India’s retired Major Kavish Aggarwala revealed, while comparing the police and highlighting other realities, that the police were more rogue than the army, while soldiers did not receive more privileges than civilians.
According to details, India’s armed forces, especially the Army, were often considered a respectable and powerful institution, but in reality, the life of army personnel was extremely tough and full of sacrifices. Major Kavish Aggarwala, who was a Supreme Court lawyer and a former JAG officer of the Indian Army, during a podcast shed light on army life, entitlements, comparison with police, court-martial, resignation laws, and other real experiences. Major Kavish described the realities he witnessed during his 10-year service, which were eye-opening for civilians.
The podcast began with a common perception that army men get many privileges. But Major Kavish stated, “This is a misconception.” He explained that an officer, whether serving or retired, does not receive any special privileges in civilian areas. “There is no preference for train or flight tickets, while bureaucrats and ministers get every kind of facility,” he added. He gave the example of Karol Bagh, where a car with an army sticker was not stopped, but Major Kavish stated, “Putting up an army sticker is itself prohibited and provides no privilege. Army policies prohibit it; otherwise, it is illegal.”
Even after retirement, there is no privilege. Major Kavish stated, “I am a retired person; I do not get any privilege.” He added that in civilian life, army men stand in queues like ordinary citizens. “The canteen facility is also not a big thing; it saves no more than 5,000 rupees monthly, and the alcohol discount only benefits those who drink,” he explained. He further noted, “Top generals get large bungalows and staff, but that too is part of their high responsibilities, which only a few people get.”
While comparing the army and police, Major Kavish stated, “The police are more powerful. The army has weapons, but cannot use them. In this country, the man with a weapon is the weakest, because he cannot use it.” He added that according to Supreme Court guidelines, even in terrorist areas, soldiers must first verify, then warn, and fire below the knee. “This weakens the army,” he said.
There was an incident in Indore where army men attacked a police station because the police misbehaved with army personnel. Major Kavish supported this, saying, “Army men are highly disciplined and never attack first. In response to police misconduct, it becomes necessary. Corruption is less in the army because there is no opportunity. In police, taking bribes daily is easy, but the army’s structure is such that 95% of people have no chance for corruption.”
Resigning from the army was almost impossible. Major Kavish stated, “According to Army Rule 16C, resignation depends on central government approval, which is often rejected. Soldiers get a pension after 15 years and officers after 20 years of service. The excuse given for rejecting resignation is ‘threat to national security,’ while the Prime Minister or Chief Minister can resign.”
Court-martial was a military court that could sentence up to seven years in peace areas and the death penalty in field areas. A senior could order a junior to do something illegal, which became harassment. Section 63 of the Army Act punished “violation of good order and military discipline.” Major Kavish explained, “Training is extremely tough; Indian military training is second to none. Bullying and harassment are common, such as standing on one’s head or unnecessary punishment.”
There was no freedom in army life. Soldiers were allowed ninety days leave per year, but often received less. They stayed away from family, and divorce rates were high. Major Kavish stated, “The salary of a Major is 80,400 rupees basic plus allowances, but due to risk, they get MSP.”
He also highlighted a dark aspect: “It is difficult to bring back a soldier who crosses the border, because they are denied in secret missions. Soldiers struggle for pension, especially disability pension. The government changes policies to save money. Alcohol dependency is common, from British culture. Infidelity and homosexuality are crimes in the army, though not among civilians.”
Major Kavish stated, “Civilians do not know the hardships of army life. I am not against the army but support changing wrong policies. The army is the best institution, but sacrifices must be respected. This reality forces civilians to think that army service is not punishment, but sacrifice. The government should change policies to make soldiers’ lives easier.”
