For most of the 1.2 million troops who live away from their families for about
10 months a year, AIDS is the threat they're now taking by the horns.
They haven't defeated it but there are signs of some progress. From 300
reported cases in 2003, the fresh incidence of HIV in the armed forces is down
to 37 in 2006. There has been no death due to AIDS this year.
With the heavy emphasis on preventive measures, sex is finally out of the
military closet.
Soldiers are now under orders to report visits to sex workers. The message to
troops: Let's talk about sex.
"Today, a jawan is not hesitant to open up and (confess) that sir, I have
visited a sex worker, I should be treated," says Vice-Admiral V K Singh.
There's an unlikely agent of social change in the military. Sex is no longer
taboo. And the message is that getting HIV is not a problem, but not reporting
it, is one. So, seeking sex no longer carries a stigma.
"If you want to tackle AIDS or HIV, you will have to be very liberal in
distribution of condoms, and education. In fact, condoms are kept in a place
where they can be easily picked up," Vice-Admiral V K Singh.
Of the 37 cases of HIV reported this year, 35 have been caused by unprotected
sex. So, sexual confessions can pave the way for aggressive medical
intervention to defeat HIV. But there are clear limits to the sexual glasnost.
"Homosexuality in the armed forces is not a problem," says Vice-Admiral V K
Singh. Some taboos may be harder to break.
