The role of the army in internal security

The role of the army in internal security varies based on the country, its governance structure, and the nature of security threats faced. In many nations, the army plays a significant role in maintaining internal security under specific circumstances. Here are some general aspects of the army’s role in internal security:

During times of crisis such as natural disasters, riots, or situations beyond the control of civil authorities, the army may be called upon to provide assistance. They help in maintaining law and order, rescuing civilians, and restoring normalcy.
When faced with internal threats like insurgencies or terrorism, the army might engage in counterinsurgency operations. This involves combating armed groups that pose a threat to the state’s stability and security
Protecting national borders against infiltration, smuggling, and illegal activities is a key role of the army. This includes patrolling borders, maintaining border outposts, and preventing cross-border threats
The army can be mobilized to support civil law enforcement agencies during critical situations, ensuring the protection of essential services, infrastructure, and citizens
Safeguarding vital installations such as government buildings, airports, and strategic locations is often entrusted to the army to ensure their security
The army often plays a crucial role in disaster management, providing relief, rescue operations, and aid during natural calamities or humanitarian crises
The army might provide training and logistical support to local law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities in dealing with security threats
In some cases, the army may be deployed to maintain the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a nation facing internal threats

Role of the Army in Internal Security

Understanding the contemporary role of the military within society requires acknowledging the paramount importance placed by both the government and military leadership on internal security for achieving national stability.
This emphasis stems from recognizing that internal stability threats often translate into significant national security risks. Past encounters with regional separatist movements and disruptions caused by radical religious or political factions have resulted in governments having little tolerance for public unrest. Adapting capabilities to collectively address regional and global security challenges has become pivotal in fulfilling the national security function.
The handling of issues related to domestic violence and internal security primarily falls within the domain of police departments, aimed at maintaining law and order. However, these departments are often ill-equipped and inadequately trained for their intended purposes, leading political leadership to frequently engage the armed forces.
Consequently, in India, the armed forces’ deployment extends beyond conventional strategies, focusing on maintaining law and order, national sovereignty, and integrity against internal threats that endanger national unity.
All armed forces bear responsibilities encompassing both domestic and international duties. Typically, less developed states assign greater responsibilities to their armed forces for domestic control, allocating larger defense budgets to armies rather than navies or air forces.
As countries progress economically and politically, the emphasis shifts from internal order to safeguarding territorial borders and trade routes. Navies and air forces, vital for external defense and projecting power beyond borders, become increasingly important, leading to inter-service rivalries over resources and missions.
In the Indian context, the collective Armed Forces—comprising the army, navy, and air force—play a pivotal role in combating threats arising from communalism, regionalism, secessionism, terrorism, and militancy.
While their primary objective remains maintaining sovereignty and integrity, each branch consistently prepares for operational readiness, even during peace. Yet, frequent troop deployments from barracks to streets significantly disrupt this preparedness.
The structure of security institutions aligns with their perceived role in security, often following a narrower military-focused definition rather than a broader political understanding. War is generally considered distinct from peacetime, leading to differing rules and institutions governing each state.
The evolving political role of armed forces hinges on the definition of security and how leaders seek to control these agencies while legitimizing their actions, especially when sacrifices in resources and lives are demanded.
However, this challenge isn’t exclusive to particular types of states but spans democratic, non-democratic, rich, and poor societies.
Kautilya, a renowned war scholar, advocated separating instruments of war from peace institutions, especially in democratic setups. Military forces in such contexts should refrain from assuming political roles.
Yet, many armies worldwide, including the Indian army, face dissatisfaction with internal security duties, pointing to the disparity between broader political understanding and narrow military perspectives.
While the classical solution involves political control over armed forces, this assumes well-formed states and professional armies. However, security threats often emerge in societies lacking these structures, raising questions about how to provide actual security beyond political oversight.
The country’s inclination toward using force often hinges on the nature of security institutions—whether conscript or volunteer army—rather than solely on objective national interests or threats.

National Context

The role of the army in internal security within a national context is multifaceted and varies based on the country’s governance, security threats faced, and the role assigned to the armed forces by the government. In many nations, the army plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security under specific circumstances:

During crises like natural disasters or situations where civil authorities are overwhelmed, the army may step in to provide assistance. Their roles include maintaining law and order, aiding in rescue operations, and restoring normalcy
When faced with internal threats like insurgencies or terrorism, the army may conduct operations to counter these threats, ensuring the stability of the nation
Safeguarding national borders against infiltration, smuggling, and illegal activities falls under the army’s purview. They patrol borders, manage border outposts, and prevent cross-border threats
The army can support law enforcement agencies during critical situations, ensuring the protection of essential services, infrastructure, and citizens
The army often safeguards critical installations such as government buildings, airports, and other strategic locations to ensure their security
In times of natural calamities or humanitarian crises, the army actively participates in relief and rescue operations, providing aid to affected areas
They might offer training and logistical support to local law enforcement agencies, enhancing their capabilities in dealing with security threats
The army’s presence and actions may be required to maintain the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty against internal threats of disintegration
In certain situations, armed forces might engage in prolonged low-intensity conflicts against adversaries that aren’t officially declared enemies, such as handling issues related to communalism, regionalism, secessionism, terrorism, and militancy

The deployment of the army for internal security purposes often raises debates about the militarization of civilian spaces and the balance between maintaining order and respecting civil liberties. It’s crucial to have clear guidelines and oversight to ensure that the armed forces’ involvement in internal security aligns with democratic values, respects human rights, and operates under civilian control.

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