What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs?

1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs
3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Duties 1 and 3 are correct

• The CDS is the head of the Department of Military Affairs. It acts as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-services matters. Also acts as a military adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority (chaired by the Prime Minister). The CDS is the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).

Duty 2 is incorrect

• The three Chiefs continue to advise the Minister of Defence on matters exclusively concerning their respective Services. CDS does not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, to provide impartial advice to the political leadership

Answer: (d) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy