Human element remains decisive in modern war: Navy chief Swaminathan
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan on Saturday called upon newly commissioned officers of the OTA, heading to their first postings, to build courage like a muscle, as the human element remains the decisive factor in the modern battlefield.
He reminded them that the outcomes of modern combat will always be determined by leaders who inspire, persist, and persevere. “That the character of warfare may have changed in many ways, but fundamentally, war still remains a profoundly human endeavour. Combat operations may see new weapons being used across new domains, but their outcomes shall continue to be determined by the men and women who fight, lead, inspire, persist and persevere,” the naval chief said.
This was the conviction that grew stronger in him after nearly four decades in uniform, he said at the event of reviewing an impressive Passing Out Parade of the SCC-122 and SSC (W)-36 courses at the historic Parameswaran Drill Square of the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.
Admiral Swaminathan congratulated the 365 graduating cadets — including 17 officers from friendly foreign nations — as they completed their rigorous training to receive the President’s Commission.
On the changing dynamics of modern wars, Admiral Swaminathan highlighted the dramatic transformation of warfare, drawing from nearly four decades of service since his commissioning in 1987.
While acknowledging that modern combat involves long-range precision strikes, advanced sensors, and multi-domain operations, he asserted that outcomes still rested on the men and women who lead.
He suggested five core principles to help the young officers navigate future challenges, and they include treating the mind as the primary weapon, remaining a lifelong student, building courage as a muscle, instinctively place service before self, and make trust their currency.
He underscored the vital need for joint operations among the armed forces, and cited the Vedic principle “Samano Mantrah” (our purpose is one), urging all services to train, operate, and prevail together.
Commenting on the excellent drill, he said the precision of the energetic movements, coupled with the officer cadets’ immaculate bearing, smart turnout and personal confidence, are in sync with the highest traditions of this institution.
He congratulated the Officer Cadets passing out today. “My compliments to the Champion Company, Kohima, and to all award winners,” he said.
“Officer-cadets, very soon, you will take the ‘Antim Pag’ (final step) of Academy life. Remember that, in reality, it is the ‘Pratham Pag’ (first step) of a new journey – one of honour, duty, courage, integrity, responsibility and selfless service to the nation,” he said and urged them to lead from the front.
“Do your parents, families, Academy and nation proud always. As we say in the Navy, I wish you fair winds and following seas,” he said.
A total of 313 Officer Cadets and 29 Officer Cadets (Women) were commissioned into various arms and services of the Indian defence force. Additionally, seven Officer Cadets and ten Officer Cadets (Women) from friendly foreign countries (Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Bhutan and Lesotho) completed their training, fostering bonds of camaraderie and cooperation across international borders, a release said.
Following the immaculate parade, the Pipping Ceremony, symbolising a solemn vow as newly commissioned officers adorned with the gleaming insignia on their shoulders, pledge allegiance to the Constitution of India and commitment to safeguarding the nation, was held.
The Chief of Naval Staff presented the Sword of Honour and bronze medal to BUO Gurkeerat Singh Hora, OTA gold medal to AUO Abhinab Chauhan and the silver medal to ACA Niket Singh Tomar.
Lt Gen Michael AJ Fernandez, Commandant, OTA, Lt Gen Ulhas Kirpekar, General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area, foreign service attachés from Sudan, Uganda and Seychelles were among the dignitaries who witnessed the Passing Out Parade.
