Leadership Enhancement for Indian Armed Forces: College of Defence Management Concludes Week-Long Program
The College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad has successfully wrapped up a week-long Management Development Program (MDP) focusing on Organizational Behaviour, marking a key advancement in leadership development for the Indian Armed Forces. Taking place from September 8 to 13, 2025, the program engaged 22 mid-level officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force in intensive training that emphasized self-awareness, resilience, decision-making, effective communication, and teamwork.
Under the guidance of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the program aimed to prepare officers for leadership roles in challenging operational environments. By integrating global military training paradigms, including insights from a 1998 National Academies Press study on military simulations, the MDP adopted adaptive leadership strategies to tackle complex issues. The curriculum was designed to enhance both individual and team performance and to instill a culture of adaptability and excellence within the tri-service framework.
The event concluded with a valedictory ceremony highlighting the collaboration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Certificates were awarded by senior officers, representing the program's success in fostering inter-service cooperation. A group photograph, taken against the backdrop of the CDM’s esteemed campus, symbolized the institution’s unique position as Asia’s only dedicated college for defence management education.
This endeavor aligns with the Indian Armed Forces' substantial ₹99.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) investment in a comprehensive optical fibre cable network, one of the largest closed user group networks globally, reflecting a strategic focus on technologically driven leadership. Accredited with an NAAC A+ rating and affiliated with Osmania University, the CDM is instrumental in training over 500 officers annually, solidifying its status as a pivotal institution for professional military education in India.
