CDS Bipin Rawat: Leadership, Reforms, Valor, and The Tragic Human Error of 2021

The tragic death of General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021, shocked the nation and raised significant concerns about aviation safety within the Indian Armed Forces. A recent report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has confirmed that the crash was primarily caused by human error, specifically relating to the aircrew's actions during adverse weather conditions. This blog will delve into the details surrounding the incident, the findings of the investigation, and the implications for military aviation safety.

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Early Life and Education

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General Bipin Rawat was born on March 16, 1958, in Pauri, Uttarakhand, into a family with a distinguished military lineage. His father, Lieutenant General Laxman Singh Rawat, served in the Indian Army and instilled in him a deep sense of duty and patriotism from a young age. Growing up in an environment steeped in military tradition, Bipin was inspired to follow in his father's footsteps.

Rawat's early education took place at Cambrian Hall School in Dehradun, followed by St. Edward's School in Shimla. His academic excellence led him to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, where he honed his leadership skills and military knowledge. After completing his training at the NDA, he furthered his education at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, where he was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour for being the best cadet.

In addition to his military training, Rawat pursued higher education, obtaining an M.Phil. degree in Defence Studies from the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington. He also attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he completed the Higher Command Course.

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Military Career

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General Rawat was commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles on December 16, 1978, following his graduation from the IMA. His military career spanned over four decades during which he held various key positions within the Indian Army.

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Early Assignments

Rawat's early assignments involved counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast region of India. He gained valuable experience during these operations, which would later shape his strategic thinking as a senior officer.

In 1987, during the Sino-Indian skirmish at Sumdorong Chu Valley, then-Captain Rawat commanded troops against the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). This marked one of his first significant engagements that showcased his leadership capabilities.

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Rise Through the Ranks

As he progressed through the ranks, Rawat held various command positions:

• Major: Commanded a company in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir.

• Colonel: Led his battalion along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh.

• Brigadier: Commanded 5 Sector of Rashtriya Rifles in Sopore.

• Major General: Took charge of the 19th Infantry Division in Uri.

• Lieutenant General: Commanded III Corps based in Dimapur.

His leadership during these critical assignments earned him respect within the army and laid the groundwork for his future roles.

Major Operations and Engagements

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Throughout his career, General Rawat was involved in numerous operations that underscored his tactical acumen and operational expertise:

1. Counter-Insurgency Operations: His extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations across Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India helped shape India's military strategies in these regions.

2. Kargil Conflict (1999): Although not directly involved at a senior level during this conflict, Rawat's earlier experiences contributed to operational planning during subsequent engagements.

3. Operation Rakshak: This operation aimed to combat terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, where Rawat played a crucial role in coordinating ground forces.

4. Humanitarian Assistance: He also participated in various humanitarian missions, demonstrating that military forces can play a vital role beyond combat scenarios.

Notable Accomplishments as Army Chief

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General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on December 31, 2016. During his tenure as COAS until December 2021, he implemented several reforms aimed at modernizing the Indian Army:

• Operational Preparedness: He emphasized enhancing operational readiness by conducting extensive training exercises and joint operations with other branches of the armed forces.

• Indigenous Development: Under his leadership, there was a push for indigenization of defense equipment to reduce dependency on foreign imports.

• Women Empowerment: General Rawat advocated for increased roles for women within the army, supporting their induction into combat roles.

• Focus on Cyber Warfare: Recognizing emerging threats, he prioritized cyber warfare capabilities to ensure national security.

His tenure as COAS was marked by significant advancements that prepared the Indian Army for contemporary challenges.

The United Nations Mission

General Rawat also had notable experience with international peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations:

• In 2010, he commanded a multinational brigade as part of the UN peacekeeping force deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). His leadership during this mission earned him recognition for effectively managing complex operational environments while ensuring peace and stability.

This experience not only showcased India's commitment to global peacekeeping but also highlighted Rawat's ability to operate effectively on international platforms.

Career as Chief of Defence Staff

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On January 1, 2020, General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), a position created to enhance coordination among India's three armed forces—the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Responsibilities as CDS

As CDS, Rawat played a pivotal role in:

• Integration of Forces: He worked towards integrating operations between different branches of the military to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Strategic Planning: He was tasked with formulating joint strategies for national security and defense policy implementation.

• Resource Allocation: As CDS, he oversaw resource allocation across services to ensure optimal utilization for defense preparedness.

Rawat's vision for a more unified military structure aimed to address contemporary security challenges more effectively.

Death and Legacy

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General Bipin Rawat was traveling in a Mi-17 V5 helicopter along with his wife, Madhulika Rawat, and 12 other armed forces personnel when the aircraft crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The helicopter took off from Sulur Air Force Base at approximately 11:48 AM and was scheduled to land at Wellington at around 12:15 PM. However, contact with air traffic control was lost at 12:08 PM, just minutes before the crash occurred.

The Mi-17 V5 is a Russian-origin helicopter known for its reliability and safety features. Despite this reputation, the aircraft crashed into hilly terrain shortly before its scheduled landing, resulting in no survivors among the passengers.

Findings of the Investigation

Following the crash, an inquiry was launched to determine the cause of the accident. The investigation involved analyzing data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), alongside testimonies from witnesses.

Key Findings:

1. Human Error: The Standing Committee on Defence's report explicitly stated that Human Error (Aircrew) was identified as the primary cause of the crash. This conclusion corroborated earlier assessments made by Indian Air Force officials shortly after the incident.

2. Spatial Disorientation: The inquiry revealed that an unexpected change in weather conditions led to spatial disorientation for the pilot. The helicopter entered cloud cover due to these adverse conditions, which significantly impaired visibility.

3. Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT): The combination of spatial disorientation and poor visibility resulted in what is termed Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), where an aircraft inadvertently flies into terrain or obstacles while under pilot control.

4. Operational Environment: The hilly terrain around Coonoor posed additional challenges for navigation and control, particularly in low-visibility conditions.

Honours and Decorations

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Throughout his illustrious career, General Bipin Rawat received numerous awards and decorations:

1. Param Vishisht Seva Medal
2. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
3. Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
4. Yudh Seva Medal
5. Sena Medal
6. Vishisht Seva Medal

These honors reflect his exemplary service and dedication to duty throughout his military career.

Summing it up

General Bipin Rawat's life was marked by exceptional service to India through various capacities within its armed forces. From his early days as a soldier to becoming India's first Chief of Defence Staff, he exemplified leadership qualities that inspired many within the military community and beyond.

His vision for a modernized military capable of addressing contemporary challenges remains relevant today as India continues to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. As we remember General Bipin Rawat’s contributions to national security and defense reform, we honor not only his legacy but also his unwavering commitment to serving India with integrity and valor.