Resettlement Problems Of Retired Army Officers

Retirement of armed forces personnel, at a younger age is an inevitable necessity to keep the armed forces young and active. Their early retirement, at an age when they still can work gainfully for some more years, and at a time when their social and financial commitments are maximum, forces them to seek a second career. Their appropriate resettlement therefore becomes a national obligation. The author has tried to stress that the service in the armed forces is no more considered a moral duty or a calling or part-time activity, but the members join it in persuit of a full-fledged professional career. As per changing requirement ideology and the social structure of the country, the middle class youth who join the armed forces today, do not have any alternative source of livelihood or side income. With the help of data collected from the officers, she has analysed the magnitude of the problems faced by the officers both in the professional field while settling into the ?second career? and the stresses and strains they go through socially at the domestic front during this critical period in their lives. On account of unfound biases, the civil populace and the civil industry have about their traits and capability, their resettlement imposes tremendous social, financial and psychological strain on them. They seldom get a job in keeping with their experience and background. Non-utilization of this disciplined, physically fit and hardworking force, imbued with the spirit of solidarity, patriotism and zest for work, indeed is not only a national loss but at the same time their being ignored, after they have spent the best years of their life in safeguarding our national borders, reflects the national failure in discharging the obligation to these gallant men. This book is based on the pioneering study done by the author on the subject, as sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research. The data for the study has been collected from retired Army officers settled in and around Poona. It is an indispensable book not only for those who are entrusted with the responsibility of resolving resettlement problems of retired Army Officers but also for all other military and civil authorities, including public and private industrial undertakings, who should pool their resources and efforts to come to the aid of these patriotic citizens by providing them gainful employment in recognition of their sufferings and sacrifices for the nation.