Defence Ministry releases new Manual of Security Instructions

• The Ministry of Defence released the Manual of Security Instructions 2026 at a function held in New Delhi on March 9.

• The manual is a comprehensive document outlining security guidelines, which will be updated periodically to address the changing security scenario.

• Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasised the need for strict adherence to security discipline amid emerging threats and evolving security challenges. 

• He appreciated the efforts of the Security Office of the ministry in preparing these detailed security guidelines.

• He urged the security personnel and officials to ensure their effective implementation, stating that the new manual would help maintain a secure environment within the ministry.

Security Office

• The Security Office under the Joint Secretary (Training) and Chief Administrative Officer in the Ministry of Defence is responsible for the physical security of all buildings and property within the Defence Headquarters Zone. 

• They manage security personnel, access control, and protect personnel and assets.

Office of JS & CAO

• Prior to 1942, all Armed Forces Headquarters employees were deployed in Services Headquarters and Secretariats of the then Department of Defence and War. 

• Though they had common nomenclature, they were treated as separate cadres and were controlled locally by the above departments and branches of Services Headquarters.

• In 1942, all these cadres were brought under one single authority by creation of the post of Chief Administrative Officer in the then War Department. 

• The first CAO took over on August 1, 1942.

• The office of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for providing civilian manpower and infrastructural support to the Services Headquarters and the Headquarter offices of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) under the Ministry of Defence. 

• The CAO is the Cadre Controlling Authority and head of the department for about 12,000 Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) civilian employees.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)