One of the problems with creating a policy to deal with the issue of women in the armed forces is the lack of data. The military, besides being infamously insular, is averse to critical self-examination. It has yet to work out ways to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths — that sexism exists within the military, for instance, and that there are still deep pockets of opposition to the idea of women in the military. These attitudes should not be surprising, as the Indian military is born out of a society where, at least in some parts of rural north India, ‘honour-killings’ find social sanction.

But the military, as a forward-looking organisation, must push the envelope. It must change perceptions via military education, increasing awareness about sexual harassment etc. Admittedly, this is not an easy task, as even the US Air Force Academy and Marine Corps have faced allegations of widespread sexual exploitation; it requires an enlightened and forceful leadership.

One other way to deal with this is to develop military sociology in India. This will allow scholars, journalists and the wider civil society an opportunity to understand the problems faced by the Indian military. One of the ideal places to conduct the debate is the three service think tanks that have just been established. They can also deal with subjects like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, rising divorce rates and ex-combatant reintegration. But first, the military will have to be honest about its problems.

Finally, a potential implication of this issue is the tension between democratic ambitions and organisational functioning. It is an open secret that the idea of women officers in the Indian military, and its biggest proponents, have come from the political class, with its rightful ideas of female empowerment, equal opportunity and justice. The democratic ideal does not easily fit into the military sphere, with its unique and difficult field conditions, operating culture and hierarchical structure. For instance, there could be considerable difficulties if a woman officer has to share a tent with her enlisted colleagues — as could be required in the fighting arms. Moreover, the divide between the officer and enlisted men is an essential — though seemingly class-based and hence anti-democratic — operating code.

... contd.