In a landmark decision with tremendous reform in higher defence management in the country, the Government has created the post of Chief of Defence Staff. General Bipin Rawat became the first CDS of India.
It is the post of combined head of Army, Navy and Airforce. CDS will be in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. The maximum age limit for CDS is 65 years.
He will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.
