The author, Maj Gen Alok Deb (Retd) defines a synergising relationship between the two requirements that the Indian armed forces are grappling with today: integration of the three services to optimise combat potential and shedding the flab that each one carries. He defines various areas where such flab can be reduced and the promise that integrated theatre commands hold out. Such integration has been difficult in all countries that have pursued the objective, and only a top down approach has a chance of success.