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

Question

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:

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer 1

(d) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee: Correct. The CDS is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

• Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs: Incorrect. The CDS does not exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs. The three Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, and Air Force) retain operational control over their respective services.

• Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-service matters: Correct. The CDS serves as the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service matters.

Therefore, the correct answer is (d) 1 and 3 only.