What is an Integrated Theatre Command (ITC)? How can it strengthen India's military muscle? Explain.

An integrated theatre command envisages a unified command of the three Services, under a single commander, for geographical theatres that are of security concern.
Features of the integrated theatre command

• The commander of such a force will be able to bring to bear all resources at his disposal from the IAF, the Army and the Navy with seamless efficacy.
• The personnel of the theater command will not be answerable to individual services.
• Integrated theatre command will be free to train, equip and exercise his command to make it a cohesive fighting force capable of achieving designated goals.
• The logistic resources required to support his operations will also be placed at the disposal of the theatre commander so that he does not have to look for anything when operations are ongoing.

Integrated theater command strengthening India’s military muscle

• A Committee of Experts (CoE) under the chairmanship of Lt Gen (Retd) DB Shekatkar to recommend measures to enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure of the armed forces has recommended creation of 3 integrated theatre commands northern for the China border, western for the Pakistan border and southern for the maritime role.
• Integrated theater command will be crucial in modern warfare where a premium is put on joint planning and operations.
• Over 65 countries have gone in for this joint model, including all the major powers. India shouldn’t lag behind.
• It allows the three services to share their resources and enabling a reduction of manpower at various levels. Modern military challenges cannot be tackled without a real integration up to the command level.
• A potential conflict with a major military power like China will, in all likelihood, extend well beyond the typical theatres into the domains of cyber, space, nuclear and covert capabilities. A more integrated response will be needed from the Indian armed forces.

Though different branches wear different colors, they serve the same cause and bear the same flag. Integrated theater command aids in strengthening the military might of India.