Stressing the need for unity among the Army, Navy and Air Force, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said the ultimate victory in war would be achieved only when these three forces were combined.

“The Army, Navy and Air Force are the military instruments of State power. The history of warfare bears testimony that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three services”, he said

During his convocation address at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, he said the foremost example of excellent synergy was exhibited in military history during the 1971 war.

“No strategic military victory has ever been so precedented by any armed forces in the world, such as the liberation of Bangladesh, which culminated with the birth of a nation, on termination of the war”, the President said.

“Ensure, that you use this understanding with utmost maturity and prudence, to effectively leverage the combat power of our forces, when the country requires you, as custodians of peace and security, to preserve the sovereignty, conforming to our national interests”, he said adding “as your Supreme Commander I implore you to do this with total loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour”.

Urging the graduants to remain well informed about the latest in military technology advancements and scientific developments for their appropriate application in the armed forces, the President said “study the numerous perceptions of various conflicts that have been chronicled and conscientiously study the evolution of potential flashpoints and their evaluated outcomes”.

“It is only when you seek knowledge, that you gain wisdom in life, to take coherent and timely military decisions, which directly affects the lives of the forces under your command”, the President said.

Mr. Mukherjee also urged them to articulate their views with clarity and conviction, in accordance with military rules and regulations to obviate ambiguity and ambivalence.