1. Yesterday
in the news papers a judgement of the Delhi High Court was reported which
concerned a cadet who was undergoing training in Air Force Academy. The
judgement though very humanitarian and may go well in the normal public life,
but when looked in the light of the requirement of the qualities which an
officers should have in the armed forces, does not look correct.
2. The facts
of the matter as reported in the newspaper are that a cadet in the Air Force
Academy stole the ATM card of another cadet an then used it to withdraw Rs.5000/=
from his account. When the cadet came to know of the theft and withdrawal of
money from his account, he reported the matter to his instructor as he is
required and taught to do. An assembly was called and the theft of ATM card and
withdrawal of money was informed to all cadets undergoing training. The person
responsible for the theft was asked to own up the theft of ATM card and money
but nobody came out to own it up. Some time
was given to all to think over it and own it up either in the assembly or later
on in private to the authorities, but nobody came forward. Next day the cadet,
whose ATM card was stolen found a note under his pillow where the person owned
up the theft by saying he was a friend and he stole it as he needed the money.
The note was anonymous with no signature.
However, with the handwriting the Air Force authorities were able to
find the cadet who committed the theft and a disciplinary proceedings were
initiated against and he was asked to leave the Academy as he does not possess
Office Like qualities(OLQ). The matter was not reported to police as the
authorities did not wish criminal proceedings against the cadet an to put a black
mark against hi future life outside Air Force. It was a good
humanitarian gesture on their part. The cadet in his defense said that he had no
intention of stealing and he had Rs.13000/= in his account but his ATM was
blocked and he needed the money and hence he theft. It will be pertinent to
state that the whole training cost including cost of stay, food, uniform,
cycle, etc are met by the Air Force and there is no requirement of cash unless
the person wants to go to city 40 Km away and
enjoy, which is also possible once a week and only after proper permission. The person stole the ATM and money whereas he
could have easily taken a loan from his friends in Academy or requested the
instructors. He choose o steal only gives out his mindset and intentions. He
stole the money as well did not have the courage to own it up at any stage when
given a chance is an unpardonable act in armed forces and only points o very low
OLQ of the person.
The high
Court in their judgment as reported in newspapers stated that the punishment was
not commensurate with the offense and the cadet is to be reinstated back in the
Academy to finish his training and get commission. The court further said that
there was no charge against the cadet during last three years of his training
(Probably he was Ex NDA cadet who opted for Air Force) and it was his first offense and he should be given a chance to repent his mistake. I do not know what
all arguments took place in the court but looking only at the judgement it was a
humanitarian judgement and the court tried to save the future of the person and
will be well appreciated in civil life. The Judges probably were carried away from
the requirements in ordinary civil life and had no inkling of requirements of
the Armed Forces. In my opinion they have done more harm to the person than
would have been done if they had upheld the dismissal from training. The armed
forces depend very heavily on the trust which subordinates and the fellow
officers including the senior’s place on an individual. With this person this
trust will always will be missing. The problems faced by the person will be:-
1. He will
not be able to get the trust of subordinates and fellow officers as he will
always be a thief in their mind. This is the most important aspect of the life
in Armed Forces.
2. Will I have him under me or to command me,
absolutely not?
3. His
Confidential report will always be low on OLQ, hence his chances of promotion
will be severely affected.
4. Irrespective of where he gets posted his
reputation will precede him.
5. Will his
subordinates look up to him as an example to follow, sadly no?
6. Will he
get important assignments or postings, very doubtful?
In total his
career and life in Air Force will be very painful unless he is made of thick
skin. He reminds me of the qualities and character described by Chin- Ning Chu
in her famous book “ Thick Face Black Heart and her advice to all corporate
world to be aware, avoid, shun and be careful of such persons .
No comments:
Post a Comment