Force accretion of Armed Forces and development of their combat capabilities to tackle the entire spectrum of security challenges is an ongoing process dictated primarily by capabilities to be achieved, threat perceptions, prevailing eternal strategic security environment and emerging technologies.

Procurement of defence weapons/equipments and ammunition is undertaken as per the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), the 5 year Acquisition Plan, the Annual Acquisition Plan and the 12^th Defence Plan.

Government has sanctioned a number of proposals for accretion of manpower in the recent years. A number of measures have also been taken to meet the shortage of manpowers in the Armed Forces including by sustained image projection, publicity campaign to create awareness among the youth on the advantages of taking up a challenging and satisfying career, as also by augmenting the training infrastructure of the Armed forces.

The details of personnel in the defence services are as under:-

Army		Navy		Air Force
Officers (as on 1.7.2016)	JCOs/ORs (as on 1.7.2016)	Officers (as on 31.1.2017)	Sailors (as on 31.1.2017)	Officers (as on 1.3.2017)	Airmen (as on 1.3.2017)
41569	1178440	10279	56830	11971	128168

Pay and allowances and other benefits/ facilities are provided to defence personnel including non-commissioned officers and soldiers as per Government orders issued from time to time. Apart from pay, the defence personnel deployed in tough conditions are given certain compensatory allowances i.e. Field Area Allowance, Siachen Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, Island Special Duty Allowance, etc. and also special clothing and ration as per extant rules.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply toShri Bharathi Mohan R.Kin Lok Sabha today.

NAMPI/Rajib

(Release ID: 1484876) Visitor Counter : 152