An Inspection in any organization is a major task involving month long preparations , brushing up all the SOP’s [Standard Operating Procedure ] , and many rehearsals before the D Day .There is always an element of ” window dressing ” to hide any possible shortcomings in the system , especially in the upkeep of facilities and equipment .The main purpose of an Inspecting Officer is to judge the state of ‘ fitness ‘ of an organization to discharge its intended role. In the case of Armed Forces , it is to test the ‘ battle readiness ‘ of a field force when there is no war around. Thus , peace time soldiering is all about training for war and periodic inspections including technical inspections .
The incident here happened at Bareilly in UP during the late 60’s where I was posted as the Adjutant in the rank of Captain in an EME Battalion. Our operational role was in the UP – Tibet border against any possible threat from the Chinese. It was my job to ensure that all administrative aspects about the inspection was taken care of which included a ‘ book inspection ‘ by the staff of the divisional Commander and above all pull all the strings to get a good impression of the General during his visit to the battalion which includes a working lunch at the Officers Mess .
I got into the act and ensured that everything is taken care of in its minutest details. I came to know from the ADC to the divisional commander that the General was very fond of gardening and always appreciated good potted flowers . Our Officers Mess lacked a good garden and I had noticed some good flower pots painted in blue with a variety of seasonal flowers with the neighboring Signals Regiment . The adjutant there was a good friend and I borrowed about two dozen flower pots from him for our Inspection. After a successful tour of the Battalion in the morning , the divisional Commander along with his staff came over with our Commanding Officer [ C O ] to the Officers Mess for lunch. While walking in , the General noticed the freshly painted flower pots with good flowers and appreciated the same . Everything went off well and my CO was very happy .
It so happened , our battalion was the first to be inspected by the General and the Signals Regiment was the last after a gap of two weeks or so . During the visit of the divisional commander to the Signals Regiment , unfortunately , there were some glitches while they were tested for establishing communications with the higher HQ and the General was not very happy with the CO about this lapse which reflected poorly on the ‘ fitness ‘ aspect of the regiment. When , he moved into the CO’s office for a final chat , he saw the same flower pots he noticed in our officers mess , this time displayed in front of the office of the CO of the Signals Regiment . I heard he sarcastically commented to the CO there ” Come on Colonel , I am sure you can at least have your own flower pots in front of your office ! You don’t have to borrow them from the EME Battalion ! ” . The adjutant of the Signals Regiment , I believe , got a strong reprimand from his CO for this fiasco and did not speak to me for some time! . Inspection Blues!