New Delhi, January 1: Bipin Rawat, Former Indian Army Chief, on Wednesday took charge as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and received the guard of honour from all the three forces. General Rawat demitted office on retirement as Chief of Indian Army on Tuesday. On his first day, Rawat said that his task is to create synergy between different wings of the armed forces. "All the three services will work as a team. As per the task given to the Chief of Defence Staff we have to enhance integration and do better resource management", Rawat said. The Chief of Defence Staff's residence would be at 3, Kamraj Marg. Besides Rawat, Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria and Navy Chief Karambir Singh and other senior officers were also present during the guard of honour.

On Tuesday, General Rawat relinquished the post of Army Chief and handed over charge to General Manoj Mukund Naravane. General Naravane was serving as Vice Chief of Indian Army. Before this, Naravane was heading the eastern Command of the force, which takes care of India's nearly 4,000 km border with China.

Here's the First Look: Gen Bipin Rawat in his new uniform as Chief of Defence Staff. 

Rawat will now wear a new uniform specifically designed for the newly-created post. The colour of the uniform will remain olive green but it will have all components of the three services' uniforms.

  1. The insignia has two crossed swords, an eagle and an anchor and above it stands an Ashok symbol.

  2. The cap of the Chief of Defence Staff will be different with badges and accomplishments to represent the three services.

  3. In place of baton on the shoulder to signify the ranks, there will be a maroon patch with anchor, sword and eagle representing all three services

  4. The service ribbons on the chest will remain as it is but the uniform will not have a lanyard.

On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence amended the rules for the three forces- Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. According to the amended rules, CDS or tri-service chief will be able to serve till the age of 65. As per existing government rules, the three service chiefs can serve up to the age of 62 or for three years, whichever is earlier. The Union Cabinet on December 24 approved the Chief of Defence Staff's (CDS) post and its charter and duties. The CDS will be a 4-star general who will head the new Department of Military Affairs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2020 11:09 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).