Tag: Nathu La

PLA troops are an anxious group, recall Indian officers
Asia

PLA troops are an anxious group, recall Indian officers

Serving and retired Indian Army officers, who have spent a considerable time at the India-Chinese borders have all experienced the same thing – that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers lack motivation, have low pay, and are extremely corrupt.These Indian Army officers were or are posted at India’s eastern border, which it shares with China, including at Nathu La. And, all of these officers had, at multiple times during their posting, engaged in one-to-one confrontations with their Chinese counterparts.According to these officers, the PLA’s men, especially those who are asked to serve at the India-China borders, are not very motivated because of the physical hardship they have to endure and the low pay, which, does not justify the hardship that they have to face.In their interaction
What goes behind China’s army?
Opinion

What goes behind China’s army?

The Chinese army, or better off, the People’s Liberation Army is not a motivated one. During the time I dealt with the PLA while commanding the Nathu La Brigade, I realized how it is plagued by corruption, outdated command structures and unprofessionalism. As Nathu La was the central point for military communications for EC, I had to speak on the telephone with my counterpart every week and meet with him once a month followed by drinks and meal. Even families from both the sides joined in.My counterpart once told me that he gets only one third of what I get. However, they get “compensation” in the form of various perks like free rations, liquor, cigarettes, domestic help, and schooling for children, college fee, vehicle etc. Basically, this is how the cadre survives, and these little perks