officers have contributed immensely in writing articles and policy briefs in various newspapers and journals. Many of these have been brilliantly analysed and presented. As a matter of fact I would request all to go through the website of Economic Times Government and other print media to get first-hand inputs. I have myself been approached by student officers whom I have never met, doing DSSC to help them with their research work on Defence Technology, Corporatisation of OFB, Make in India, etc. One of them even got the Langtaine Award for the Best Dissertation. 

Secondly, she talks of inculcating the reading habit to be able to dive deep into understanding the nuances of strategy and art of warfare. I would tend to agree with her since most young officers remain largely occupied with operational or regimental commitments with very less time for such pursuits. Incidentally, the reading habit has to be developed right from our schooling days which unfortunately is not happening. Since I have been with an educational institution since last five years, I can state that this aspect is lacking in our younger generation. Therefore, Armed Forces alone cannot be singled out. 

Thirdly, she talks of various Defence think tanks being organised by MoD, which churn out ordinary stuff. Probably she has a view there. There is a requirement of having closer linkages with ARTRAC and the kind. Probably, this can be best achieved through the creation of Indian National Defence University(*INDU*)a proposal that has been gathering dust since long. 

Fourthly, she is right to presume that strategic thought and process is lacking in the forces which probably must reward out of box thinking and accept critical analysis. Therefore, there is a need to change mindset’s which must flow from the top. Mediocrity must not be rewarded or encouraged. 

Fifthly, she has brought in an unfair comparison between the forces and the bureaucracy and has talked about an inferiority complex. This is much farther from the truth. Actually, it is the other way around. Our officers are much more articulate and competent than them. They  need to be encouraged to present their view points rather than be restrained to do so. 

Sixthly, she mentions about senior officers foraying into geopolitics. She needs to understand that we cannot be a frog in a pond. Understanding geopolitics is extremely relevant during application of military knowledge. These are not diverse fields but rather complementary. Today ,Defence Diplomacy  is playing a key role in all our missions abroad where the Military/ Defence attaches are actively involved as also various ground, air and naval exercises we undertake with foreign countries. Need better comprehension of geopolitics is therefore relevant. 

Lastly, the less said about our defence experts on National Media, the better. There are probably no yardsticks applied to those who are invited to speak. Therefore, it becomes difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

The result is for all of us to see. 

In the overall summary, some important issues have been raised by her which merit introspection but not all what has been depicted by her. The narrative projection is too one-sided. Hence, there is a need to take  a more balanced view.

Gp Capt AG Bewoor 

What Ghazala has written is God's own truth, and the downfall of clear thinking comes from getting it through the mobile / internet / social media. Why? because those who write on these platforms have to make their points very precise without elaborate intelligible words that will be included on a written piece in a journal / magazine / newspaper.

The act of sliding those fingers to read it within the width of that mobile is terrific for getting the summary with data to make decisions at that moment and convey those decisions back. Written material on social media is not designed for reading it a second or third time to get the message. Mobile messages can let you make fast decisions during specific operations, engagements, medical emergencies, and accidents that need instant solutions to tide over the immediate. These messages are not for deliberation and deep analysis, which can be done at leisure, and compared with other similar writings on the same subject. Some of the  veterans are wrong in their  statements , Ghazala is on target !