The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
About the Monograph
| This monograph presents a detailed and authoritative assessment of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) transformation towards Integrated Joint Operations (IJO), a shift driven by China’s ambition to win “local wars under informationised conditions.” Beginning with the political-strategic directives from Deng Xiaoping to Xi Jinping, the study traces the evolution of PLA joint concepts, reforms in command structures, and the restructuring of military regions into Theatre Commands. It critically evaluates the PLA’s training architecture—including joint command systems, advanced Combined Arms Tactical Training Bases, Red–Blue force exercises at Zhurihe, and extensive multilateral drills—supported by extensive examples throughout the text. The monograph also highlights deficiencies acknowledged within the PLA, such as interoperability gaps, lack of realism, and shortcomings in high-technology skills (pp. 38–41). The final chapters examine implications for India, outlining required adjustments in joint doctrine, training reforms, capability development, and counter-strategy amidst an increasingly assertive Chinese military posture. |