As India marches ahead towards its centenary of independence in the year 2047, the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat stands as a defining national goal. Nowhere is this ambition more critical than in the defence sector where technologi-cal superiority, operational readiness and indigenous capability must converge.
Over the past decade, India has made decisive strides in defence manufacturing, policy reform and private sector par-ticipation. Yet, one powerful resource remains underutilized and that is the vast pool of experienced, disciplined and highly skilled retired armed forces personnel. Their integration into the corporate defence ecosystem will be the cata-lyst that will propel India into a truly self reliant defence powerhouse. Towards this end, gainfully integrating and utilis-ing the services of the Armed Forces talent consequent to their retirement from service will become a great force multiplier. At present, this area is relatively underutilised and at best restricted to ad hoc efforts.
India’s defence industry today is no longer confined to public sector undertakings. Major corporate players like Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro and Mahindra Group are driving innovation across domains from aerospace and missiles to semiconductors, drones and advanced communications.
Around these giants, a vibrant ecosystem of MSMEs, startups and SMEs are rapidly evolving. However, this growth brings with it a pressing challenge, that is, the shortage of skilled professionals who understand defence systems not just theoretically but operationally too.
This is where our retired defence personnel trained in real world and high stakes environments can effectively bridge a critical gap. India has to turn from a defence equipment importer to a major defence equipment exporter at the global level sooner than later.
Proven in Uniform and Now Ready for Corporate Leadership
Just to quote as an example, every year over 1000 officers retire from India’s Armed Forces between the ages of 54 and 60 years. These individuals bring decades of leadership, crisis management and technical expertise. Their core strengths include:
These are not just soft skills but they are mission critical capabilities honed in environments where failure is not an op-tion. The transition from military to corporate roles is not only feasible but it is highly efficient. Many defence compe-tencies align directly with industry needs, like for example: -
This alignment significantly reduces onboarding time and training costs significantly while delivering immediate produc-tivity gains.
India Inc. has already begun recognizing this potential. Companies like Reliance Industries have actively employed large number of ex-servicemen while the structured programs supported by the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) continue to grow.
There are many armed forces retired officers in the corporate who exemplify how defence professionals can excel in senior corporate roles, driving transformation in HR, operations and strategy. Their journeys demonstrate a simple truth that military experience is not just transferable but it is transformaTive.
Despite the clear advantages, however, somehow the integration of retired armed forces personnel into the corpo-rate sector remains largely ad hoc. The key challenges include:
As a result, a highly capable workforce remains under leveraged at a time when India needs it most.
To address this gap, therefore, a bold and structured approach is required. A proposed solution involves creating a centralized coordination mechanism led by the HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), with representation from:
This system if adopted and worked out in close coordination with corporate sector will transform random hiring into a predictable and efficient talent pipeline.
Integration is not just about recruitment but rather it’s about retention and growth. Corporates can maximize impact through:
Such initiatives, therefore, will not only enhance productivity but also strengthen organizational resilience. It should be seen as a strategic imperative and not just an opportunity. India’s journey towards defence self reliance is not just about machines, systems or policies but essentially it is about people at large. Armed forces veterans represent a rare blend of rich experience, skills, integrity, operational insight and selfless commitment. Integrating them into the cor-porate ecosystem is not merely a welfare measure but it is a strategic imperative which must not be ignored any long-er now when we are moving ahead towards becoming a Developed Nation with global overtones by the year 2047.
If India is to achieve true Atmanirbharta, it must look beyond infrastructure and investment and focus equally on hu-man capital. A structured, institutionalized pathway for integrating armed forces veterans into the corporate sector will surely and undoubtedly:
In doing so, India will not only build stronger industries but also a stronger nation. Because the journey to self reliance is not just about building capabilities but actually in reality it is about empowering those who already embody them.
(Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (retd), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM(G), VSM, – is a former Army Commander of South Western, Eastern and Central Army Commands.)
(The content of this article reflects the views of writer and contributor, not necessarily those of the publisher and edi-tor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
Comments (8)
B
Current article published in Uday by Gen Abhay Krishna is a very articulated one & deserves accolades for harnessing the vast talent & expertise of large No of retiring personnel of Def Forces ,which will be immensely beneficial for making Atma Nirbhar Bharat with their integration in Industry.The author some practical ways to harness & integrate it which will be beneficial to the Nation.
C
A well-considered and insightful analysis highlighting the importance of employing highly efficient and disciplined manpower—drawn from decades of experience—to support the growth of the defence industry and position India as a global powerhouse. The General has effectively emphasized the urgent need to integrate Service Headquarters with individual capabilities, enabling the nation to harness the vast and untapped potential of retired personnel. With the right skills and structured engagement, this experienced fraternity can play a crucial role in meeting emerging challenges and strengthening the sector.
P
An excellent and thought provoking article, Sir. Effectively utilizing the vast talent of retired armed forces personnel can be a game-changer for India’s defence and corporate ecosystem.
A
Lt Gen Abhay Krishna has summarised very well the need to engage trained, skilled and passionate Defence veterans for capacity and nation building to be absorbed optimally in corporate, corporation and government sectors. Corporate hire the candidates looking mainly two aspects namely ready to work and could be skilled while in service and armed forces have prepared the young, fit and missions accomplishing leaders.Thus, there will be near zero cost on defence veterans while hiring and employing to achieve their KPIs.
C
A deeply perceptive & forward looking analysis that underscores the immense value of harnessing highly efficient, disciplined, & battle tested manpower shaped by decades of rich experience. Such a vision not only strengthens the foundations of the defence industry but also channels this invaluable human capital toward Nation building. By integrating this expertise, Nation can accelerate its journey toward becoming a formidable global powerhouse, while simultaneously contributing to societal progress, economic resilience, & national pride. It’s my privilege & honour to know the General for last three decades and he really practically reflected ground ways to harness & integrate it, which will be beneficial to the Nation. The General has effectively emphasized the urgent need to integrate Service Headquarters with individual capabilities, enabling the nation to harness the vast and untapped potential of retired personnel. When equipped with the right skill sets and integrated through structured engagement, this seasoned fraternity can serve as a decisive force in addressing emerging challenges and significantly reinforcing the sector’s capabilities. Jai hind ! ????♀️
C
A very well analysed article I am sure the corporate sector will be making a note of the availability of vast talent in the form of ex service men who are known for their hard work , dedication,integrity and loyalty.The article clearly explain how corporate sector can be benefited by utilising the readily available skilled force. It also provide an opportunity to the ex service men to prove their capabilities .Definitely it will be a game changer for the defence related industry.
As a retired Maj Gen, I had the privilege of being Vice President and head of operations(also head HR and for a short time CFO) for 15 years, in a software organisation with back end oprations in Noida Export zone and Kolkata Salt lake ofices with main marketing at San Jose in USA. This org,had a Major Gen before me. The big boss after seeing my work for about a year,one day mentioned to me - earlier Maj Gen when ever given a task used to pen it down meticulously and sign with RED INK pen, when questined for an unfinished/ unsatisfactory out put, use to produce these elaborate and well documented notes and use to tell me that on his part - with detailed instructions to suordinates he left nothing to chance. If his nominated guy failed to do his/her job action should be taken against them. This boss told me he was approved as a Lt Gen but age was against him. He use to often ask me, he too was a Maj Gen -did lots of courses in the Army, how come there is world of difference in the workethiks of two senior Army officers(as seen by him).The org had couple of retired Colonels as well. Once the boss came back from USA, to congratulate me in a senior gays gathering only to complement me as the auditors in India called him in USA (only after completion of India audit(-which was an input for American entity) only to say hold on to me as long as possible, since in their view things were just right after a long time.I am not wanting to eulogise my contribution but a word of caution while commenting,that if and when proposal of Ex Army Commander does get fructify, we have to mindful of internal vetting( right man for right job) as the kind of traits mentioned earlier are not liked in Industry- it's input vs output- they want end results.I alaso know of a case where a rich industrialist employed a retired Army Commander( on the outskirts of MHOW)as he liked his car door opened by an ex Army Cdr- of course this man was mentally sick to seek this kind of a perverted pleasure and was wiilling to spend a fortune.
M
As a retired Maj Gen, I had the privilege of being Vice President and head of operations(also head HR and for a short time CFO) for 15 years, in a software organisation with back end operations in Noida Export zone and Kolkata Salt lake ofices with main marketing at San Jose in USA. This org,had a Major Gen before me. The big boss after seeing my work for about a year,one day mentioned to me - earlier Maj Gen when ever given a task used to pen it down meticulously and sign with RED INK pen, when questined for an unfinished/ unsatisfactory out put, use to produce these elaborate and well documented notes and use to tell me that on his part - with detailed instructions to suordinates he left nothing to chance. If his nominated guy failed to do his/her job action should be taken against them. This boss told me he was approved as a Lt Gen but age was against him. He use to often ask me, he too was a Maj Gen -did lots of courses in the Army, how come there is world of difference in the workethics of two senior Army officers(as seen by him).The org had couple of retired Colonels as well. Once the boss came back from USA, to congratulate me in a senior guys gathering only to complement me as the auditors in India called him in USA (only after completion of India audit(-which was an input for American entity) only to say hold on to me as long as possible, since in their view things were just right after a long time.I am not wanting to eulogise my contribution but a word of caution while commenting,that if and when proposal of Ex Army Commander does get fructify, we have to mindful of internal vetting( right man for right job) as the kind of traits mentioned earlier are not liked in Industry- it's input vs output- they want end results.I also know of a case where a rich industrialist employed a retired Army Commander( on the outskirts of MHOW)as he liked his car door opened by an ex Army Cdr- of course this man was mentally sick to seek this kind of a perverted pleasure and was willing to spend a fortune.