Humor in Uniform – Musings of a “Superseded” Officer – Part 2 – Fulfillment after Supersession

Humor in Uniform

Musings of a “Superseded” Officer

by

Vikram Karve 

Continued from Part 1 – Supersession Day – url: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/supersession-day-musings-of-written-off.html

Part 2

Fulfillment after Supersession 

In my previous blog post – I told you that when you are “passed over” for promotion and “superseded” – you have 3 choices:

1. You can Quit the Service immediately by Resigning your Commission (even if it means giving up your pension and forgoing/losing many benefits)

2. You can wait for a few years to complete 20 years pensionable service – and then seek Premature Retirement (PMR).

3. You can serve till you attain the age of “superannuation” (Earlier the minimum superannuation age was 54 years – but I understand that this has now been increased to 57 years – and some officers continue for a few more years on “re-employment”)

This article is for those “superseded” officers who decide to choose the 3^rd option and continue serving till they attain the age of superannuation.

YOUR “GIRLFRIEND” HAS “DUMPED” YOU

Let me explain metaphorically.

Suppose you have a steady girlfriend to whom you intend getting married and spending the rest of your life.

You have been loyal, sincere and devoted to your girlfriend.

Suppose she suddenly dumps you.

How will you feel…?

Won’t you feel betrayed…?

Similarly – won’t you feel “betrayed” the moment you are superseded for promotion…?

You have been loyal to the service – but – the service has not been loyal to you in return.

For no apparent reason – the service has “dumped” you.

You faithfully loved your girlfriend – and she dumped you.

You were totally devoted to the service – and the service “dumped” you.

Now – once your girlfriend has dumped you – what are the options open to you…?

Think about it.

You can become vindictive towards her – you can indulge in self-pity and sink into depression – you can plead with your girlfriend to take you back into her life – you can beg and beseech her to reconsider her decision to dump you – or – you can move on in life – and try to acquire a new girlfriend.

Similarly – what are your options when you are superseded…?

1. You can become “bitter” and resentful and start behaving in an acrimonious and spiteful manner. Such rancorous behavior will spoil inter-personal relationships and create “bad blood” in the environment – and – such negative vibes not only affect your own mental and physical health but will affect your family, friends and colleagues as well.

2. You can “internalize” your sorrow, start brooding and indulge in self-pity. Excessive self-commiseration will not only will make you miserable and cause you depression – but it may also push you towards alcoholism if you have a tendency to “drown” your sorrows in drink. I have seen many superseded officers becoming alcoholics.

(As an aside – let me tell you what one witty senior officer said about me when I was superseded.

He opined: 

“We don’t have to worry about him (me) becoming an alcoholic. The bugger is already a bloody drunkard. For all you know – supersession may have the opposite effect on him – and he may stop drinking…”

By the way – I did quit drinking – albeit a few years after supersession)

3. You can “plead” with the service to promote you. This can be done in a number of ways. You can “beg” your seniors for “thumping” ACRs to enable you to get promoted in the remaining attempts, you can take the “official” route – put up representations, statutory complaints and indulge in litigation etc. All this will fill you with anxiety and stress. And – if you get involved in litigation – besides the expenses involved – your mind will start thinking negative thoughts – especially as you keep discussing your case ad nauseam with lawyers and “sea lawyers”. Instead of thinking interesting creative positive thoughts – your mind will be constantly preoccupied with negative thinking. All this will affect your family and environment too.

4. Or – like in the “girlfriend dumping” metaphor – you can choose the option of moving on in life and acquiring a new “girlfriend”. Now – if you had chosen the option of resigning and quitting the service immediately after you are superseded – this new “girlfriend” can be a new job in “Civvy Street”. However – since you have decided to serve till superannuation – you will have to find this new “girlfriend” within the service. How do you do this…? How did I do this…? Read below…

INTROSPECTION

Firstly – you must be clear in your mind that the service has “rejected” you – and now – you are an “unwanted” entity (just like the example of your girlfriend “dumping” you and not wanting you anymore)

You have been brutally superseded – “passed over” for promotion – “written off” – “fallen by the wayside” – “deadwood” – discarded, redundant and unwanted by the environment.

You have been sidelined from the mainstream – you have been put on a sidetrack – and those on the main track don’t care two hoots about you.

So – don’t expect any “sympathy” from the system.

You are on your own – “index” – as they say in the Navy – and – you have to discover the best way to continue your journey in service as a “superseded” officer till you reach the age of superannuation.  

(If some seniors, course-mates and friends are helpful – consider it as a bonus – but don’t expect it)

By the time you are superseded – you would have done many appointments in a variety of jobs.

That’s the beauty of the Armed Forces (especially the Navy) – they make you work in a variety of jobs so that you become the “Jack of all Trades”.

Introspect – reflect – of all the jobs you did – which is the job you enjoyed the most…?

In my case – I had loved serving on ships the best.

But sadly – this job was ruled out – since – those days – superseded officers are not appointed for sea duties – which were considered mandatory “criteria” appointments for promotion.

Maybe – it was the view of the “powers-that-be” that since superseded officers were not eligible for selection for promotion – there was no point “wasting” a criteria appointment on “passed over” officers.

Also – remember – that the moment you are superseded for promotion – you are officially declared “incompetent”.

So – overnight – from being a professional “hot shot” officer – I became professionally “incompetent” – at least in the eyes of the system.

Hence – I became ineligible for “prestigious” high-profile appointments ashore.

Having ruled out these “high profile” options – I explored suitable “low profile” opportunities available to me.

I had done two tenures “instructional duties” – one at Navy Training “Stone Frigate” INS Valsura (where I had taught Naval Officers undergoing the Specialization Course) – and – one at the Institute of Armament Technology (IAT) where I had taught and guided the Advanced Post Graduate Master’s (ME) Course in Systems Engineering).

I had served in Research and Development (R&D) appointment.

I had served in a Naval Dockyard.

I had a stint as a “Babu in Uniform”.

Of the above options – I liked “instructional” appointments the best – especially IAT Pune – where the egalitarian “laissez faire” multi-service environment was conducive to superseded officers – much better than the “regimented” rank-conscious ethos at INS Valsura.

(Though “Quality Assurance” (QA) appointments were considered “suitable” for superseded officers – I hadn’t served in a “QA” billet – and so – I was quite averse to trying out something that was unknown).

As advised my “mentors” – I put up a request for an appointment in IAT – and – thanks to my well-wishers – six months later – I was appointed to IAT Pune on “Instructional Duties”.

(Coincidentally – IAT had asked for an Officer with Qualitative Requirements (QRs) which matched my qualifications/experience – my earlier tenure at IAT had helped a great deal).  

I must say that the Navy shows due consideration to “passed over” officers and tries to soften the blow of supersession by giving suitable appointments and long tenures to them.

Not only did Navy give me my choice appointment – but they gave me a long tenure too – more than 8 years – followed by 6 years at Mumbai.

(Prior to supersession – my average tenure in a station was less than 2 years).

Did I do justice to my appointment at IAT Pune…?

I would love to blow my own trumpet – but – I will just quote two extracts from two souvenirs (coffee table books) published by IAT during its Golden Jubilee.

Extract from page 63 of History of IAT – 50 Years of Excellence (1952 - 2002)

From Chapter on R&D Activities in Wings.

“Cdr VW Karve was the main pillar for many years and made the largest possible contributions to the students, faculty and institute. Numerous papers published by him in national and international journals earned a name for the Institute”

Extract from page 41 of IAT Golden Jubilee Souvenir

From the article “A Grateful Student Remembers”.

“Though not widely practiced, Cdr Karve’s Captain Haddockesque approach to education intrigued me enough to try out the concurrent methodology in conjunction with the sequential methodology, I was already into. It was an eventful and illuminating two semesters under the guidance of Cdr Karve, who was an Institute within the Institute”

CONCLUSION

Once you are “superseded” and “passed over” for promotion – if you choose to continue in service – it is best to make the most of it – by trying to identify and select a suitable “job” (within service parameters) – a job in harmony with your talent – a métier where you can flourish and contribute your best to the service too.

Self-Pity, Bitterness and Negative Thinking may prove counterproductive to your mental well-being and health – and – indulging in litigation may affect your “peace of mind”.

Remember the “dumped by girlfriend” metaphor – move on – be positive – introspect – discover your “métier” – find a new suitable “girlfriend” with whom you feel you can achieve your best – and – make the most of it. 

To be continued in Part 3 SUPERSEDED OFFICER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE 

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved) 

Part 1 of this Blog Post posted in my blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2017/05/supersession-day-musings-of-written-off.html

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Military Promotion System – Railway Train Metaphor

MILITARY PROMOTION SYSTEM (in a Nutshell) – The Railway Train Metaphor

Musings of a Veteran

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Many years ago – I was travelling by train.

Our train slowed down – deviated from the main-line onto a side-track – and stopped.

The signal ahead of the side-track was Red.  

I got down from the train.  

I saw a railway-man holding red and green signal flags.

I asked the railway-man:

“Why has our train stopped…?”

“Your train has been halted to let the express train overtake…” he said.

“But – our train is also an express train…” I said.

“Yes. But the express coming behind you is a long distance train – it has priority…”

There was another track – a railway siding – ending in a dead-end – with a buffer stop.

On this “dead-end” track – there stood a train comprising decrepit coaches.

“What about that train…?” I asked the railway-man.

“That is a rake of dilapidated old coaches – waiting to be declared unserviceable and condemned to be retired and scrapped…” he said.  

Suddenly – a thought struck me.

The situation was exactly like the Navy Promotion System – or rather – like the Military Promotion System for Officers.

Those days – promotions till the rank of Lieutenant Commander (Major/SqnLdr) were by Time-Scale – you became a Lieutenant Commander after completing 11 years of commissioned service.

Then – after a few years – around 17/18 years of service – you faced your first Promotion Board (PB1) for promotion to the rank of Commander (LtCol/WgCdr).

[Now – after the AVS Cadre Review – promotions till the rank of Commander (LtCol/WgCdr) are by Time Scale (13 Years) – and you face your first Promotion Board (PB1) for promotion for promotion to the rank of Captain (Colonel/GpCapt)

Your first Promotion Board (PB1) may have been delayed by one rank – but – the essence of the promotion system remains the same – and the “Railway Train Metaphor” applies equally aptly]

Metaphorically – a Promotion Board (PB) is like the Railway Signal.

And – Officers of a Batch were like “Trains” rushing towards the Signal.

Some trains were given the green signal and allowed to pass through.

(These were the lucky officers cleared for promotion and placed on the “select list”...)

The remaining officers were like trains diverted on the side-track and stopped.

They would be made to wait for one year (Officers placed on R1 List).

After one year – there would be the next annual Promotion Board.

Some of these “R1” Officers would be given the “green signal” and they would proceed ahead in their careers (they would conjoin with the next batch of “First Shot” Select List Officers who had got the “green signal” on their first attempt and were rushing ahead on the main track)

The remaining R1 Officers (who did not get the “green signal”) – they would have to wait for one more year on the side-track (R2 List).

After one more year – a few “R2” Officers would be given the “green signal” and they would proceed ahead in their careers.  

Those officers still remaining on the “side-track” would be given one last third chance after one more year – and the few lucky ones to get the “green signal” would proceed ahead in the career journey.

Those unlucky officers who could not make it in 3 attempts – they would be declared “permanently superseded” and shunted off to the “dead-end railway siding” with a permanent red signal.

They would be kept there till superannuation – just like the old railway coaches on the “dead-end” railway siding – waiting to be declared unserviceable and condemned to be retired and scrapped.

From their “dead-end railway siding” – these hopeless and hapless “permanently superseded” officers would watch their juniors rush ahead every year getting “green signals”

One fine day – after remaining static on the “dead-end siding” for many years – these forlorn superseded officers would be “superannuated” and “retired” from service (a few would manage to get “re-employment” and prolong their agony on the “dead-end siding” for one year or more). 

Those lucky “Trains” (Officers) that rushed past the first “green signal” (PB1) – they would face a series of signals (PBs) – with similar situations – but – getting tougher and tougher – with very few “Trains” (Officers) getting the “green signal” – as ranks got higher and higher.

I have tried to illustrate the military promotion system in a simplistic manner using the “railway train metaphor”.

There may be many types of “complications” (“jumping the signal”) – due to Representations/Litigations/“Flexible HR Management” etc

But – in essence – the military promotion system is metaphorically like the railway train “paradigm” illustrated above.

Dear Readers – especially Military Veteran Readers – I eagerly await your comments…

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Humor in Uniform – Tête-à-Tête with a “Motivated” NCC Officer

HUMOUR IN UNIFORM

Tête-à-Tête with a “Motivated” NCC Officer
A Fictional Spoof
By
VIKRAM KARVE

SQUARE PEGS IN ROUND HOLES

In his introduction to the witty and insightful favourite management classic  “The Peter Principle”  the co-author Raymond Hull narrates hilarious professional paradoxes – probably apocryphal – about “square pegs in round holes”.

“I am no longer amazed to observe that a government-employed marriage counsellor is a homosexual” – he comments.

(The book was written in 1969 when the concept of “Gay Marriages” was not in vogue and a marriage was presumed to be a heterosexual relationship).

 Then he gives examples of mismatched “square pegs in round holes” – in fact, the book “The Peter Principle” is interspersed with numerous such droll snippets .

During my long career in the Navy – I have seen many such amusing mismatches.

Once in a Military Hospital – I remember coming across a child-specialist lady doctor who hated children.

She was a rather rude young unmarried pediatrician lady doctor in uniform and someone commented that maybe she would change her attitude once she herself got married and had children of her own.

I have seen many officers posted as instructors/trainers/teaching faculty who are total misfits as they are unable to communicate effectively.

This happens because it is assumed that a good student is ipso facto a good teacher– so a “topper” student of a course is posted as an instructor.

On a few occasions – yours truly has also been a “square peg in a round hole”.

Yes – I too have had my share of mismatched appointments.

I am sure you too have seen many “square pegs in round holes” in uniform.

Let me tell you of one classic case I came across.

THE “MOTIVATED” NCC OFFICER

Long back – while I was sitting in the bar at DSOI in New Delhi – I ran into an Army Officer who was Commanding an NCC (National Cadet Corps) Unit at Mumbai (then called Bombay).

The aim of the NCC is to motivate young students of impressionable age to join the Defence Services.

Thus – it is apt that the Commanding Officer (CO) of an NCC unit should be a highly motivated officer – who must be an inspiring role model for his cadets.

He needs to be full of josh and jingoism – like the highly motivated Divisional Officers in National Defence Academy (NDA) and other Cadet Training Academies like Indian Military Academy (IMA) Indian Naval Academy (NAVAC/INA) Officers Training Academy (OTA) Air Force Academy (AFA) etc.

Since we were the only two persons in the bar that afternoon – I tried to start a conversation with the NCC Officer (Army Officer who was CO of NCC Unit).

I asked him about the various initiatives NCC was taking to motivate young college students to join the armed forces.

But – he was not interested in the subject.

In fact – the NCC Officer seemed least interested in talking about his job in the NCC.

He told me that he himself was desperately trying to quit the army.

He had put in his papers for premature retirement.

He said that he had come all the way from Mumbai to Delhi to personally get his premature retirement case cleared.

He told me that after the cushy NCC posting at Mumbai – hw was due to be posted to a hard field area – so – he had decided to quit the army and seek premature reitrement – and – he was busy chasing his premature retirement case for the last few months.

He had come to Delhi in order to expedite matters personally – and to get his premature retirement approved quickly – so that his papers would be through before he was posted out from Mumbai.

He wanted to get out of the army as fast as possible – so that he could take up a lucrative job offer – and settle down in Mumbai.

He told me that he had got an attractive job offer from a prestigious firm in Mumbai.

He also told me that the firm wanted him to join quickly – so time was running out for him.

Also – if he got posted out meanwhile to a field area – it would mean the end of this great opportunity for a successful second innings in the civvy street.

From the bitter way in which he complained about his army career – it was evident that he was quite fed up of army life.

The NCC Officer was especially bitter about being sidelined from the mainstream Army and being unceremoniously “dumped” into the NCC.

He was desperate to get his premature retirement through – and it was evident that all his attention and energies were devoted to chasing his premature retirement case.

No wonder – he was least interested in NCC activities.

The NCC Officer was hardly an “inspiring role model” to motivate youngsters to join the Armed Forces.

Tell me – can an officer – who is so disillusioned with the army – that he desperately wants to quit the army – motivate youngsters to join the Army...?

During my long career in the Navy – I saw many officers  – who themselves were in dire need of “motivation” – being posted to the NCC to motivate youngsters. 

Yes – officers who were themselves in need of “motivation” were being posted to the NCC to motivate youngsters. 

Quite an irony – isn’t it...?

If you really want to motivate impressionable young minds and inspire them to join the Defence Services – why not post young unmarried officers who are full of “josh”, patriotic zeal and nationalistic fervour to the NCC...?

Like the one mentioned in the story – can such “motivated” NCC officers be “role models” to inspire youth to join the Defence Services...? 

Tell me – why not post young enthusiastic officers to NCC who can truly motivate young students to join the Armed Forces?

Why post disillusioned and demoralized superseded officers in NCC – or old “re-employed” officers who are “over the hill” – or officers on the verge of superannuation – who just do “time-pass” in NCC appointments...?

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Revised version my my article written by me in the year 2014 and posted online be me Vikram Karve earlier in my Blog - Academic and Creative Writing Journal Vikram Karve at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/humor-in-uniform-square-pegs-in-round.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/04/unforgettable-characters-in-uniform.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/06/humor-in-uniform-story-of-motivated-ncc.html

Humor in Uniform : Written Off – Supersession Day

Humor in Uniform

“SUPERSESSION” DAY

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

DAY OF THE “PASSOVER”

The Navy Promotion IG (Signal) was released in the evening – and by next morning everyone knew the news – who had “made it” – and who had been “written off”.

My name was not on the “select list”.

I had been “passed over” for promotion.

For me – this came as a bolt from the blue – and – I felt shell-shocked.

I was under the impression that I had done well in my Naval Career – good performance in the right courses – the best appointments on frontline warships and ashore – and – just a few weeks earlier – my boss had told me that he had found out from “reliable sources” that I was sure to be promoted – and he even discussed my next appointment in my new rank.

My boss liked me – and he was extremely disappointed that I had been “superseded”.

My boss genuinely commiserated with me on my bad luck – and – he told me to take the day off – and he assured me that he would help me in whatever way possible.

Plenty of “well-wishers” dropped by to show their sympathy for my misfortune.

A course-mate (whose name was on the “select list”) tried to console me by commenting that the most “hot shot” officer “X” in our batch had also been “passed over”.

“By the way – if it is any consolation to you – even “X” has not made it…” he said.

His sly suggestion that I may be consoled by someone else’s misfortune hurt me very much.

I got furious at his fake consolation – and I said angrily to him: “How the hell does it matter to me whether “X” is promoted or not…? Why should I feel comforted by someone else’s misfortune…? The fact is that ‘my goose is cooked’ – I’m sunk – the bottom-line is that my naval career is over – I just don’t care who has been promoted or not promoted – the reality is that I have not been promoted – and that is all that matters to me…”

“I am sorry – I was only trying to console you…” he said, contrite – and he left.

A few minutes later – another fellow Naval Officer came in.

He was 2 years senior to me.

He had missed his promotion twice – he had got 2 “R’s” – and he had become very desperate for promotion – but finally – he had made it to the select list in his 3^rd and last attempt.

“Congratulations…” I said.

“Thanks,” he said, “but I am feeling very sorry about you – we all were very sure that you would easily make it to the select list…”

He told me that all the “select listed” officers had hoisted a “Gin Pennant” to celebrate their promotion – and he had come to personally invite to the beer session.

My “inner voice” told me not to go – so – I said to him: “Please try to understand – I am really not in the mood to celebrate right now – but I will surely have a drink with you some other time…”

“I understand – I have gone through the same emotions twice. You take care – we will have a talk later…” he said – and he left my office.

I sat in my office – feeling depressed – when the phone rang.

It was my friend “P” calling from Delhi – a “trunk call” – as they called it those days.

“Congratulations…” “P” said cheerfully – the moment he heard my voice on the phone.

I was stunned.

“P” was appointed in Naval Headquarters – so – surely “P” knew that I had not made it to the “select list” and that I had been “passed over” for promotion.

So– I said to “P” in an accusing tone, “Sir – why are you congratulating me…? I have ‘missed the boat’ – my name is not in the ‘select list’…” 

“I know. I am congratulating you on your ‘supersession’…” he said.

I was flabbergasted.

“P” was a very good friend and I considered him a well-wisher.

We had done our specialization course together – but having spent time doing his BEC being ex-NDA – “P” was one year senior to me.

He had been promoted the previous year – and I had been the first to congratulate him.

And now – why was he was ‘rubbing salt into my wound’…?

No – he would never do that – because “P” was a genuine friend of mine.

I wondered whether “P” had gone crazy.

Owing to my silence – “P” must have sensed my train of thoughts – because he said: “You think I have gone crazy – haven’t you…? But think about what I am saying carefully. Till now – you let the Navy enjoy you – but now – it is time for you to enjoy the Navy…”

“What do you mean…?” I asked “P”.

In a genuinely caring tone of voice – “P” said to me: “Don’t take any hasty step like ‘Quitting the Navy’ etc. You have a good reputation – and most senior officers feel that you should have made it to high rank. Everyone is surprised that you have been ‘superseded’. I know you are feeling very disappointed too. But – just Relax. Just continue working to the best of your ability. Think about how you can realize your best potential – think of a job you enjoy and have a flair for – where you can develop your talents. The Navy will look after you. Talk to your wife. I will call you again tomorrow – you just tell me where you want to go – which type of appointment you want – and we will try to put you there…”

“Thanks…” I said, “I will think it out and call you tomorrow.”

That evening – I went on a long walk up Dolphin’s Nose.

I sat down – looking at the soothing blue sea of the Bay of Bengal.

As I introspected – the import of what “P” had said became clear to me.

I decided to live my life to the fullest as a ‘superseded officer’.

Next morning – I called up “P” and told him where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do.

Within 6 months – I was sitting in my new appointment – the very appointment that I had requested.

And then – even after this long and most professionally satisfying and personally fulfilling tenure – the Navy gave me good appointments and a stable life. 

I served till I attained the age of ‘superannuation’.

It has been my personal experience that the Navy really looks after ‘superseded officers’.

Most officers show understanding and consideration towards ‘superseded’ officers (of course there are a few ‘aberrations’ – but they can be dealt with).

To the extent feasible – care was taken to ensure that my boss had joined the Navy well before me and was much senior to me not only in rank but in service as well.     

I got good appointments where I could nurture my talents and develop myself – and was given a free hand to perform to the best of my ability and derive job satisfaction.

And I can proudly say – that – I contributed more to the service after my ‘supersession’ than before my ‘supersession’.

MORAL OF THE STORY

In the Armed Forces – due to the ‘steep pyramid’ hierarchy structure – there are very few vacancies at higher ranks – and most officers are ‘passed over’ for promotion and ‘superseded’ at a relatively young age – in their 30’s and 40’s.

When you are ‘passed over’ for promotion and ‘superseded’ – you have 3 choices:

1. You can quit the Service immediately by Resigning your Commission (even if it means giving up your pension and forgoing many benefits)

2. You can wait for a few years to complete 20 years pensionable service – and then seek Premature Retirement (PMR)

3. You can serve till you attain the age of ‘superannuation’ (earlier the minimum superannuation age was 54 years – but I understand that this has now been increased to 57 years – and some officers continue for a few more years on ‘re-employment’)

It is for you to take a considered decision in a ‘holistic’ manner depending on your personal temperament, life ambitions and financial status – and after reflecting on various familial obligations in their entirety.

You may be prepared for the career and lifestyle changes for a “second innings” in “Civvy Street” – but are your wife and children ready for the huge lifestyle and social changes when they suddenly migrate from “fauji life” to civilian life…?

Now – with the implementation of the “No OROP for PMR” Rule – many ‘superseded’ officers may consider ‘Option 3’ above – and serve till they attain the age of ‘superannuation’ in order to get the benefit of ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP).

The choice of choosing from the 3 options is yours – after considering the Pros and Cons.

But – after ‘supersession’ – if you choose to serve till superannuation –you can have a “fulfilling” life in the Defence Services – if you have the right attitude – as encapsulated in the advice my friend “P” gave me on my ‘supersession’: “Till now – you let the Navy enjoy you – but now – it is time for you to enjoy the Navy…”

As I said earlier – I contributed more to the service after my ‘supersession’ than before my ‘supersession’ – and while doing so – I nurtured my talents, found my ‘métier’ and developed my ‘forte’.

The “Proof of the Pudding” is that you are reading this article in my highly appreciated Blog which has crossed 17, 70, 000 (17.70 Lakh) page-views a few months ago and is now nearing 18, 00, 000 (18 Lakh) Page-Views.

Had I not been “passed over” for promotion – in all probability – I would have become a part of the “rat race” for promotion – sweating it out – jumping from one “hot shot” appointment to another – and – I doubt I would have had the inclination and time to discover my “métier” in Creative Writing and Blogging and nurture and develop my creative writing skills which have fructified into books, blogs and the numerous fiction and non-fiction writings I have published.

Now – you may ask me: “How do you ‘enjoy’ supersession…?”

That – I will tell you in my next blog post.

Maybe – I will write a “SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR “SUPERSEDED” OFFICERS” – in which I will tell you How to Overcome “Passover Woes”, How to Realize your Inner Potential and How to Live a Fulfilling Life as a “Superseded Officer’.

Till then – think about this post – and do tell me your views and experiences – I will look forward to your comments.

Wish You a Happy Day.

VIKRAM KARVE

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1. This is a spoof, satire, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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This is a repost of my story SUPERSESSION DAY posted by me Vikram Karve online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/11/humor-in-uniform-supersession-day.html