IAF, Indian Army bravehearts awarded gallantry awards--full list with photos

A large numbers of pilgrims had been stranded in the narrow valleys of Kedarnath, for over five days without food and water. The Mi-17 V5 helicopter with crew rose to the occasion and promptly commenced rescue operations from 21 Jun 2013 onwards. They were charged with an onerous responsibility of saving as many lives as possible under extremely challenging conditions. The crew flew over 22 critical rescue missions, resulting in saving more than 190 pilgrims who were stranded in the worst affected areas of the Kedarnath valley.

Wing Co. D. Castellino

Flt. Lt K. Praveen

            On 25 Jun 2013, the captain and Crew of the Mi-17 helicopter were tasked to move essential supplies and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams to Kedarnath, located at  an elevation of over 11000 feet and rescue stranded pilgrims from Kedarnath during the return sorties. Fully aware of the criticality of the mission on that particular day involving some of the more grievously wounded / traumatized  pilgrims.  Inclement weather, frequently drifting clouds and poor light conditions prevalent  in the  unforgiving  terrain of the narrow valley led to frequent delays in the operations and this made his task extremely demanding. Realizing the gravity of  their task and the criticality of evacuation for some of the stranded pilgrims, volunteered for the critical mission and got airborne in the first available window of opportunity to position his helicopter at Gupkashi.

Fl Lt. Tapan Kapoor

JWO AK Singh

            On that day the helicopter carried out three sorties which were undertaken under deteriorating weather conditions. During these three sorties, they successfully saved 80 precious lives. During the return leg  from Kedarnath to Guptkashi the helicopter impacted on the steep slopes off valley resulting in their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. For their acts of conspicuous courage, professional competence and successful execution of a risk mission to save precious lives in hostile weather conditions in an extremely inhospitable environment the following personnel have been awarded :-

Sgt S. Yadav

 

(a)       Kirti Chakra (Posthumously) -  Wing Commander Darryl Castelino        Flying (Pilot) - Captain

(b)       Shaurya Chakra  (Posthumously) -  Flight  Lieutenant        Krishnamoorthy     Praveen  Flying (Pilot)  - Co Pilot

(c)       Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)  (Posthumously) -  Flight Lieutenant Tapan Kapoor  Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) – Technical Officer

(d)       Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)  (Posthumously) -  Junior Warrant Officer Akhilesh Kumar Singh -  Flight Engineer

(e)       Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)  (Posthumously)  -   Sergeant Sudhakar Yadav -  Flight Gunner 

            Wing Commander Aditya Prakash Singh Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a  Mig-21 Bison Squadron.

            On  30 Apr 13, he was authorized to fly a practice diversion sortie by night on a MiG-21 Bison aircraft to Halwara as a part of his syllabus. Approximately 60 Km inbound to Halwara, the battery heavy discharge light came on along with the Master Blinker indicating a failure of the electrical system of the aircraft. This resulted in all the cockpit lights slowly fading away and it became difficult for the pilot to read the instruments which are required for safe operation of the aircraft. Maintaining his composure and understanding the gravity of the emergency, Wg Cdr Aditya Prakash lowered the undercarriage and flaps  to take off position as this would not be possible once the electrical system failed totally. The officer had only the pressure instruments and the global positioning system to help him execute the landing. At this stage, disregarding his personal safety, he took a decision to take off his mask and hold the torch in his mouth to  illuminate the instruments. In this manner, he was able to view the instruments, execute a flawless partial flap landing and recover the aircraft without any damage.

            Once again on the night of 29 Jul 13, a Captain of MiG-21 T-69 trainer flying  from the rear seat of the aircraft, the officer experienced a total loss of engine power after a bird hit during the landing phase. In spite of all these constraints, Wg Cdr AP Singh was able to successfully establish an engine off glide and land the aircraft safely without any damage. In this manner, the officer because of his ability to maintain his composure in a grave emergency situation, courage, creative thinking and professionalism has been able to successfully recover two aircraft at night in limited visibility conditions without any damage and has  set an excellent professional example for other to emulate.

            For his acts of exemplary courage and professional handling of aircraft under difficult circumstances Wing Commander Aditya Prakash Singh is recommended for the award of Shaurya Chakra.

            Wing Commander Abhay Satish Parandekar  Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Helicopter Stream of the Indian Air Force on 17 June 1995. He is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and a Helicopter Combat Leader. He is presently posted as Commanding Officer of a Mi-17 V5 Helicopter Unit  at Air Force Station Phalodi.

            On 23 Jun 13, he was informed about a group of foreign nationals stranded in the middle of gushing Bhagirathi river near Harsil, which had already crossed the danger mark. The river was swelling by the hour and delay could have cost precious lives. On receipt of this information he took on the onerous job of rescuing these people.

            With utmost precision and dexterity, he manoeuvred the helicopter so as to affect hover with one wheel in light contact with the ground. All 17 foreign nationals and three Indians stranded were rescued safely. Wg Cdr AS Parandekar displayed exceptional courage in effecting a successful rescue despite extremely challenging conditions. He continued the flood relief operations for next one month during which he flew 255 sorties which  in   effect saved 2344 lives and led to the induction of 78.6 tonnes of relief load.

            For his act of exceptional courage, dedication to duty, unflinching determination beyond call of duty and display of valour to save people and give them succor, Wing Commander Abhay Satish Parandekar has been recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry). 

            Wing Commander Felix Patrick Pinto, SC Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of Mi-17 helicopter Unit and in command of the unit since 15 Apr 13.

            On 18 Jun 13, during Op Rahat he evacuated of 76 survivors and continued with the gallant act thereafter and was instrumental in saving 892 survivors in the subsequent sorties.

            His exceptional professional acumen and meticulous planning led to valiant execution of challenging missions for evacuating of pilgrims of Kedarnath. Regardless of personal comfort and safety, he flew tirelessly throughout the Op Rahat in the challenging environment under hostile weather conditions and landed at hazardous sites. He also carried out drops of 24 tons of ration and medicines. To exploit the limited window of weather and to increase the load carrying capability, he modified his helicopter to carry out a free drop of wood for the mass cremation at Kedarnath bowl. His gallant and selfless efforts during the initial phase of Op-Rahat paved the way for launch of one of the greatest rescue operations by helicopter in history.

            For this display of extraordinary leadership and exceptional courage under adverse operational circumstances, Wing Commander Felix Patrick Pinto, SC is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

            Squadron Leader Vinay Bhal Accounts/ Garud is the Commanding Officer of an Indian Air Force Garud Unit since 04 Jun 2012.

           

The IAF was called to the aid of civil power to undertake rescue and evacuation operations during OP RAHAT after a massive cloud burst resulted in extensive flooding accompanied by landslides in the state of Uttarakhand.  The IAF Special Force Garuds, led by Sqn Ldr Vinay Bhal were inducted to undertake search and rescue operation in the affected area.

           

On 25 Jun 13, the IAF Special Forces Garuds were tasked to locate the crash site of a MI-17 V5 helicopter.  Sqn Ldr Vinay Bhal on board the search and rescue aircraft assisted in sighting the crash site in densely forested hilly terrain.  With no landing ground, he led from the front and lowered himself close to the crash site using a cable wire.  The entire operation lasted for three days and two nights during the course of which he operated in inhospitable terrain, inclement weather and on top of a forested hill with at a steep gradient.  He led the team in an exemplary manner and maintained the team’s morale and accomplished the extremely demanding mission with peril to his life.  He displayed astute professionalism, dedication and bravery.

           

For his professional competency, excellent leadership qualities, exceptional courage and selfless devotion to duty, Squadron Leader Vinay Bhal is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

            Wing Commander Nikhil Naidu Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of Chetak / ALH helicopter unit since 30 Jan 12.  He was among the first few respondents to the rescue operations and was specially chosen to undertaken the task due to his vast experience.  He has air transported more than 5200 Kg of relief material and saved 626 people in about 56 sorties flown by him during ‘Op Rahat’.   He has played a pivotal role on at least three different occasions wherein he undertook conspicuously daring missions while ensuring the safety of his aircraft and his team.

           

On 20 Jun 13, Wg Cdr Naidu winched down two civilian mountaineers on a small ledge surrounded by high obstruction and high tension cable near ‘Jungle Chatti’.  Subsequently, he also winched down another 10 ITBP personnel equipped with critical equipment required to prepare a makeshift helipad.  This courageous and skillful operation paved the way for other helicopters to land at the ‘Jungle Chatti’ ledge and eventually resulted in evacuating more than 700 stranded pilgrims. 

           

On 25 Jun 13, after an IAF helicopter went missing during the operations,  Wg Cdr Naidu volunteered for the search   mission and managed to locate the crash site.  Mindful of the need to access the crash site he winced down four Garud Commandos at almost 10,000 ft, under extremely inclement weather, once again demonstrating conspicuous courage and exceptional flying skill. 

           

On 11 Jul 13, while his helicopter was parked at  night at an ITBP helipad at Gaucher when an impending landslide alert was issued, he acted swiftly and with amazing alacrity despite it being totally dark in the middle of the night.  His courageous actions in the face of grave personal risks to his life resulted in saving a precious national asset which would have perished, if left unattended.  In all the above instance, the officer has displayed distinct gallantry and professionalism of an exceptional order while undertaking extremely critical missions in response to this grave national disaster.

           

For these acts of conspicuous bravery, Wing Commander Nikhil Naidu is recommended for the award of Shaurya Chakra. 

            Squadron Leader Vipin Takawale Flying (Pilot) is Chetak/Cheeta type instructor and is posted in an operational helicopter unit since May 2012.

           

On 21 Jun 13, the detachment was tasked to drop food packets in the Kedarnath valley.  Sqn Ldr Takawale got airborne within minutes of getting SOS call and commenced his food dropping mission.  While dropping relief material, he heard a distress call from a civil helicopter which had crashed and was on fire in the treacherous terrain of Jungle Chatti.  Despite not being prepared for a casualty evacuation mission, the officer on receiving a SOS call displayed good leadership qualities and took a courageous decision to proceed to crash site.  Though this was his first sortie in the area, he was quick to correlate the map and displayed exceptional navigations skills in locating the crash site within 10 minutes of the crash.  He noticed that the crashed helicopter was at a site which posed many dangers like dense HT and LT cables, electrical poles, narrow valley, thick vegetation and absolutely no place to land.  The inhospitable terrain coupled with adverse wind conditions left him with no margins for error. However, he remained undeterred and after a quick in-flight briefing decided to winch up the casualty.  He did all this with extreme confidence and without compromising flight safety.  This mission definitely enhanced IAF’s image as being ever ready to provide succour to the affected.

           

For his exceptional courage, in the face of adverse conditions, and unparalleled dedication to duty, Squadron Leader Vipin Vilas Takawale is recommended for Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

            Squadron Leader Anupam Dey Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a Chetak Helicopter unit since 04 Jun 12 and has been performing the duties of a Fully Operational Pilot.

           

On 26 Mar 13, he was authorized to ferry a Chetak Helicopter Z-422 from Pune to Jamnagar.  During hover for take off, at a height of approximately 5-6 feet above ground level, due to failure of the rudder control linkages, total directional control over the helicopter was lost.  Due to the loss of directional control, the aircraft started yawing viciously to the left with increasing amplitude and at such a low altitude above ground level spun for four 360 degree rotations.

           

His prompt decision making and correct analysis of the emergency coupled with ability to maintain his composure in such an uncontrolled state of flight of the helicopter led to the safe recovery of the helicopter, passengers and service equipment.

           

For this act of exceptional courage and professional handling of aircraft under difficult circumstances, Squadron Leader Anupam Dey is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

            Wing Commander Syed Muzaffer Yunus Flying (Pilot) is the Commanding Officer of a Mi-17 V5 Helicopter Unit  in northern sector wef 11 Jun 12.

           

On 17 Jun 2013, the unit was tasked for ‘Operation Rahat’ in Uttarakhand.  He was the captain of first rescue mission by a Mi-17 V5 helicopter to rescue distressed and injured pilgrims from an unprepared and restricted landing site adjacent to Kedarnath temple at an elevation of approximately 11200 feet.   He was quick enough to pick up the distressed pilgrims including 15 old women and exhausted men, in shortest possible time, catering for inclement weather.  Throughout that day, he braved and battled against the weather and executed daring landing at untried and unprepared sites rescuing more than 100 persons.

           

On 21 Jun 2013, once again, Wing Commander Yunus was part of the first Rescue mission at Badrinath, where thousands of pilgrims were stranded, at an elevation of 10,300 feet.  He displayed fearless determination and evacuated more than 350 pilgrims in one single day to Joshimath involving eighteen sorties.  During these operations, he flew a total of 96 sorties in 46:00 hours and rescued more than One thousand stranded pilgrims.

           

This act of exceptional courage and fearless determination, Wing Commander Syed Muzaffar Yunus is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

Wing Commander Kondam Munisubrayachetty Raghuraman Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of an ALH Mk III Helicopter Unit and has been performing the duties of the Flight Commander since 01 Aug 11. 

On 17 Jun 13, the unit was tasked to position three helicopters at Dehradun to undertake relief operations towards ‘Op Rahat’.  With a dedicated aim in mind, he and his team flew vigorously in the flood hit areas, averaging 15 sorties per day and rescued 490 stranded pilgrims/locals in addition to dropping over 50 tons of relief material in the Kedarnath Valley without an accident / incident.

           For his meticulous planning and execution of rescue and relief operations and exceptional courage, Wing Commander Kondam Munisubrayachetty Raghuraman is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

            Wing Commander Ravi Chandrashekhar Pathak, VM Flying (Pilot) was  commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 16 Dec 95 and  is Commanding the Sarang Display Team at Air Force Station Sulur. He is an Experimental Test Pilot and a Qualified Flying Instructor. He has flown over 4100 hrs o 21 different types of aircraft.

            On 20 Jun 2013, Wg Cdr RC Pathak was tasked to undertake Disaster Relief Operations (Op Rahat) in Uttarakhand as the Detachment Commander at Gauchar. He carried out  an aerial reconnaissance to assess the unique requirements to undertake this complicated task and realized that there were thousands of sick and injured people stranded in the valley and only quick air evacuation could save their lives.  Wg Cdr RC Pathak flew 41 critical missions, including winching down of Garud commandos at 9000 feet and evacuated 111 personnel.

            Wg Cdr RC Pathak had the challenging task of planning and executing Disaster Relief Operations in the backdrop of a huge natural calamity, from a makeshift base at a short notice with severe constrains in terms of fuel, administrative and logistics support. Through sustained intense operations under his command, the detachment airlifted 2700 personnel and inducted 20 tons of relief material. By leading from the front, in the service of the nation, Wg Cdr RC Pathak has displayed exceptional valor, professionalism and operational leadership.

            For the act of exceptional courage displayed in evacuating stranded personnel from Kedarnath valley during ‘Op Rahat’, Wing Commander Ravi Chandrashekhar Pathak VM is recommended for the award of Bar to Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

            Group Captain Mukesh Kumar Yadav  Flying (Pilot) is the First Commanding Officer of a newly inducted Mi-17 V5 helicopter unit since 23 Jan 2012 and has over 5300 hours of flying experience.

            Gp Capt Yadav was detailed as Detachment Commander at Dharasu during Op Rahat. On reaching there, he immediately took stock of the situation and correctly ascertained that the operations would be hampered due to shortage of fuel. Based on his analysis, he along with his team worked relentlessly through the night on 21 Jun 2013 to prepare the unused Advanced Landing Ground to enable the C-130J to land.

            On the night of 22 Jun 13, he was informed that there were approximately 3000 civilians at Harsil, some of whom were critically injured and required immediate evacuation. A total, 533 sorties were undertaken under his dynamic leadership, of which 97 sorties were piloted by him, evacuating 5488 people and airlifting 74000 Kgs of relief material in just six days. Despite  physical hardships as a result of non-stop work round the clock for all these days, he continued to inspire all with his extraordinary courage, spirit of selfless sacrifice and exceptional flying skills.

            For his exceptional courage to fly the mission in extremely inclement weather conditions and innovative technique adopted to reach inaccessible areas, Group Captain Mukesh Kumar Yadav is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

            Wing Commander Vijay Yadav was commissioned on 05 Mar 94. He took over command of an Advanced Light Helicopter Unit on 01 Aug 11.

            At a time when the unit was undergoing induction of ALH MK-III and with shortage of experienced aircrew for the new aircraft, he led by example and was one of the  first to fly the new machine in the treacherous operating  conditions of Operation Rahat. He flew extensively in the flood hit area in Kedarnath valley and rescued numerous stranded pilgrims while operating from Gauchar, Gupkashi and Joshimath helipads.

            On 01 July 2013, he was tasked with the mission of evacuating causalities from the Badrinath. He successfully negotiated the inclement weather and carried out shuttles top rescue stranded and sick pilgrims. All of these missions were carried out  in marginal weather where the aircraft was operating at the limits of its capabilities. With inclement weather hampering operations also in Kedarnath valley for almost a week, he displayed highest standards of courage, leadership and maturity and planned and executed missions in the limited window of clear weather to drop relief materials, Doctors and NDRF personnel.

As Detachment Commander at Gaucher, he exhibited exemplary maturity and skills in ensuring mission accomplishment in the most professional manner. Under his exemplary command and guidance, the unit flew more than 260 Hrs, 600 sorties, evacuated more than 1900 stranded pilgrims, tourists and foreign national and dropped more than 60 tons of relief materials in the inhospitable terrain of the flood affected areas of Uttarakhand.

            For this act of exceptional courage, Wing Commander Vijay Yadav is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

Wing Commander Vinod Negi Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of Sarang Helicopter Display Team at Air Force Station Sulur with effect from 19 Jul 10 and performing the duty of Unit Flight Commander.

On 21 Jun 2013, Wg Cdr Vinod Negi was tasked to evacuate stranded pilgrims from Kedarnath valley.  Having flown several rescue missions over the previous day, he realized that thousands of people were stranded at Jungle Chatti which is at an elevation of 7500 feet and their only hope of survival was through air evacuation.  During entire Op Rahat, he displayed exceptional courage, flew 102 sorties, rescued 584 personnel and inducted eight tons of relief material.

He was a positive influence on the unit personnel and guided relatively inexperienced crew in extracting performance beyond expectations. Under his guidance, the unit flew a total of 177 sorties, evacuated 917 personnel and inducted twelve tons of load during ‘Op Rahat’.  With his meticulous planning and leadership, Wg Cdr Vinod Negi ensured time critical mission accomplishment against all odds and proved to be a role model for both his peers and junior to emulate.

For his act of exceptional courage in evacuating stranded personnel from Jungle Chatti during ‘Op Rahat’, Wing Commander Vinod Negi is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).

 

            Wing Commander Sachin Gupta Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of an Advanced Light Helicopter Unit since 28 Jan 13.

On 18 Jun 13, at 0530h, he was tasked to proceed to Phata helipad in Kedarnath valley for evacuation of stranded pilgrims, Assessing the weather, he took off immediately and reached Phata.  Without switching off, he picked up relief packets and got airborne for Kedarnath valley.   Spotting a clear path near Rambada, with just enough space for rotor clearance and with only adequate space for one skid on ground, he boldly carried out a low hover to pick up old and injured pilgrims.  He ensured a quick turnaround and carried out continuous shuttles to rescue 45 civilians and drop 900 Kgs of ration on the first day.

Subsequently, he rescued pilgrims in treacherous areas like Gaurikund, Kedarnath and Garud Chatti.  Considering the hostile nature of the operating area, and difficulty of carrying out winch operations at the elevation of 2.9 Km, even a small error could have had disastrous consequences.  During Op Rahat, he flew 200 sorties / 70 hrs and rescued 237 casualties.  All of these missions required exceptional courage and professionalism for safe execution.

For his exceptional courage, focused and dedicated service, Wing Commander Sachin Gupta is recommended for the award of Vayu Sena Medical (Gallantry).  

GALLANTRY AWARDS TO ARMY BRAVEHEARTS

On Republic Day - 2014, eight Army personnels were conferred with

Chakra series gallantry awards. One personnel was awarded the Kirti

Chakra, while seven others were conferred with Shaurya Chakras for

displaying conspicuous gallantry in operations.

Kirti Chakra

Nb Sub Bhupal Singh Chhantel Magar, 5/5 Gorkha Rifles.

Shaurya Chakra

Lieutenant Colonel Bikramjit Singh (Posthumous), 16th

CAVALRY.

Major Mandeep Singh Ghumman, 1 Assam Rifles.

Major Gaurav Thakur, 24 Rashtriya Rifles (BIHAR).

Captain Sandeep Bhartiya, 17 JAT.

Captain Mahabir Singh, 9 PARA (SF).

Sepoy Lallawmzuala, 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RAJPUTANA RIFLES).

Sepoy Ran Bahadur Gurung (Posthumous) , 5/5 Gorkha Rifles.

 

Nb Sub Bhupal Singh Chhantel Magar, Kirti Chakra

Nb Sub Bhupal Singh Chhantel Magar of 5/5 Gorkha Rifles has been

awarded “Kirti Chakra” for displaying exceptional bravery, raw courage

and junior leadership beyond the call of duty, in successful counter

infiltration operations along the Line of Control in J&K. Nb Sub Bhupal

Singh Chhantel Magar is a resident of Rupendehi District of Nepal.

On 31 August 2013, while guarding a crucial gap along the Line of

Control in Kupwara District, Nb Sub Bhupal Singh Chhantel Magar spotted

movement of six heavily armed terrorists. Displaying remarkable presence

of mind, he immediately side-stepped his position in rugged and boulders

ridden terrain and closed in towards the terrorists, despite being under fire.

The gallant soldier displaying nerves of steel, fired a long burst, killing one

terrorist. Displaying raw courage, he pursued the second terrorist and

injured him. While the injured terrorist was hiding behind a boulder, the

Junior Commissioned Officer, unmindful of his personal safety, charged

towards the terrorist and killed him.

Lieutenant Colonel Bikramjit Singh, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)

Lieutenant Colonel Bikramjit Singh of 16th

been awarded “Shaurya Chakra” (Posthumous) for his speedy, tactically

sound actions, courageous and bold leadership in the face of mortal

danger and for acting swiftly without waiting for a weapon or protective

gear, acting well beyond the call of duty, in the highest traditions of the

Indian Army in Counter Terrorist Operations in Samba (J&K). Lieutenant

Colonel Bikramjit Singh is a resident of Chandigarh, Punjab.

On 26 Sep 2013 at approximately 07:15 AM, Lieutenant Colonel

Bikram Jit Singh on hearing the sound of automatic weapons near the

Officers’ Mess Complex, rushed to the site. He spotted a terrorist hiding in

a Nala, bringing down fire and attempting to break out towards the adjacent

family accommodation. Despite presence of armed terrorists, the officer

moved from one position to another, shouting instructions and directing

action against the terrorist. His prompt and fearless actions dislodged the

terrorist from an effective firing position, forcing the terrorist to seek cover

in a room, leading to his eventual elimination. While undertaking these

actions the officer was unmindful of his personal safety and the fact that he

was unarmed. The officer suffered fatal gunshot injuries during the period.

By his actions, the officer prevented the breakout of the terrorists towards

the Officers’ Married Accommodation Complex and provided time for the

Unit Quick Reaction Team to move into a tight cordon. His actions

prevented loss of further lives, especially those of unarmed women and

Major Mandeep Singh Ghumman, Shaurya Chakra
Major Mandeep Singh Ghumman of 1 Assam Rifles has been

awarded “Shaurya Chakra” for act of extraordinary bravery, conspicuous

courage and selfless devotion to duty of an exceptionally high order in anti

terrorist operations in the North East. Major Mandeep Singh Ghumman is a

resident of Pathankot, Punjab.

On 08 May 2013, based on specific intelligence, the officer led a

small team to a village located on top of a hill. On reaching the suspected

location, the column came under heavy fire from inside a house. The

officer did not retaliate immediately to avoid civilian casualty. One terrorist

who jumped out of the window firing indiscriminately was chased and

eliminated from close range by the officer with disregard to personal safety.

Another terrorist firing from the neighbouring house had pinned down the

officer’s party. Sensing danger to own troops, the officer, making use of the

undulating ground, rushed to the site. In a brazen act of valour, the officer

charged at the second terrorist and eliminated him.

Major Gaurav Thakur, Shaurya ChakraMajor Gaurav Thakur of 24 Rashtriya Rifles (BIHAR) has been

awarded “Shaurya Chakra” for displaying indomitable courage, tactical

acumen, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty. He was

instrumental in generating actionable intelligence, innovative siting of

ambush and tactical deployment of various parties, which ultimately led to

elimination of five hardcore terrorists. Major Gaurav Thakur is a resident of

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

On 30 August 2013, sensing suspicious movement near the bridge,

as assault team commander, he challenged the terrorists who opened

indiscriminate fire and lobbed grenades onto the ambush party and tried to

escape. The officer, displaying raw courage, grit and extraordinary field

craft, chased the fleeing terrorists in order to maintain contact. He came

under heavy volume of fire from one terrorist and chased him to a distance

of 50 meters in open terrain. In an act of conspicuous bravery, against

fearful odds unmindful of his own safety, he closed in and lobbed a

grenade from a very close range killing the terrorist instantly.

Captain Sandeep Bhartiya, Shaurya ChakraCaptain Sandeep Bhartiya of 17 JAT has been awarded “Shaurya

Chakra” for displaying exemplary bravery, courage and leadership in the

face of the enemy, showing utter disregard to personal safety in anti

terrorist operations on the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K. Captain Sandeep

Bhartiya is a resident of Munger, Bihar.

On 31 May 2013, Captain Sandeep observed movement of three to

four terrorists in a dense area. He immediately took a party of four other

ranks and occupied a suitable ambush point. At approximately 11:45 PM,

as the terrorists drew closer to the fence, Captain Sandeep opened fire.

The terrorists retaliated with heavy volume of fire and taking cover of the

thickly wooded area, tried to extricate themselves. Throughout the night,

Captain Sandeep ensured that the terrorists were fixed, by fire, at the same

spot. Close to first light, the terrorist group made another attempt to

escape, by firing heavily. The officer, instead of taking cover, changed

position to fire at one militant and killed him. The operation continued till

the next day and a total of three militants were killed.

Captain Mahabir Singh, Shaurya ChakraCaptain Mahabir Singh of 9 PARA (Special Forces) has been

awarded “Shaurya Chakra” for displaying exemplary leadership, raw

courage and conspicuous gallantry in face of grave personal danger and

personally eliminating one hard core terrorist in anti terrorist operations in

Samba (J&K). Captain Mahabir Singh is a resident of Gurdaspur, Punjab.

On 26 September 2013, Captain Mahabir was tasked to clear

terrorists from unit lines during a Fidayeen attack. As the troops

commenced clearing operations, they came under heavy small-arms and

grenade fire from an adjacent building. Sensing grave threat to the entire

operation and proximity of family quarters in close vicinity, Captain

Mahabir, unmindful of his personal safety, charged into the building to

engage the terrorists. Displaying sheer courage and exemplary field-craft,

he manoeuvered to engage the terrorists at extreme close quarters. He

moved from room to room, closing down their escape routes and shot dead

one terrorist at point-blank range, thereby completely disorganising their

will to resist. This singular action by the officer ensured safety of the entire

team, prevented further collateral damage and minimised casualties during

the entire operation.

Sepoy Lallawmzuala, Shaurya ChakraSepoy Lallawmzuala of 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RAJPUTANA RIFLES)

has been awarded “Shaurya Chakra” for his conspicuous act of bravery

beyond the call of duty in anti terrorist operations in J&K. Sepoy

Lallawmzuala is a resident of Mamit, Mizoram.

On 23 July 2013, Sepoy Lallawmzuala was part of the inner cordon

deployed at night during search operation based on intelligence about

presence of a terrorist in a house. On commencement of search at

approximately 6:30 AM, Sepoy Lallawmzuala was amongst the first to

enter the house. His deliberate and methodical search revealed the

presence of an armed terrorist in a well concealed hideout behind planks

and loose earth in the house. Upon being discovered the terrorist opened

indiscriminate fire, however, the soldier’s alacrity and outstanding use of

field craft enabled him to manoeuvre to an advantageous position within

three metres of the terrorist. His courage under fire, calm collected actions

and outstanding fire control led to elimination of a top commander of Jaish-
e-Mohammad. His actions ensured that the balance of the search party

received critical warning at the opportune time, resulting in effective

covering fire and no casualty to own troops.

Sepoy Ran Bahadur Gurung, Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)Sepoy Ran Bahadur Gurung of 5/5 Gorkha Rifles has been awarded

“Shaurya Chakra” (Posthumous) for displaying exceptional resilience,

commitment and epic bravery during counter infiltration operations along

the Line of Control in J&K. Sepoy Ran Bahadur Gurung is a resident of

Kaski District of Nepal.

On 31 Jul 2013, the individual was part of the surveillance

detachment deployed in boulders and steep cliffs. Despite being in

virtually cramped position for four days during inclement weather, the brave

soldier maintained sharp vigilance. On 03 August 2013 at approximately

5:30 AM, he sensed some movement in the fog and alerted his party.

Suddenly, the terrorist opened indiscriminate fire and lobbed two grenades

towards the neighbouring team. Sensing threat to his colleagues Sepoy

Ran Bahadur Gurung fired at the terrorist and crawled closer towards him.

This action diverted the terrorist’s attention who charged towards Sepoy

Ran Bahadur Gurung and lobbed another grenade. Displaying steely

nerves, Sepoy Ran Bahadur Gurung kept engaging the terrorist, giving

crucial time for neighbouring team to readjust. However, another burst by

the terrorist caused a fatal injury to the gallant soldier, who sacrificed his

life in the defence of the Nation.

ALL PHOTOS AND WRITE UPS: COURTESY IAF, INDIAN ARMY

 

 

          

Media and national security: what a hack thinks!

Looking back at this week's interaction with members of the prestigious National Defence College (NDC) Course in Delhi--an annual feature--I realised, more than ever before, that media evokes intense interest even among military leaders, no matter what their instincts. The fact that my 45-minute talk led to 75 minutes of Q & A is testimony to the extreme reactions media and its functioning can evoke. Below is the full transcript of my talk. A bit long to read, so start only if it interests you.

Talking about Media to members of this audience that has been told time and again—right from their younger days in the military and the government--NOT to interact with the media is like trying to preach religion to a nonbeliever. But what is the use of being a media practitioner for three decades and more if I don’t try and convert some of you. And to convince you that understanding the media and its functioning is useful if not downright advantageous?

 So over the next 60 minutes, let me try and take you through media’s role—sometimes disruptive and unwelcome role—in national security matters.

Just a week before I was to come here, I mentioned the topic Media and National Security to a dear friend in the military—a three-star officer—to try and elicit his views on the possible elements for this talk. His instant reaction was Media AND national Security? Are you joking? Does media understand the concept of national security? Does it even care? Well it doesn’t, I retorted, simply because in a country that does not even have its own national security doctrine—at least not in the public domain—how do you expect us bunch of uneducated, ill-informed and irresponsible (his words, not mine) hacks to even begin to grasp the concept of national security? 

My sarcasm was probably lost on him since we were both two drinks down but my contention that India does not have a well-articulated national security doctrine had a salutary effect. He side stepped the issue of national security and we quickly moved on to discussing Dedh Ishqiya and the undiminished beauty of Madhuri Dixit. For the foreign officers here, Madhuri Dixit is India’s answer to Julia Roberts and may be a couple of more Hollywood beauties.

 But coming back to media and national security!

Traditionally, national security has always been viewed through the prism of combating external threats and meeting internal challenges. Use of force for protecting the core values of a nation—in India’s case its democracy, diversity and tolerance—has been defined as national security.

But of late, the discourse on national security is undergoing a subtle transformation. The scope of national security has been widened. It is no longer confined to counting force levels or just matching military power with a neighbour. Now, experts talk about a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted approach to define National Security.

The threats are manifold and before getting into discussing how the Indian media has dealt with and will deal with issue of national security, it is important to briefly dwell upon what defines comprehensive national security, although this is the last thing perhaps that this learned audience needs!

In the not-too-distant future, major powers will be focused on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, narcotics, and organized crime more than conventional armed conflicts. Information warfare, threats emanating from cyber space and aerospace will consume more national resources than ever before.

Rising regional powers like India will have to contend with regional conflicts and developments associated with them: refugee crises, peacekeeping, humanitarian emergencies, environmental problems, global health issues, technological developments, and economic collapse. Issues of demographics, including migration and health; depleting natural resources and degradation of environment will lead to conflicts. And nations will have to be prepared to combat these more than the traditional threats. 

According to a CIA trend analysis, by 2015 more than half the world’s population will be urban. The number of people living in mega-cities--those containing more than 10 million inhabitants--will double to more than 400 million. The explosive growth of cities in developing countries will test the capacity of governments to stimulate the investment required to generate jobs and to provide the services, infrastructure and social supports necessary to sustain livable and stable environments.

Other issues that will take up more time will be: Health: Disparities in health status between developed and developing countries--particularly the least developed countries--will persist and widen.

Developing countries are likely to experience a surge in both infectious and noninfectious diseases and in general will have inadequate health care capacities and spending.

The number of chronically malnourished people in conflict-ridden Sub-Saharan Africa will increase by more than 20 per cent over the next 15 years. 

By 2015 nearly half the world’s population--more than 3 billion people--will live in countries that are ‘water-stressed’--having less than 1,700 cubic meters of water per capita per year--mostly in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and northern China. So the challenges to national security come not just from the adversary across the border but also enemies within: Disease, hunger, natural calamities, mass migration and lopsided development.

Meeting these challenges and not just guarding the borders will constitute National Security. Like Comprehensive National Power, National Security is all encompassing. 

But traditionally, we in the media have looked at national security from the narrow prism of hard military power, simply because media more than anyone else loves wars and conflicts. As a famous editor in the US, Michael J Oneill had famously said: “It is well known that media are more devoted to conflict than to tranquility, and that war is routinely defined as news, while peace is not.  What is good for the world, in other words, is not necessarily good for the news business."

Ladies and gentleman, coming to India specifically, in the first 15 years after India attained independence, the Indian media was generally conformist. Since India was in the nation building phase, media was supportive of the effort as far as possible. So very few anti-establishment views were articulated in that phase. But the debacle in the short but brutal war with China in the winter of 1962 was a game changer not only for the establishment but also for the Indian media. The shortcomings and wrong decisions at the policy level were so blatant that the Indian media was forced to sit up and review its pro-establishment stance. DR Mankekar, was among the tallest media personalities in India that time. He was a courageous reporter, a brilliant editor and an outstanding author. In the preface to his slim but valuable book titled—the guilty men of 1962, Mankekar explained: "In a democracy, the people have a right to know the why and wherefore of a national disaster. The government is accountable to the people. Where the government fails in its duty, a publicist may step in to fulfill that task."

Indeed by the time, the 1970s dawned the Indian media had started focusing more and more on military issues, thanks to big international events like the Bangladesh Liberation war of 1971 or the peaceful nuclear explosion at Pokhran in 1974.

Today, it is almost compulsory to have dedicated journalists reporting on various ministries like Defence and Home, traditionally considered the bastions of national security. But even today, we are stuck in covering day to day activities rather than looking at larger issues in these ministries.

There is too much trivia that gets dished out in the name of reporting on these two ministries mainly because there is a lack of skills to handle to relevant issues both among journalists and security personnel in the armed forces and the central police organizations. This weakness needs to be overcome quickly. How do we do that? I will come to that a little later but let me draw your attention to the evolution of military-media relations over the past two centuries and then look at what the present is and the future may look like.

In 1869, Field Marshal Joseph Garnet Wolsley wrote a book called The Soldiers Pocketbook about his experience during the Battle of Crimea. One of the highlights for me was his observation: “Those newly invented curse to armies who eat all the rations of the fighting man and do no work at all.

 The “curse” that the Field Marshal was talking about more than 140 years ago was the War Correspondents who reported on the military campaigns of Victorian Britain.

Among the first to live and march with combat troops in modern era was William Howard Russell who reported for the The Times of London during the war in Crimea in the 1850s. His reporting highlighting the shortcomings and bungling in the war were not liked by the authorities but the people were outraged leading to reform and correction in the military.

The Field Marshal’s anger and disgust was primarily directed at Russell but by the time he wrote his famous treatise The Soldier’s Pocketbook in 1869, several other “War Correspondents” had made their way to the battlefield, stayed with the troops, braved the bullets and bayonets and brought home the real picture of the battles.

Clearly, journalists have been billeted with troops for over 100 years before George Bush’s war against Saddam Hussein in 2003 brought the term ‘Embedded journalism’ into popular lexicon. 

In the military campaign that followed, a unique access to the battlefield was granted to embedded journalists for war news coverage…The United States (U.S.) Department of Defense (DoD) authorized the embedding of more than 500 journalists in their military fighting units.  The ‘embeds’ (as the journalists traveling with the army units were called) were defined by the Pentagon as: “A media representative [that lives, works, and travels with a military] unit on an extended basis -- perhaps weeks or even months... [in order to] facilitate maximum, in-depth [news] coverage of U.S. forces in combat and related operations.”  

This decision stirred up a lot of controversy relative to the type of news content that was being reported by embedded versus non-embedded journalists.  

As a result, the issue of embedded versus non-embedded war journalism has fueled much controversy and debate.(http://knol.google.com/k/the-embedded-war-journalism-controversy)

There are those who believe that the American decision to embed journalists with frontline combat units stemmed from the US military’s two contrasting experiences—one bitter, the other sweet.

The first was in Vietnam when the antipathy between the military and the media reached its peak.

In a detailed study on the military-media relationship during that period, a US Army War College researcher came to a conclusion: “Prior to the Vietnam War, the American press had generally supported national war efforts and the national leadership with positive stories. The Vietnam war was the first time that reporters reported on American units that lacked discipline, used drugs on the battlefield, and had US soldiers questioning war aims while the war was ongoing.  These stories, though factual, were viewed by the military as ‘negative.’ Moreover, the uniformed leadership viewed these stories as a major reason they were losing the war at home while they were winning the battles in Vietnam.” (The CNN Effect: Strategic Enabler or Operational Risk? by Margaret H. Belknap, United States Army, 2001) 

By the time the US was ready for the Gulf War in 1991, it had learnt its lessons well. The military had judged the needs of the media and also worked out the ways to control the flow of information in its favour. 

As Belknap said, “Operation Desert Storm “was the most widely and most swiftly reported war in history.” 

In addition to being the first “CNN War”, this war also marked a turning point in military-media relations and a turning point for Americans’ view of that relationship.

Colin Powell, by than an important figure in the US military hierarchy, had learned his lesson from the Vietnam mistakes and the subsequent Panama invasion episode. He ensured not only media access but that the “right” kind of spokesman stood before the camera lens before the American audience. 

Powell recalled, “We auditioned spokespersons. … We picked Lieutenant General Tom Kelly, as our Pentagon briefer because Kelly not only was deeply knowledgeable, but came across like Norm in the sitcom Cheers, a regular guy whom people could relate to and trust.”

 Belknap says Powell also understood that live press conferences meant that the public would see both questioner and responder. Ever since the Vietnam War, the public viewed the media as fighting to get “the truth” from a military hiding behind a cloak of secrecy During the Gulf war, Americans saw both media and military on the TV screen. 

Powell later wrote: “When the public got to watch journalists, even the best reporters sometimes came across as bad guys.” Perhaps the strongest evidence of the shift in American perceptions was a Saturday Night Live, a popular American TV programme.

Toward the end of the Gulf war the media was ridiculed on Saturday Night Live. Belknap’s study notes: “They were (reporters) portrayed as enemy Iraqis trying to wrestle Americans war plan secrets away from an Army spokesperson.”

THE SUB-CONTINENTAL EXPERIENCE

 The Americans went on to further refine the concept of embedded journalism in Afghanistan but in India, it is still a halfway house. 

There is no official embedding as such but the Indian military takes reporters on official guided tours to various facilities and events, fully on government expense. So, most of the reports are episodic, event-based in nature. 

There is another kind of arrangement that exists between the media and the Indian military. Reporters’ travel to border areas or insurgency hit areas where the Indian army is deployed in large numbers. The Army than ‘facilitates’ their visits, shows them around, briefs them about the tasks, talks about the difficulties and achievements and then reporters write about or broadcast what they witnessed and understood during the trip. 

It is a ‘loose’ arrangement, but the only one that comes close to the ‘embed’ arrangement in a semi-war situation. I say semi-war since the Indian army is continuously involved in counter-insurgency in Kashmir and the north-east in a no war no peace situation

Old-timers in India however recall that in 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, select reporters did travel with the Indian military. Indeed, an All India Radio journalist is famously in the frame of an iconic photograph of the Indian general accepting the surrender of 90,000 Pakistani POWs at the end of the 1971 war!

In the most recent war in Kargil over a decade ago, there was no formal embedding but most of us who reported that war, interacted closely with the troops and many a times depended on their support for sustenance in the war zone. Volumes have been written about the synergy between the media and the military in Kargil and its contribution in whipping up a patriotic fervour across the nation that time but all of that was happenstance not design.

Currently, there is an intense discussion on in the higher echelons of the Indian military on how to deal with the media at large and whether to have a policy that will allow embedded journalists in future conflicts. 

But elsewhere in the sub-continent, notably in Sri Lanka, I personally experienced the reality of embedded journalism.

Eelam War IV, (2006-2009) will in fact is remembered for the flawless execution of information warfare techniques by the Sri Lankan state.

Embedding journalists was just part of the entire Information Warfare strategy.

I found the Sri Lankan methods both effective and offensive.

 Effective, purely as a battle strategy.  Offensive, to my sensitivity as a journalist.

The idea was to create a firewall around the battle zone.

The objective was two-fold: control and denial.

Control the flow of information and deny access to unpalatable journalists.

Simultaneously, the Sri Lankan government created a one-stop shop for information from the battle zone.

The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS), which functioned from a small, non-descript building in the heart of Colombo’s high security zone but outside Defence HQs, became the most important address for visiting and local media during the war. You went here to register yourself for a trip up north, into the battle zone. You asked for and got war footage here and you got your latest information from this centre.

The weekly briefing by a cabinet minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, whose sole task was to interact with the media, were held here; the army, navy and air force spokesperson, all senior serving officers, worked under a Director-General, a civilian trusted by the President and his brother, the defence secretary, functioned out of this building.

The DG, MCNS, Lakshman Hullugalle, a pleasant, accessible man, became the most well known face and voice from Sri Lanka during the war since all TV channels went to him for a phono-in and a byte whenever they needed an official update. And he obliged everyone. The MCNS worked 24x7, updated defence.lk, an information-rich website, almost every hour and all key personnel, including the DG, remained accessible round-the-clock.

By putting in place this system, Sri Lanka virtually eliminated the possibility of any other source giving news to the information-hungry media. Even the trips to the battle zone—I went on three of them—were beautifully orchestrated. We were always asked to report at the airport before dawn.

There, after a thorough security check, we would board a Russian-built AN-32, land at Anuradhapura, a historic town in central Sri Lanka, and then get transferred to two waiting Mi-17 Helicopters. Cameras would start rolling the instant we were on board the choppers. A piece to camera (PTC) or a standup to use an American term, on board a helicopter after all gives that sense of realism to war coverage!

So inevitably, most of us TV reporters would record at least two or three PTCs before we landed at either Kilinochchi or Paranthan, close to the battle. Another very subtle arrangement used to be in place at those locations. An assortment of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and jeeps would be waiting for us to be taken to the brigade headquarters or a location closer to the actual fighting zone.

Now, a ride atop an APC is a television reporter’s delight. A piece to cam aboard an APC, which looks like a tank, but is not really a tank( but then how many people can discern or distinguish a tank from an APC) would do very well for your own as well as the channels image, thank you. The viewer will certainly be impressed!

So all of us TV reporters used to clamber atop an APC, do our PTCs and then go for a briefing, which from TV’s point of view, are boring anyway. A formation commander at a lectern, explaining tactics on a map is not great television, so we would wonder out in search of images that conveyed a war zone. Invariably we would find soldiers in various stages of battle readiness outside the briefing rooms: some would be resting, some others would be cleaning their weapons; APCs and jeeps full of soldiers in their fatigues would be whizzing past. So cameras would be busy recording those images.

The point is: the Sri Lankan military had worked out what TV crews need and provided the props accordingly. I am not saying any other military would not have done it. But most military planners in the world would have been less subtle.

The Media handling by the Sri Lankan state would in fact make for a fascinating study. Having realized that the LTTE in the past had made very good use of its access to international media in projecting its image as an outfit fighting for a separate homeland for Tamils, Sri Lanka decided to cut off the oxygen supply of media support to the LTTE cause and instead deluged journalists with timely information and restricted access.

The local media was tamed through twin methods of coercion and chauvinism. Those who refused to fall in line, were coerced, threatened and even killed (14 journalists lost their lives in Sri Lanka in the last four years) and all others were won over by a simple appeal: it is as much your war as ours, so please cooperate. Simultaneously, pro-LTTE blogs and websites like Tamilnet.com were made inaccessible inside Sri Lanka.

The result: a completely lop-sided coverage of Eelam War IV.

As a student of media, the Sri Lankan strategy has fascinated me. They have refined the lessons and practices adopted by the Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan and evolved their own model that shuts out every other contrary view. But war is a dirty business and nations adopt tactics that suit them.

As a journalist, I was not happy being part of a one-sided coverage, but to be fair to the Sri Lankan state,  winning the information war was as essential as gaining a military victory. That a section of the Western, bleeding heart liberal, media is now targeting the Sri Lankan state for what it calls war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan army, is in a way, a left-handed compliment to its strategy of creating a bubble around the war zone in which no one could enter without the permission of the Sri Lankan military.

So is embedded journalism or traveling with the military good or bad for journalists?

Many news media experts believe that embedded journalism provides a more accurate story of a war when compared to the traditional approach of news gathering via military briefings prepared for the press.  

In contrast with this perspective, however, many other broadcast media specialists believe that embedded journalists who travel with military units become too emotionally bonded to the troops after long periods of time and will therefore lose objectivity in their news reporting.  

I personally have a mixed feeling on this one.

However, reporting on conflicts should be just one part of covering national security issues. Media houses either have to hire specialists to report on highly technical and sensitive subjects like missile and nuclear programmes to make the complexities easy to understand for the average viewer or reader. Or at least allow those involved in reporting on those issues—even reporting on the art of war is complex—time off to master the subjects. Unfortunately there is neither inclination nor resources to implement such a wish. Instead, little knowledge is sought to be passed off as great expertise because the tendency in the media today is to be a participant in the process rather than be a detached observer and chronicler.

When the military criticizes the media for lack of interest and knowledge, it forgets that the media does not have the luxury of undergoing periodic upgrades and courses—YOs, Senior Command, Higher Command, NDC Course to cite just a few examples—as the military men do.

The 21^st century is marked by an abundance of information. In previous years, dominance was achieved through rationing information, exercising information control, censorship and propaganda. Such methods are not practical or prudent in the contemporary world. There is a constant increase in the number of sources of information which cannot be muzzled and have to be managed. The security forces therefore will have to focus on balancing openness with security to exploit the power of the media, both tactically and strategically. Media strategy can longer be the job of the public relations officer alone, but must be seen as a command function. Security Forces will have to think of ways to function outside the vertical silos if the media war is to be won.

While the media certainly needs to train and equip itself to discern, detect and dissect national security issues, the government, the armed forces and even academics who deal in issues of national security, have to understand the way media functions. There is a crying need to have more interaction between these players without the pressure of deadlines. So far, the tendency is to keep away from each other. That does not help either side. Unless national security becomes the concern of the nation and not just a handful few, we will continue to have a problem of wrong projections.

And as I have said in the past, the traditional media has been a friend and supporter of national aims and national security.

I am not so sure about the new elephant in the tent: the Social media. It is wild, it is irreverent, it has its own set of rules and it does not bother about big names and bigger reputations.

As National Security Adviser  Shiv Shankar Menon, recently said at a cyber security conference: “Cyberspace is today the fifth domain of human activity, in addition to land, sea, air and outer space. Our dependence upon cyberspace for social, economic, governance, and security functions has also grown exponentially. Unfettered access to information through a global inter-connected Internet empowers individuals and governments, and it poses new challenges to the privacy of individuals and to the capability of Governments and administrators of cyberspace tasked to prevent its misuse.
“The govt’s job is complicated by the unique characteristics of cyberspace. It is borderless in nature, both geographically and functionally; anonymity and the difficulty of attribution; the fact that for the present the advantage is with offense rather than defence; and, the relatively anarchic nature of this domain.”

Media practitioners—both traditional and those in the fifth domain—will necessarily continue to focus on national security as they view it. It is up to decision-makers and national security mandarins to exploit their presence, reach and influence to suit to their own aims and objectives. Therein lies the trick.

In the end I want to leave you with a thought: More interaction, not less between the media and keepers of national security is the way forward. Familiarity in this case will breed more knowledge not contempt.