Why in News? 

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs (DMA), until May 30, 2026, or until further orders. His initial three-year tenure, which commenced on September 30, 2022, was scheduled to end this month. The extension aligns with the service rules for the CDS post, which allows the officer to serve up to the age of 65, and aims to ensure continuity in ongoing military reforms, particularly the creation of integrated theatre commands.

Key Points

• Extension Details: General Anil Chauhan's tenure has been extended until May 30, 2026, or until further orders.
• Current CDS: He is the second officer to hold the post of Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding the late General Bipin Rawat.
• Dual Role: General Chauhan continues to function as both the CDS and the Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
• Tenure Rule for CDS: The maximum age limit for the Chief of Defence Staff is 65 years, with no fixed tenure defined. (Service Chiefs have an age limit of 62 years or three years of service, whichever is earlier).
• Key Focus: The extension is crucial for him to steer the proposed radical reforms, including the creation of integrated theatre commands for enhanced jointness among the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
• Commissioning: General Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981.

Important Terms

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): The overall professional head of the Indian Armed Forces and the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-Services matters. He also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).
• Department of Military Affairs (DMA): The fifth department created within the Ministry of Defence, which the CDS heads as the Secretary.
• Integrated Theatre Commands: Proposed unified commands that will integrate the resources and personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single operational commander for a specific geographical or operational area.
• Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC): Headed by the Prime Minister, it decides on all important civilian and military appointments at the level of Secretary and above.