This refers to the article, “Defence is not a part-time job” (March 27) by PK Vasudeva. The issue of a full-time and committed Defence Minister seems to have eluded successive Governments. It is indeed a matter of shame that a much-needed correct balance between the military hierarchy and the bureaucracy continues to jeopardise national defence preparedness, morale of the armed forces and, most painfully, operational effectiveness. The writer needs to be commended to point out some major issues.