& # 8217 ; s Essay, Research Paper
Having suspended the fundamental law and instituted military regulation, the Pakistan Army continues to play a major function in its state & # 8217 ; s development.
Brian Cloughley examines its preparation, leading and equipment and evaluates its fittingness for function.
ON 12/13 October 1999 the fundamental law of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was placed in suspension when the Chief of the Army Staff ( COAS ) , General Pervez Musharraf, dismissed the authorities of premier curate Nawaz Sharif and assumed the rubric of & # 8216 ; main executive & # 8217 ; of the state. Although the president remained in office & # 8212 ; giving some legitimacy to the disposal that is widely regarded every bit prepared to manus over to civilian administration once the economic system and the political cloth of the state have been reconstituted & # 8212 ; the ground forces is steadfastly in control.
However, the function and undertakings of the Pakistan Army are presently in flux as a consequence of recent events, and because Pakistan and India now possess a fundamental but developing atomic arms capableness. When the Sharif authorities was in power, the ground forces & # 8212 ; and in theory the full defense mechanism force & # 8212 ; was tasked to supervise ( or really run ) a figure of endeavors, including the Water and Power Development Agency. The construction of life in Pakistan had become so ridden with corruptness that the armed forces were considered the lone sound establishments in the state.
The long term effects of set abouting non-military responsibilities can non be assessed, but in old periods of military regulation the cost was important because top-quality officers and non-commissioned officers ( NCOs ) were involved in civilian-related undertakings to the hurt of planning, preparation, disposal and operational preparedness.
Regional menaces and dealingss
The military menace to Pakistan is regarded as being presented entirely by India, with whom dealingss vary from hapless to actively hostile. Pakistan & # 8217 ; s defense mechanism position and philosophy are about wholly concerned with its eastern boundary line, as is evident from the location of the bulk of its forces. The strength of the Indian Army is 980,000 ; Pakistan & # 8217 ; s is 520,000.
There are no formal defense mechanism ties with the People & # 8217 ; s Republic of China ( PRC ) , but Beijing is an active protagonist of Pakistan, co-operating in the proviso and development of arms. There is a regular reciprocally good and affable exchange of proficient expertness. However, this could be affected should Islamic extremists based in Pakistan and Afghanistan become involved in support of dissenters in the Chinese state of Xinjiang where there is turning Muslim combativeness. The PRC has stopped short of giving unconditioned support to Islamabad refering the Kashmir difference, but has itself unsolved boundary line dissensions with India. In the event of war with Pakistan, India would hold to take into history the possibility of Chinese force per unit area along their 4,000km boundary line, and would necessitate to keep forces in some strength in the North, both frontward and in modesty, in add-on to light-armed paramilitary boundary line military personnels.
Neither Iran nor Afghanistan pose a military menace, but the boundary lines with both states are porous. Policing is conducted chiefly by the Frontier Corps but many folks straddle the Afghan boundary line, doing control of smuggling impossible. Guerrillas of assorted nationalities from cantonments in Afghanistan cross Pakistan with easiness to travel to Indian-administered Kashmir where they now form the chief resistance in an rebellion that began in 1989. Pakistan has ambivalent dealingss with the authorities of Afghanistan, a deeply dogmatist theistic autarchy, but is one of the few states to hold recognised its authorization & # 8212 ; although it should be noted that this took topographic point under a civilian authorities.
Role of the ground forces
The national defense mechanism end is to discourage what is perceived by Pakistan as Indian aggressive purpose. The ground forces & # 8217 ; s function, and that of the other services, is to protect the state by keeping territorial unity, while guaranting internal stableness and progressing the state & # 8217 ; s external involvements.
Emphasis remains on territorial unity, but there are sunglassess of difference within it, in add-on to changing grades of accent on internal stableness and external involvements as regional fortunes alteration. In mid-1999 the ground forces conducted violative operations against Indian military personnels in northern Kashmir and moved units along the international boundary line, as did India. Concurrently, the authorities continued to utilize the ground forces in efforts to deliver public services from prostration by bettering efficiency and gross. Engagement with civilian endeavors continued after the ground forces take-over, and has grown through the assignment of more military officers to senior direction stations.
Tension with India was high as a consequence of the combat in Kashmir and grew following the December terrorist highjacking of an Indian airliner, a pronounced addition in activity by Pakistan-backed activists in Indian-administered Kashmir affecting & # 8216 ; difficult mark & # 8217 ; onslaughts on security forces & # 8217 ; central offices and patrols, and farther exchanges of heavy arms & # 8217 ; fire across the Line of Control ( LoC ) spliting the disputed district.
There has been no formal change to the ground forces & # 8217 ; s function, but its undertakings now appear to include:
+ care of a high degree of confrontation with Indian forces along the LoC in Kashmir ;
+ disincentive of Indian conventional operations along the international boundary line ;
+ readiness to set about limited but powerful work stoppages ( likely two ) into India in order to prehend and keep district ( the construct of & # 8216 ; the Riposte & # 8217 ; ) ;
+ limited readying for a atomic battle ; and
+ part to the civil disposal of the state.
Scheme and atomic considerations
In the late 1980s consideration was given to preemption, whereby there would be a political determination in Islamabad to assail before a declaration of war, denying India an initial advantage. This scheme still exists, but it is improbable to be adopted if merely because it would pull international disapprobation. The job for Pakistan is that the duality between operations in Kashmir and & # 8216 ; general hostilities & # 8217 ; along the international boundary line has become blurred. This is mostly because of its ain aggressive actions in the North of the LoC in mid-1999 that about led to wider struggle. A farther major eruption of contending along the LoC may non be confinable to Kashmir but could distribute to the boundary line, likely with really serious effects.
There is a danger that conventional war in the sub-continent could go atomic, either in mistake or because of unstoppable chauvinistic excitement. Neither state has sufficiently advanced intelligence systems to be able to gauge each other & # 8217 ; s readiness for struggle or likely reaction should all-out war interruption out, and there is a likeliness of sedate mistakes in appraisals. Furthermore, there is no enunciated atomic philosophy, nor are at that place decision-making and communications systems adequate for either strategic or tactical bid and control in the atomic environment. Nuclear aiming information could non be passed in clip to be of usage in a quickly altering state of affairs, which would increase the chance of own-troop work stoppages by tactical missiles. There is non even the most basic civil defense mechanism system ( building of which would be prohibitively expensive ) , and in both states a looming atomic war would make widespread terror, doing flight of infinite 1000000s of people.
Pakistan created a survey cell, which in February recommended the formation of a National Command Authority to & # 8220 ; be responsible for policy preparation and. . . exercise employment and development control over all strategic atomic forces and strategic administrations & # 8221 ; . This organic structure includes an & # 8220 ; Employment Control Committee [ chaired by the caput of authorities ] , a Development Control Committee and a Strategic Plans Division, which will move as its secretariat & # 8221 ; . There is as yet no indicant of the precise maps of these elements.
Recognition that ownership of atomic arms does non itself imply to the full fledged atomic war-fighting capableness has been slow to click, but it is evident that India and Pakistan have tacitly accepted the circumstantial restrictions inherent in their atomic programmes. It appears that the opportunity of a atomic exchange is moderate, at least for the minute, in malice of exceeding tenseness between the states. The menace of conventional war remains high, and Pakistan & # 8217 ; s scheme for this rests in its philosophy of & # 8216 ; the Riposte & # 8217 ; .
Pakistan has no strategic deepness. One practical solution to this restriction is to concentrate on the eastern boundary line with the purpose of perforating into India on, likely, two widely separated axes to swiftly take and keep relatively little countries of district. The progress would likely be limited to 80100km on individual divisional foreparts, with commanding officers forbearing from flank development, at least ab initio. This would tally with Western appraisals of the ability of the logistics system to get by with motion frontward from easy accessed boundary line mopess. The political principle for the Riposte is to prehend territory irrespective of what Indian push ( s ) may hold been made, to hold bargaining counters when a armistice is declared or enforced by international intercession, which would likely be in two or three hebdomads.
Since 1990 the force construction, administration, preparation, deployment and tactics of the Pakistan Army have been developed and refined in conformity with the philosophy of the Riposte. There has been considerable success in bettering war-fighting capableness. There is a important numerical paper disparity between Pakistan & # 8217 ; s forces and those of India, much in India & # 8217 ; s favor. However, the worlds on the land, particularly in armour capablenesss, frontward air defense mechanism, parade morale and leading, and basic equipment ( such as wirelesss, little weaponries and accessory equipage ) indicate terrible defects in the Indian defense mechanism spectrum, to the extent there is near-parity between the ground forcess. This besides applies to the air forces. The quoted combat aircraft strength of over 700 in the Indian Air Force ( IAF ) is some half that figure in effectual strength. Lack of competent pilots is the most serious lack. There are, nevertheless, jobs in higher bid and control in the Pakistan Army.
Command, undertakings and grouping
The ground forces & # 8217 ; s General Headquarters ( GHQ ) in Rawalpindi, 24km from the capital, Islamabad, houses a confusing mix of antique bid and control. GHQ commands nine corps ( 21 divisions and the equivalent of another eight in independent brigades ) without any intermediate HQ.
The ground forces acknowledges the demand for an & # 8216 ; HQ ground forces group north & # 8217 ; to command 1, 30 and 4 Corps, and a similar southern HQ to command 2, 31 and 5 Corps. However, their creative activity is impossible in visible radiation of present fiscal conditions.
1 and 2 Corps are the & # 8217 ; work stoppage & # 8217 ; formations: 30, 4, 31 and 5 are basically defensive, as their foot and heavy weapon mobility is chiefly wheeled. Independent armoured, mechanised and foot brigades are well-placed and well-enough equipped to work additions made by work stoppage formations, and to mount recreations and counter-attacks.
The western corps, 11 in North West Frontier Province and 12 in Balochistan, are direct bid support elements, but would happen motion east hard after IAF interdiction of railroads, combined with refugee-blocked roads. 10 Corps is responsible for operations in Kashmir, deepness tactic and counter-attack in Punjab.
In pattern there is considerable degeneration to corps commanding officers whose directives give much latitude, with the exclusion of work stoppage incursion and development, which are as dependent on political factors as they are on logistics and success in conflict.
Command agreements at lower degrees are conventional and, from observation of several exercisings, appear equal and even expert. Regrouping of formations and low-level elements can non be practised frequently by any ground forces but there is an evident flexibleness to a grade frequently preached but seldom permitted, particularly in the pressurised ambiance of assessed preparation, when personal efficiency studies loom big.
There is an army modesty of about 500,000 whose members have a triennial attending duty to the age of 45. Refresher preparation is every bit equal as might be expected from a three hebdomad period, but modesty service seems popular. The 180,000-strong National Guard would be utile in guarding vulnerable points. It consists of the Mujahid Force of 60,000, organised in battalions, some with light air defense mechanism capableness ; the Janbaz Force of 100,000, whose members are intended to function near to their places ; and the National Cadet Corps in universities and colleges. These elements have some value in supplying poorly-trained but enthusiastic supports for rear country units.
Paramilitary or civil armed forces are legion and vary in efficiency. In peacetime most are low-level to the Ministry of the Interior, but commanding officers and most other officers are seconded from the ground forces.
Training
Training is the overall duty of the Inspector General, Training and Education in GHQ. Unlike many ground forcess in which complex preparation methods are embraced at great disbursal, the Pakistan Army has maintained tried and tested methods. It relies mostly on the efficient regimental system whereby each foot regiment has its ain preparation Centre, as have Corps such as armor or signals.
Initial preparation of officers ( all male ) of all weaponries and services is conducted chiefly at the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul, Abbotabad. Standards are equal, although accent has to be placed on direction in the English linguistic communication. The ground forces is short of officers. This is mostly due to competition from more moneymaking callings and because the societal construction of the state is altering. The & # 8216 ; old ground forces households & # 8217 ; who supplied their boies as officers and soldiers can no longer be relied upon as a guaranteed beginning of recruits. The deficit is likely to go on for the foreseeable hereafter, although the recent military coup d’etat improved hitchs. Besides, modern techniques of recruiting, with betterments in barrack life conditions, initiated by the old COAS, General Karamat, and continued by the present head, have had positive consequences.
Regimental and Corps preparation is of a high criterion but there is much acquisition by rote, which tends to cut down enterprise. Direction at ground forces schools ( such as the School of Infantry and Tactics ) is impressive and classs are conducted expeditiously. This applies to the Command and Staff College, with one caution: excessively much clip is spent on researching old old ages & # 8217 ; inquiries and replies instead than trying to interrupt land with original idea and fresh proposals. Directing staff are high quality and the course of study is sound. However, the civilization of & # 8216 ; chappa & # 8217 ; & # 8212 ; an anxiousness to conform, ensuing in accent on obtaining & # 8216 ; rectify & # 8217 ; solutions from former pupils & # 8212 ; produces uninspiring treatment and careful, but imitative documents. Despite this, the merchandise is by and large good.
Advanced proficient preparation and graduate/post alumnus surveies are carried out under the auspices of the National University of Sciences and Technology, which involves the Colleges of Medicine, Signals, Military Engineering, and Electrical and Mechanical Engineer ing. These are linked with civilian, naval and air force establishments, and with Michigan State ( USA ) and Cranfield ( UK ) universities.
Individual and corporate preparation in units is conducted in an one-year rhythm, normally dictated by the timing of higher-level exercisings. Sub-unit
and unit exercisings are by and large held in summer, with brigade and divisional tactics after the crop and in winter.
There has been emphasis on computer-based war-gaming, with attendant betterment in staff-work, particularly in logistics. In the 1965 and 1971 wars few formations were far from base installations and supply mopess, and it is merely relatively late that battleground recovery and practise in forward supply have been allotted the importance they demand. Much preparation focal points on obstacle-crossing, as there are extended natural and semisynthetic H2O barriers on both sides of the boundary line, particularly in Punjab. In the 1980s a river-crossing was frequently judged to hold been successful when the force lodged on the far bank had merely first-line ammo and agreements for its nutriment were at best sketchy. Following the 1989 exercising & # 8216 ; Zarb-e-Momin & # 8217 ; ( & # 8217 ; Believer & # 8217 ; s blow & # 8217 ; ) it was made clear to commanding officers that logistics mattered, that resupply was non to be treated as & # 8216 ; out of exercising & # 8217 ; or & # 8216 ; fanciful, & # 8217 ; and that all exercisings were to hold a believable logistics program.
Analysis of & # 8216 ; Zarb-e-Momin & # 8217 ; resulted in considerable restructuring, including the creative activity of the Air Defence Command and the Artillery Division. It was assessed that bid, control and communicating ( C3I ) had serious defects, particularly in the transition of tactical information from higher HQ to unit degree, but betterment in this facet has been slower than desired, chiefly because of fiscal restraints. Extensive usage is made of satellite communications, and at that place have been noteworthy progresss in the development and production of secure systems, although these do non look to be available other than in work stoppage formations and independent forces. Subsequent exercisings have tested the development matrix generated by & # 8216 ; Zarb-e-Momin & # 8217 ; , but budget restrictions have precluded behavior of tests on the graduated table necessary to prove, turn out, and modify philosophy and processs to the extent planned by GHQ.
Cessation of abroad preparation agreements by developed states as a consequence of their disapproval of Pakistan & # 8217 ; s atomic trials has non earnestly affected professional cognition or criterions, but officers are now denied exposure to the wider skylines offered by such states. Western influence has been reduced to the point of making important bitterness, particularly at junior degree. Increased anti-Western feelings have been manipulated by a little figure of Zealots within and outside the armed forces in an effort to pull disciples to more stiff signifiers of Islam than is desired by senior officers, and the West.
Equipment and mobility
US military co-operation and supply of equipment stopped in October 1990 after US President George Bush refused to subscribe an one-year declaration that Pakistan was non involved in a atomic programme. ( The USA was cognizant that Pakistan had such a programme for many old ages but after Russia & # 8217 ; s backdown from Afghanistan and the terminal of the Cold War, Pakistan was less utile to the US as an ally. Sanctions followed. ) After some relaxation, stenosiss were reimposed in entirety following Pakistan & # 8217 ; s atomic trials in May 1998. Consequences have been:
+ the motion of Pakistan farther towards China and North Korea as providers and, in the instance of the PRC, co-producer, of arms systems ;
+ the cloak-and-dagger acquisition of equipment and trim parts worldwide ;
+ an increased domestic production of trim parts and ammo ; and
+ heightened anti-Americanism in all services, but chiefly and markedly amongst junior ground forces officers. This is spilling-over into general anti-Western sentiment.
Fortunately for the ground forces, Pakistan declined to buy the US Abrams chief conflict armored combat vehicle ( MBT ) when it was offered in 1988. ( It was following a presentation of the Abrams that Pakistan & # 8217 ; s swayer, General Zia ul Haq, left the fire scope at Bahawalpur in a Pakistan Air Force C-130 that crashed in cryptic fortunes, killing him, the US embassador, the US defense mechanism gross revenues representative and 20 senior officers. ) Had the Abrams been obtained, a big portion of the Armoured Corps, including the work stoppage corps, would now be confronting sedate troubles.
Reliance was placed on obtaining Chinese armored combat vehicles, including the Norinco Type 85 ( 125mm smoothbore ) , of which over 400 are in service. Pakistan improved the current stock list by set abouting a major rebuild/ upgrade programme at Heavy Industries Taxila ( HIT, near Rawalpindi, improved and extended the armored combat vehicles with important PRC aid ) . There has besides been gradual development, with China, of a new armored combat vehicle, the MBT 2000 or & # 8216 ; Khalid & # 8217 ; ; and the acquisition, get downing in 1997, of 320 T-80UD armored combat vehicles from Ukraine at a cost of US $ 650m. The last of these were delivered at the terminal of 1999.
The debut of newer and rebuilt armored combat vehicles has taken force per unit area off the Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers ( EME ) , which was holding trouble keeping older equipment for front-line usage. Type 85s and T-80s form the major portion of work stoppage forces, with the work-horse Type 59 ( 105mm, upgraded ) , Type 69 ( Centaur FCS ) , and M-48A5s in other units. Technology from the UK, Sweden and Belgium has resulted in betterment in advanced armored combat vehicle ( and heavy weapon ) ammo, which is produced in increasing measures by Pakistan Ordnance Factories ( POF ) for domestic usage and turning exports.
The Khalid MBT ( 120mm ) four-phase programme appears successful, if slow. Its mensural gait consequences from a combination of policy, and non-availability of systems and sub-systems from Western states. The power battalion ( UK Challenger ) and transmittal ( Gallic Leclerc ) were deemed satisfactory, but the result of dialogues on long-run development is unknown as there is force per unit area within the British authorities to discontinue defense mechanism co-operation with Pakistan. The programme contrasts favorably with the India & # 8217 ; s Arjun MBT undertaking.
It appears that for the minute Pakistan could hold a qualitative and even a quantitative border over Indian armor, as Russian T-90 MBTs performed severely in tests last twelvemonth in India, and acquisition is yet to be confirmed. Renovation of India & # 8217 ; s 1,500 T-72s is good behind agenda, and there are critical care and upgrading jobs. The Arjun MBT has been ordered merely in nominal figure ( 124, with bringing to get down in 2001 ) . These jobs, set against Pakistan & # 8217 ; s fresh armor tactics, improved air-to-surface co-operation, flexible bid construction at corps and below, and a more structured attack to procurance and production, might indicate to a military balance less in India & # 8217 ; s favour than bald stock lists would look to demo.
Pakistan has a lack in mobility. There are excessively few armored forces bearers and automotive guns, both medium ( 155mm ) and air defense mechanism ( AD ) , to properly fit all formations. There are merely 900 M113s available ( most produced at HIT under license ) . Both their production and armoured foot contending vehicle development have been affected by countenances. The 155mm automotive ( SP ) heavy weapon, indispensable for support in the fast-moving conflicts probably during the progress of the work stoppage formations and in countering similar Indian push ( s ) into Pakistan, is limited to a twelve regiments-worth of US M-109s. In malice of US trade stoppages, spares are bought on the universe market, with some manufactured at POF. As the barrels are good within their first one-fourth of life, there is no pressing demand for replacing. The job is in enlarging the keeping, as the USA is an undependable provider. There is no compatibility between the M-109 and the likely option, the Norinco 122mm SP gun.
Air defense mechanism
Until the early 1990s the ground forces paid deficient attending to co-operation with the air force. Joint exercisings were few, and were more presentations than trials. During obstruction crossings, soldiers from divisional air defense mechanism regiments were used as ushers, doing far bank AD about negligible as there were no processs for marrying-up military personnels with equipments after lodgment. They would besides be so tired as to do them ineffective at the very clip of major air menace.
Tactical affair with the Pakistan Air Force ( PAF ) was hapless or non-existent and the hazard of misguided battle of ain military personnels was intolerably high. Procedures for & # 8216 ; arms tight & # 8217 ; were non practised.
Creation of Air Defence Command, dwelling of 3 anti-aircraft heavy weapon ( AAA ) Groups ( 8 brigades ) , and accent on joint co-operation and preparation has gone far to rectify the unsatisfactory place. However, much remains to be done. Unfortunately for the ground forces and the PAF, budget limitations have cut the figure of exercisings that are necessary to rehearse and polish processs to the needed grade, although computing machine and dry preparation is conducted. Most equipments are towed guns, but survey of AAA tactics worldwide has resulted in philosophy based on local air space impregnation. Hand-held/vehicle-mounted surface-to-air missiles, including Stinger, RBS-70 ( 180 launchers ) and Chinese HN-5, are deployed chiefly in work stoppage units, and the cheaply produced Anza infra-red homing missile, a SA-7 & # 8216 ; Grail & # 8217 ; surface-to-air missile transcript, is in broad service.
Nuclear units
Since the formation of the first & # 8216 ; Composite Missile Regiment & # 8217 ; at Kharian, near Lahore, in 1989, there has been exercise and development of tactical missile philosophy. However, processs are as yet by no agencies effectual. The ground forces as a whole is incognizant of atomic philosophy.
A recent trial of the autochthonal Hatf 1A missile ( February ) and information refering warhead miniaturization seems to bespeak that this 100km battleground arm may be at the phase where the motor assembly could be married to a atomic payload. There is a new launcher, and it is assessed that the missile is now deployable in unit strength, likely in four batteries each of two launchers. Other missile units have been formed, and preparation has taken topographic point since 1994 for employment of the Chinese M-11 surface-to-surface missile ( SSM ) , designed for atomic warhead passenger car. It may hold this capableness in Pakistan service. The Ghauri missile, supplied by North Korea, is intended for atomic usage, but it is improbable that Pakistan has produced such a payload yet. Pakistan & # 8217 ; s short-range atomic SSM capableness is more advanced than that of India.
Fitness for function
The Pakistan Army has many jobs, including denial of spares for US equipments, deficit of junior officers, an antique higher bid system, less mobility than desirable, increasing misgiving of the West by junior officers, and, presently, the siphoning-off of top-quality officers and junior ranks to civilian undertakings. However, it has high morale, first-class leading, good tactics, equal equipment and the will to win. It is hoped it will ne’er hold to turn out its effectivity. +
Paramilitary Forces
There are two chief paramilitary groups and five basically civilian administrations with police-style maps.
The Frontier Corps ( FC ) is about 65,000 strong and is divided in two elements: FC Balochistan ( South ) and FC North West Frontier Province ( NWFP ) ( north ) , each commanded by an ground forces two-star, titled Inspector General.
The two forces have different accent: FC Balochistan concentrates more on anti-smuggling ; FC NWFP on peacemaking and peacekeeping in the boundary line and tribal countries. The FC has 11 & # 8216 ; corps & # 8217 ; in the South and 12 in the North, with names such as the Maiwand Rifles and Ghazaband Scouts in Balochistan, and Khyber Rifles and Kurram Militia in NWFP. Each corps is commanded by a Colonel/Lieutenant Colonel, and is divided into wings commanded by big leagues. HQ and some other officers are besides on endorsement from the ground forces for 23 old ages. Morale in these units is high. The soldiers know their parts and are good trained. However, they are lightly armed and be given to be robust in the internal security function out of their countries, as occurred when units were so employed in Sindh in 1992.
The Pakistan Rangers ( 25,00030,000 ) are commanded by a two star Director General and are in three bids: Mehran Force ( besides two star ) , based in Karachi, is an internal security force working under HQ 5 Corps, although theoretically answerable to the Interior Ministry ; and two groups are stationed along the boundary line with India. Tasks of the latter include protection of the boundary line country and its dwellers, aggregation of low-level intelligence refering Indian military motions, co-operation with civil constabulary refering smuggling and dakoity ( rural gangsterism ) , and guarding the exclusive international route crossing-point, near Lahore.
The Airport Security Force is a guard administration responsible for security of installations and equipment, and is commanded by a brigadier. Its preparation is equal for guard, hunt and bodyguard responsibilities, but it would non be capable of supporting installings against putsch de chief or paratroop onslaught.
The Frontier Constabulary of 5,000 is independent but associated with the FC NWFP and subordinate to that state authorities, as it works in the & # 8217 ; settled & # 8217 ; instead than the & # 8216 ; tribal & # 8217 ; countries ( in the latter, merely tribal jurisprudence applies ) .
The Balochistan Constabulary ( about 2,500 ) performs much the same undertaking in its state, but replies to the Interior Ministry.
The Coast Guard ( about 2,000 in three battalions ) performs anti-smuggling undertakings. It is commanded by a brigadier and its officers are seconded from the ground forces for about 12 months.
Levies and Khassadars are relics of colonial yearss, whose function is to supply some step of policing in the tribal countries of NWFP. Their questionable effectivity lies in belonging to local folks and supplying a step of & # 8216 ; refering & # 8217 ; between them.
The Northern Light Infantry, replacement to the Gilgit and Karakoram Scouts, of 13 battalions ( about 12,000 work forces ) , with its HQ in Bunji, South of Gilgit ( see map ) , is commanded by the Force Commander Northern Areas ( FCNA ) and has non been low-level to the Interior Ministry for many old ages other than in name. Its soldiers are locally recruited and accustomed to mountain conditions in which they perform outstandingly, but are non easy trained in advanced engineering.
As most of these forces are officered by the ground forces there is sometimes disagreement between their commanding officers and the Office of the Military Secretary in GHQ, Rawalpindi, which is responsible for officer direction and posters. The paramilitary forces complain that they can non execute their undertakings without above-average officers, and MS Branch states that there are non plenty of these to travel unit of ammunition.
The Rangers and the Frontier Corps are most efficient in their designated Fieldss and would be effectual as guerillas should at that place be general war.
MAIN REGIMENTAL AND CORPS TRAINING CENTRES INFANTRY
Azad Kashmir Regiment Attock
Baloch Regiment Abbotabad
Frontier Force Regiment Abbotabad
Punjab Regiment Mardan
Sindh Regiment Petaro
School of Infantry and Tactics Quetta
Armoured Corps Nowshera
Corps of Artillery
( Artillery Centre at Attock ) Nowshera
Corps of Engineers Risalpur
Army Aviation Corps Rawalpindi
Corps of Signals
( College, Rawalpindi ) Kohat
Corps of Electrical & A ; Mechanical Engineers Rawalpindi
Army Service Corps Nowshera
School of Logistics Murree
School of Army Education Murree
Command & A ; Staff College Quetta
School of Mountain Warfare
( besides Skardu ) Abbotabad
Particular Services Group Cherat & A ; Attock
Parachute School Peshawar
Corps of Military Police Dera Ismail Khan
