My first assignment after basic training in the Army in the year 1967 was at Kargil with the Border Roads Organisation [BRO] . I was responsible to provide maintenance and second line repair support to the fleet of vehicles, earth moving and snow clearing machinery and a host of other equipments. I had to visit frequently many units of the BRO spread over more than 200 miles on the Srinagar – Leh road .
I remember the interesting and creative management technique adopted by the Commanding Officer of a Pioneer Company located at Chainikund near Kargil. Chainikund provides a good view of the Suru River turning North and flowing towards POK [Pakistan Occupied Kashmir] beyond the LC [Line of Control] and many VIP ‘s traveling by road to Leh used to stop over at Chainikund for a break and the Pioneer Company was always called upon to look after these VIP visitors.
The Commanding Officer, an ex-serviceman from the Army Engineers used to boast to every visitor that his company is ready for a VIP visit with “No prior Notice” and he really meant it. I saw this many times and really appreciated the high standard displayed. The spick and span and order displayed in the lay out in tents, cleanliness and discipline was exceptional considering the cold climate and all the visitors appreciated this.
Once I knew the Commanding Officer well and we became good friends over time, I ventured to ask him to spell out his secret. He declined initially but eventually confided. What he told me bowled me over totally. He had literally TWO Companies co-existing – one demonstration company for the visitors where selected men move in on orders only and another Company for his day to day existence and work which was quite shabby and in disorder always because of the work pressure faced by his men – mostly unskilled labor.
I learned a great management principle there in Chainikund. Practice Redundancy for survival !!