Back to the Basics: Foot and Hoof Mobilty in the Mountains
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P. K. Gautam
Consultant Email: pkgautam2003[a]yahoo[dot]co[dot]in Phone: +91 11 2671 7983 Archive data: Person was Consultant at IDSA A veteran of 1971 Indo-Pakistan War in Bangladesh and Operation Meghdoot (Siachen glacier) and a… Continue reading Back to the Basics: Foot and Hoof Mobilty in the Mountains read more -
Virander Kumar
Archive data: Person was Research Fellow at IDSA Joined IDSA June 2011 Education MSc (Food Technology) and MSc in Defence and Strategic studies Research Project Theaterised Joint Logistics Background Colonel… Continue reading Back to the Basics: Foot and Hoof Mobilty in the Mountains read more
India needs to be prepared for mountain warfare. Some excellent commentaries emphasize capacity building for better fire power including appropriate precision guided munitions, communications, heliborne operations, and intelligence. While these capacities must be built up, at the same time non-material factors are also equally important, foot mobility being one among them. This Brief argues that foot mobility is central to mountain warfare. It first uses historical evidence to show the advantageous use of this capacity by the victor. It then argues for preserving this ‘military biodiversity’ by including indigenous breeds of animals. It further co-relates the factor of ethos of physical fitness and endurance of the troops. In essence all troops must share the attributes of mountaineers. In conclusion, consolidated policy suggestions are offered.
