What
is cold start doctrine? This was the question which I was asking myself after
attending a seminar on 1971 war between India and Pakistan. To a question asked
by a person sitting in audience, the presenter of the seminar asked to refer
cold start doctrine. I and my friends were not aware about cold start doctrine
which sounds very interesting.
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After
doing some research I came to know that, cold start doctrine is compilation of
practical and imaginary tactics to carry out a quick integrated battle. Integrated
battle means, Army, Air Force and navy carrying out operation to achieve same
objective. The primary objective of cold start is to produce atmosphere for
limited war.
According
to the doctrine, to achieve the objective there is a need to re divide the army
into integrated battle groups. The main aim is to carry out several strikes
within 72 to 96 hours and going approximately fifty to seventy kilometers
inside the enemy’s territory with the support of navy and air force.
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The
disadvantage of this kind of strategy can be the lack of depth in enemy’s
territory. If enemy doesn’t have enough depth then they can retaliate equally
to the operation carried out by their opponent.
The
major elements of cold start doctrine are:
1. The surprise element.
2. Integrated forces.
3. Day-night operations which
are quick as well as swift.
4. Effective air support
combined with massive fire power.
5. Defending own ground and
holding it successfully.
6. Limited objectives.
7. Strong command and
control.
8. Rapid deployment of
forces.
9. Battles fought on multiple
fronts to achieve objectives before international pressure mounts on the head
of the nation.
On
ground it is not possible to apply cold start doctrine because of the lack of
resources and weak will power of the nation’s government. Many elements of this
doctrine are equal to myth and impossible to achieve in real battle.
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