General Bipin Rawat will take over the new role of Chief of Defence Staff at the beginning of the new year. In this role, General Rawat will be donning a different uniform uniting elements from all the three wings of the armed forces. His uniform colour remain be olive green denoting his parent service. However, the ranks and badges of the CDS uniform will be different.
The ADG PI, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), tweeted out photographs of the buttons, belt buckle, shoulder rank badges and peaked cap to be part of the Chief of Defence Staff's uniform. It also stated that General Rawat, after taking over the role, will have his office in New Delhi's South Block. He is expected to take residence at 3, Kamraj Marg.
The insignia of the Chief of Defence Staff draws elements from all the three wings of the armed forces, complete with an eagle (signifying the Air Force), two swords (Army), an anchor (Navy) and the state emblem encompassed by a laurel wreath. The insignia will feature on the buttons, belt buckle and peaked cap worn by the CDS. There will be a maroon patch with golden ranks to represent all three services on his shoulders.
The new CDS will serve till the age of 65. According to the existing government rules, the service chiefs can serve up to the age of 62 or for three years, whichever is earlier.