Faced with staff shortage, Army turns to e-learning

The Army, which is facing a shortage of 11,238 officers, is turning to e-learning modules to “increase availability” of manpower.

The Army, which is facing a shortage of 11,238 officers, is turning to e-learning modules to “increase availability” of manpower.

The officers, who spend a lot of time studying various courses, will benefit from e-learning. At the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference headed by General J J Singh, it was decided that e-learning facilities would be increased even at the unit-level.

“The idea is to increase the availability of officers by reducing the time they spend studying courses without any compromise on the content. By using e-learning techniques, courses can be cut down by a few weeks,” said a senior officer from Army Headquarters.

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The Army will also acquire night vision equipment—such as thermal imagers and night vision devices—and upgrade its present system to train its officers better. The decision was taken at the Bi-annual Commander’s Conference.

Concerned about its depleting air defence resources, the Army also decided on a comprehensive modernisation plan for its anti-aircraft systems, including the ZSU-23-4 and Bofors L-40/70 air defence guns.

Discussions in the next few days will focus on modernisation of Army aviation assets as well as upgradation of artillery equipment. The Army will be reviewing its appraisal system during the conference to make it more accountable, sources said. An increase in training facilities for non-commissioned officers is also likely to be approved during the meet.