tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75219702024-02-20T00:50:44.064+08:00opswarfareGetting the basics rightlee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.comBlogger422125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-74622332008816291252017-12-22T10:36:00.003+08:002017-12-22T10:36:58.122+08:00Plans for 2018Neglected for too long; hope to upload at least 1 post per month.<br />
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Will continue to focus on analysing "between the lines" and small details that some may miss, relating to military and defence issues.lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-42483410799413122242017-02-25T23:40:00.001+08:002017-02-25T23:41:10.863+08:00Fort Serapong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM52S-dsScqIvcuAg-ki6ZCMobwTGgJ0W5kROGanCkipNFYLIWMVbLfSobwg2W6Lt5hau19XwbqhQ_J2OIlshx-4GvACOqttbdaKpKLMXLWBNroyticQLqJtgP9jX1csIWXx2S/s1600/16906626_1447442541953072_3107143061784756224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM52S-dsScqIvcuAg-ki6ZCMobwTGgJ0W5kROGanCkipNFYLIWMVbLfSobwg2W6Lt5hau19XwbqhQ_J2OIlshx-4GvACOqttbdaKpKLMXLWBNroyticQLqJtgP9jX1csIWXx2S/s320/16906626_1447442541953072_3107143061784756224_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Great guided walk today by National Heritage Board and Sentosa Development Corporation, as part of the annual "Battle for Singapore" series. Many thanks to them for their dedication and hard work.<br />
<br />
Some quick thoughts<br />
<ol>
<li>a flagstaff was established in 1833 on Mount Serapong</li>
<li>Serapong remained in MINDEF/SAF plans up till the 1970s, with construction of retaining walls, in case there was a need to access it</li>
</ol>
<div>
Really hope to do some further research on the war history sites in Sentosa, and all over Singapore. Maybe I'll write to today's guide, Mr Alvin Chia, but first, need to read up more.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A google search has already revealed a treasure trove, e.g. this Masters thesis by Lim Chen Sian in 2007.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/bitstream/handle/10635/16642/LIM%20CHEN%20SIAN.pdf">https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/bitstream/handle/10635/16642/LIM%20CHEN%20SIAN.pdf</a></div>
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Or this recent Straits Times infographic</div>
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<a href="http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/attachments/2017/02/12/st_20170212_fall12c_2935711.pdf">http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/attachments/2017/02/12/st_20170212_fall12c_2935711.pdf</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H1M3rpOyxW_MyNfai_OwxO0692kSLfFz6iJgSyQgga2PfXvr9CSuZGdbSsefAarzmpUKv0w54sU0eH7dpm4_RbUzY4jWgP8cL-IJE6CEPCR32OkJ30vaMoz2253ugw-k9WPQ/s1600/16908327_1847891055487343_6843063756541394944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H1M3rpOyxW_MyNfai_OwxO0692kSLfFz6iJgSyQgga2PfXvr9CSuZGdbSsefAarzmpUKv0w54sU0eH7dpm4_RbUzY4jWgP8cL-IJE6CEPCR32OkJ30vaMoz2253ugw-k9WPQ/s320/16908327_1847891055487343_6843063756541394944_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-6868386549750305692016-02-12T23:09:00.003+08:002016-02-12T23:09:49.230+08:00Specialised Marine Craft - "Smoke and Mirrors"More details about the Specialised Marine Craft (SMC) revealed, via Jane's Defence Weekly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bDlzTNT_wx4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bDlzTNT_wx4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
In the minds of many military enthusiasts, the SMC has more secrets up it's sleeve...<br />
<br />
For example, the stated primary role of "coastal interception of threats at sea", doesn't require a stealth design.<br />
<br />
But "smoke and mirrors" is not unexpected, from a military force that wishes to keep the adversary guessing. :)lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-85767274993659610422016-01-20T19:00:00.000+08:002016-01-20T19:00:17.921+08:00“The Past and Future of War” - Prof Azar Gat - 23 Feb 2016Just alerted via email<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>Abstract:</b><br />When did war start? Is it as old as our species (Hobbes), or a late cultural invention that emerged only with agriculture, complex societies and the state (Rousseau)? Travelling through the millennia, is war decreasing in today’s world, and if so what are the nature and causes of this decline? What are the countervailing forces that may undermine the trend as we advance into the 21st century?</i></blockquote>
Details in link below.<br />
<a href="http://www.rsis.edu.sg/event/tba-rsis-seminar-by-professor-azar-gat-ezer-weitzman-chair-for-national-security-department-of-political-science-tel-aviv-university">http://www.rsis.edu.sg/event/tba-rsis-seminar-by-professor-azar-gat-ezer-weitzman-chair-for-national-security-department-of-political-science-tel-aviv-university</a><br />
<br />lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-28949441092001847952015-12-04T11:10:00.001+08:002015-12-04T11:12:15.249+08:00One big step for women <div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34994134" target="_blank">http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34994134</a> </div>
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<br /></div>
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Great news, all combat roles will be open to women. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This will have positive multiplier effects beyond gender equality, both in terms of combat performance and overall outlook of the US armed forces </div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-79867303323279865982015-10-08T22:36:00.005+08:002015-10-08T22:36:28.742+08:00The Role of the Military in Future Conflict" by Dr Thomas X. Hammes<div dir="ltr">
A swarm of drones attacking Kuwait International Airport. Or terrorists setting off an explosion at a chemical plant in Oklahoma, which then releases deadly gases and causes massive poisoning.</div>
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<br />
These were just 2 of many grim scenarios that Dr Thomas X. Hammes painted, at his talk at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).</div>
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<br />
Always refreshing to hear from a former "practitioner", especially one who is candid, pulling no punches.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
He highlighted several Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) developments which would make it easier for belligerents to launch attacks, namely drones and 3D printing. </div>
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<br />
Using the 11 Sep attacks as an example, he also reminded that terrorists now just need to "bring the detonator". </div>
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<br />
<u>Question & Answer segment </u><br />
Q: role of private contractor? <br />
A: still problematic </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
Q: using drones as active defence? <br />
A: maybe, but defence using drones complicated compared to attack with drones. Also, enemy will concentrate on soft targets (e.g. supply trucks, rear echelon, etc.) and not main platforms </div>
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<br />
Q: how can conventional armed forces adjust? <br />
A: defence becomes dominant; run simulations to wargame; assume no safe areas, e.g. logistics, bases</div>
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<br />
Q: how to define cyber attack as act of war? <br />
A: difficult. Maybe if there is loss of life? Attribution another problem. Potential for mischief is high, e.g. masking attack as originating from another source </div>
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<br />
Q: legacy platforms less relevant? <br />
A: yes, similar transitions in WW1 & WW2</div>
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<br />
Q: war in Asia? <br />
A: fairly low, but some may be lured by false promise of short war</div>
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<br />
Q: how to improve military education? <br />
A: include above scenarios in war games. E.g. shut off the GPS, and see if pilots can return to base. Run EMCON exercises to test backup processes. Walk the ground with commanders in real locations, for added realism. Run competitions to test new tactics. Get outsiders involved for fresh insight</div>
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Q: what changes to recruitment & manpower?</div>
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A: revamp current promotion process, to help retain talent. Current personnel system is "like the Death Star"</div>
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<br />
Q: are people becoming too "soft" to be soldiers?</div>
<div dir="ltr">
A: 70% in USA not eligible to serve (due to criminal records, etc.). Role of women. Retirement model should change, e.g. non-combat staff can still contribute after current retirement age, so should differentiate, to extract maximum potential</div>
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<br />
Q: defence diplomacy?</div>
<div dir="ltr">
A: many combatant commanders are involved, but should coordinate between DoD & State dept</div>
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<br />
Q: possible for lower ranks to take up a bigger role? (a.k.a. strategic corporal) </div>
<div dir="ltr">
A: yes, but problem is during peacetime. Most platforms are getting too expensive for men to train physically regularly (e.g. live firing). It is possible with creativity and workarounds, e.g. using bb guns instead of Simunition rounds</div>
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<b><u>Comment</u></b> </div>
<div dir="ltr">
It is comforting to note that the basic tenets remain. To defeat the enemy, you need to overcome their OODA loop. Staying nimble is key. </div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-10696577002801769002015-10-07T23:36:00.000+08:002015-10-07T23:36:06.049+08:00Black OPFOR uniform<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUTsNbp-BGXrfWas9yN3JchU3lBY22QzVA-IYW8ep0kRaRzaZKIZG8PrZZMwNBFPhZEPx7R8X4DGfiBvzl6pLZ6vnHVwDw75-hhX-dVW7VuFux-l4P90SeE2-qrgK3t168PHd/s1600/12039150_906453662779135_3282602196195409525_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUTsNbp-BGXrfWas9yN3JchU3lBY22QzVA-IYW8ep0kRaRzaZKIZG8PrZZMwNBFPhZEPx7R8X4DGfiBvzl6pLZ6vnHVwDw75-hhX-dVW7VuFux-l4P90SeE2-qrgK3t168PHd/s320/12039150_906453662779135_3282602196195409525_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/1-4-Infantry-Regiment-156335791124263</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Came across this on Facebook today.<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.906453626112472.1073742044.156335791124263">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.906453626112472.1073742044.156335791124263</a><br />
<br />
Didn't know about this all black uniform earlier. 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment are currently based in Hohenfels, Germany, in an OPFOR role.<br />
<br />lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-73956968325446886572015-07-29T19:50:00.001+08:002015-07-29T19:50:57.543+08:00NATO’s Readiness Action Plan<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DrfPUU08z5A" width="480"></iframe><br />
Measures implemented to bolster the eastern flank of NATO. Hopefully, the political process is also reviewed to improve reaction times.lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-6997492402252190152015-07-21T07:08:00.001+08:002015-07-21T07:08:08.715+08:00Renewed focus<a href="http://understandingwar.org/employment">http://understandingwar.org/employment</a><br />
<br />
Reading the details of the job ads in the above page, crystallises what I hope opswarfare to become, and also the workflow that needs to be worked out, to enable regular articles to be produced.<br />
<br />
Just that all those roles are rolled into one person. :)lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-79233794746241626342015-07-20T22:25:00.000+08:002015-07-20T22:38:18.394+08:00Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team<div dir="ltr">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrxUrWjoDKAghbRmSrnzlaLmiRHH6x9aSGJbsuyFewQblEbN9A0r8N15FRnteX0ay7CjE6pfyw3Yj6dKKL6WmObaI-K25nvGgfNj9C1Zs440TB6DWTuVBikqXhYBrU7PFyzHw/s1600/n_top_img_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrxUrWjoDKAghbRmSrnzlaLmiRHH6x9aSGJbsuyFewQblEbN9A0r8N15FRnteX0ay7CjE6pfyw3Yj6dKKL6WmObaI-K25nvGgfNj9C1Zs440TB6DWTuVBikqXhYBrU7PFyzHw/s1600/n_top_img_2012.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://theanimeplace.co/watch/mobile-suit-gundam-8th-ms-team-subbed/">http://theanimeplace.co/watch/mobile-suit-gundam-8th-ms-team-subbed/</a></div>
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Nope, haven't posted in the wrong blog. </div>
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This is not your usual Gundam series; really refreshing, with usage of real military tactics and scenarios. Even issues of military command & control, and discipline. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And the Gundams here are not omnipotent; they need to work together with other assets, functioning like just another military platform, and break down sometimes. And instead of flying all over the place, they fight in jungle warfare. Very down-to-earth, literally. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Really worth a watch. Just finished episode 6...</div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-39897170315979054712015-07-20T20:28:00.000+08:002015-07-20T20:28:00.037+08:00Recording our thoughts<p dir="ltr">The latest edition of #CCLKOW struck a chord with me.<br>
<a href="http://kingsofwar.org.uk/2015/07/bridging-the-gap-and-the-art-of-record-keeping/">http://kingsofwar.org.uk/2015/07/bridging-the-gap-and-the-art-of-record-keeping/</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Prompted a rare tweet</p>
<blockquote><p dir="ltr"><i>Re: latest #CCLKOW article, find info overload a problem; tonnes of draft blog posts; maybe better to try writing in a physical notebook [</i><i><a href="https://twitter.com/opswarfare78/status/623009852265082880">link</a></i><i>]</i><br>
</p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr"></p>
<p dir="ltr">I have so many draft posts in the opswarfare blog; all in various stages. It's not easy to write a proper article with a coherent hypothesis, or a full analysis of an interesting development that I come across. And definitely not in one sitting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">With the busy lives we lead, with multiple interests, it is tough, but as with all projects, it requires determination and planning. Hope to write more regularly. </p>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0Atlantic Ocean0 0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-37022826150061487822015-07-12T21:20:00.001+08:002015-07-12T21:21:54.357+08:00NBC system for shipsCool photos spotted on Facebook.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfqtSmD-Wgw48FfmUrQ2X5qTLUyxEQM3ByKoXqMwbtLxo2MNeFPC5T8Lp62xm73yE_7u-jXw7RjlXiacXvCpgQXtDixoHCyZafJke48pkjx5C3_yxg44JIzqD-TmmNyoRPsWi/s1600/11703252_999410116745258_2703277770660470355_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfqtSmD-Wgw48FfmUrQ2X5qTLUyxEQM3ByKoXqMwbtLxo2MNeFPC5T8Lp62xm73yE_7u-jXw7RjlXiacXvCpgQXtDixoHCyZafJke48pkjx5C3_yxg44JIzqD-TmmNyoRPsWi/s320/11703252_999410116745258_2703277770660470355_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNMG1 unit HNLMS Tromp testing the pre-wetting system. This system protect the ship against Nuclear, Chemical and Biological adverse environment. [source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.999409840078619.1073741865.559878640698410">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.999409840078619.1073741865.559878640698410</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Haven't seen such a NBC system before. Did a quick search; seems it's a water sprinkler system to be activated in the event of a imminent NBC attack.lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-77887233717070322632015-06-29T23:09:00.000+08:002015-06-29T23:12:21.852+08:00Treasure trove of goodies from the SAFTI Library<div dir="ltr">
Signed up for the SAFTI Library membership recently, and discovered a treasure trove of magazine & journal titles.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Some of the publications available [need to login to SAFTI Library account first]</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<ul>
<li>Aviation Week & Space Technology <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/42277">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/42277</a> (3 weeks delay)</li>
<li>Defense News - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/36108">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/36108</a></li>
<li>Flight International - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/40516">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/40516</a> (delayed 5 days)</li>
<li>Jane's Defence Weekly - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/33926">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/33926</a></li>
<li>Jane's Intelligence Review - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/33925">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/33925</a></li>
<li>Jane's International Defense Review - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/35316">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/35316</a></li>
<li>Journal of Electronic Defense - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/36481">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/36481</a></li>
<li>Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/8297">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/8297</a></li>
<li>RUSI Journal - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/24741">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/24741</a> (full-text till Apr 2008 only)</li>
<li>United States Naval Institute. Proceedings - <a href="http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/41313">http://search.proquest.com/science/publication/41313</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
In the midst of checking the above list, opswarfare also found that many publications are already open access</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<ul>
<li>Armada International (register for a free account) - <a href="http://armadainternational.com/page/archives.html">http://armadainternational.com/page/archives.html</a></li>
<li>C4ISR - <a href="http://c4isrjournal.va.newsmemory.com/">http://c4isrjournal.va.newsmemory.com</a></li>
<li>Defense Horizons - National Defense University - <a href="http://inss.ndu.edu/Publications/PolicyBriefs.aspx#defhorizon">http://inss.ndu.edu/Publications/PolicyBriefs.aspx#defhorizon</a></li>
<li>Infantry magazine - <a href="http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/magazine">http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/magazine</a></li>
<li>Joint Force Quarterly - <a href="http://ndupress.ndu.edu/JFQ.aspx">http://ndupress.ndu.edu/JFQ.aspx</a></li>
<li>Military Review - <a href="http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/militaryreview/index.asp">http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/militaryreview/index.asp</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0Atlantic Ocean0 0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-5604647839865808922015-06-11T19:00:00.000+08:002015-06-11T10:20:48.236+08:00new kid on the block: The Ethical War BlogNew blog by the Stockholm Centre for the Ethics of War and Peace<br />
<a href="http://stockholmcentre.org/category/ethical-war-blog/">http://stockholmcentre.org/category/ethical-war-blog/</a><br />
<br />
h/t: Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict<br />
<a href="http://www.elac.ox.ac.uk/">http://www.elac.ox.ac.uk/</a><br />
<br />lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-28380037768940409962015-06-02T20:22:00.000+08:002015-06-02T20:22:48.017+08:00US Deployments in the the Western Pacific<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwJ9dHVdoUt6nW4Z6wEstPtiAd2jeF2L-JI39yxBgyJpRhyphenhyphenKBN5hEDTTi00-QdKsWe_w_dVIqOmUZDWGVYLTsRsU71Yz1Mbj7xr4fP8fT0bl-xMVsbHYHIUuKVIjisIs4Y0e4/s1600/RSA15+Map+4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwJ9dHVdoUt6nW4Z6wEstPtiAd2jeF2L-JI39yxBgyJpRhyphenhyphenKBN5hEDTTi00-QdKsWe_w_dVIqOmUZDWGVYLTsRsU71Yz1Mbj7xr4fP8fT0bl-xMVsbHYHIUuKVIjisIs4Y0e4/s400/RSA15+Map+4-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
via IISS: US Deployments in the the Western Pacific [click on image to enlarge]<br />
<br />
From their Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment 2015 strategic dossierlee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-15811899225325642382015-05-28T12:03:00.000+08:002015-05-28T12:03:14.583+08:00F-35B trials on USS WaspTake-off & landing videos on the USS Wasp<br />
<br />
<a href="https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153255105117200&id=16067432199" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153255105117200&id=16067432199</a><br />
<a href="https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153255148057200&id=16067432199" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153255148057200&id=16067432199</a>lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-6686072587812687062015-03-17T09:04:00.003+08:002015-03-17T10:43:06.787+08:00Stanford 'International Security in a Changing World' course goes online<a href="http://cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/news/popular-international-security-course-goes-online-global-audience">http://cisac.fsi.stanford.edu/news/popular-international-security-course-goes-online-global-audience</a><br />
<br />
“But unlike our Stanford students – you won’t have to take a final exam.”<br />
<br />
New free online course, woohoo!<br />
<br />
"Homework" for this weekend. Or maybe even from this evening onwards.<br />
<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6YRj6Jgxqzs/0.jpg" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6YRj6Jgxqzs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-21681064375504558302015-02-22T22:37:00.001+08:002015-02-22T22:50:50.360+08:00Battle for Singapore - NHB heritage tours - Sime Road - The Hellfire Tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y0N_NUarehYDgWsazuzOEGBteSbCC2GBv8WFpTsl4xBxAGzKxj6CD6BFU1qrNQYFlcchFGojC3qNmAguA77-G6Iq44hqtAtKCplQ16MUSVgyDyu_4LHXGmpQ53g-I2Pe7cdz/s1600/20150206_100_0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4y0N_NUarehYDgWsazuzOEGBteSbCC2GBv8WFpTsl4xBxAGzKxj6CD6BFU1qrNQYFlcchFGojC3qNmAguA77-G6Iq44hqtAtKCplQ16MUSVgyDyu_4LHXGmpQ53g-I2Pe7cdz/s1600/20150206_100_0570.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was Hellfire corner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Attended 4 of the tours organised by the National Heritage Board (NHB).</div>
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<a href="https://www.nhb.gov.sg/NHBPortal/What'sOn/BattleforSingapore">https://www.nhb.gov.sg/NHBPortal/What'sOn/BattleforSingapore</a></div>
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Struggled to find time to write proper full blog posts about each tour, so will highlight good blog posts by others, then add comments and photos below.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.nhb.gov.sg/NHBPortal/faces/oracle/webcenter/portalapp/pagehierarchy/Page855.jspx?detContId=NHBSVRAPP61620000048386" target="_blank">Sime Road - The Hellfire Tour</a></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><i>Synopsis</i></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Stretching from Sime Road to Bukit Brown cemetery, the Hellfire Tour takes you to the scene of General Yamashita’s strategy for the Japanese Imperial Army to crush the defending British forces in the Battle for Singapore. The site also marks the former combined Operational Headquarters of the British Army and Royal Air Force during World War II and later became the internment camp for Allied Forces POWs after the fall of Singapore. Take a walk with Jon Cooper as he relates the stories of the soldiers who fought amongst the gravestones and the civilian internees who spent their years of captivity in the Sime Road camp. </i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><i>Guide:</i></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Jonathan Cooper</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Project Manager, Researcher and Battlefield Archaeologist at The Changi Museum</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Postgraduate student, Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, Glasgow University</i></div>
</blockquote>
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Read this blog post for a good account of this tour</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://singapore-trails.blogspot.sg/2015/02/battle-for-singapore-heritage-tour-sime.html">http://singapore-trails.blogspot.sg/2015/02/battle-for-singapore-heritage-tour-sime.html</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Additional points</b></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Jon is a great guide, painting a vivid picture of the landscape, and engaging the attendees. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It wasn't a "spoon-feeding" session; as we walked down Sime Road, he started asking "what is old?", to encourage us to see and evaluate our surroundings. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Some items were pre-war, some were post-war.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuei0h53i3SNxRb5c04fvkrna_Dt3vB9yDphaMXpPFe67mowknpcJhDKV0rCAy3LIfkEL3z3JdqSowAuOP-3o8PXbHhiqCHGVBtEZ_8WkuNCcxkWm4lxW2k3SFIy3XItgqLKDu/s1600/20150206_100_0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuei0h53i3SNxRb5c04fvkrna_Dt3vB9yDphaMXpPFe67mowknpcJhDKV0rCAy3LIfkEL3z3JdqSowAuOP-3o8PXbHhiqCHGVBtEZ_8WkuNCcxkWm4lxW2k3SFIy3XItgqLKDu/s1600/20150206_100_0577.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jon is the one wearing the jungle hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">There was a short discussion on the Syonan Jinja, at the 2 NHB commemorative boards at the "Hellfire" junction. Several of us were keen to know exactly how to reach the location. Google around and you will find a few blog posts on this.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">We were told about a civilian internee, who as a young girl, stayed at the Green House [the building with the rotunda]; she later revisited Singapore a few years ago.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Maps from the WW2 period were distributed to help us orientate ourselves and also discuss on features; Jon highlighted markings on the map, indicating tunnel entrances dug by the Japanese forces; the link was quickly made to the intricate tunnel network at Iwo Jima; Jon also highlighted that the tunnel network was not completed.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I asked if the British also had underground facilities for its Combined Operations Headquarters. Jon said yes, but their locations were unknown [would be great to find these facilities].</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">We also walked to the boundary between the SICC golf course and the MacRitchie Reservoir [a.k.a. where the 4.8km cross country route turns from the forest onto the road]; there we were shown some depressions, which may have been slit trenches dug by the Suffolk regiment, and also the possible final resting place of one of the KIA soldiers. [some British POWs (</span>David Nelson and the Bureau of Record and <span style="text-align: justify;">Enquiry</span><span style="text-align: justify;">) kept a detailed record of soldiers killed, and their burial locations, so that their remains could be recovered after the war]</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk9QPJunH21IpVF-vsfsrR5p2bjpLT1D9gk5lo7H8fXr1lIVC_JbteW7akiMM1VwsfxrthGtmL0rDZ3dYsxm2Tv2epCwg_RzZD7bqS-5xp03GZkhAwBltzqGG5Jlxrap1AetT/s1600/20150206_100_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk9QPJunH21IpVF-vsfsrR5p2bjpLT1D9gk5lo7H8fXr1lIVC_JbteW7akiMM1VwsfxrthGtmL0rDZ3dYsxm2Tv2epCwg_RzZD7bqS-5xp03GZkhAwBltzqGG5Jlxrap1AetT/s1600/20150206_100_0580.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before we did a little "bashing" to see the supposed slit trenches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">We ended the heritage tour near the entrance of Bukit Brown, looking at Hill 130, and "reliving" perhaps the one & only tank on tank engagement during the campaign.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Jon concluded by showing us the artifacts found at the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AdamParkProject" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Adam Park Project</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, and asking us to consider participating in preserving our heritage.</span><br />
<ol>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Will post on the other 3 heritage tours soon.</div>
</div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-25530652108193798642015-02-20T21:03:00.000+08:002015-02-20T21:44:43.060+08:00Continuity and Change: The Nature of Future Armed Conflict<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kZ5cDdposJc" width="500"></iframe><br />
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://youtu.be/kZ5cDdposJc">http://youtu.be/kZ5cDdposJc</a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
IISS-US Policy Makers Series<br />
Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster<br />
Director, Army Capabilities Integration Center and Deputy Commanding General, Futures, US Army Training and Doctrine Command<br />
Chair: Dr. Eliot A. Cohen<br />
Robert E. Osgood Professor of Strategic Studies, Johns Hopkins SAIS<br />
Council Member, International Institute for Strategic Studies<br />
IISS-US, Washington DC<br />
Thursday February 19 2015, 10:30am-12pm EDT/3:30-5pm GMT<br />
<br />
-------------------------<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Watched the live stream yesterday. Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster spoke well, taking on questions with aplomb.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Took down notes while the session was ongoing; hope to distill the talking points in a future post.</div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-73684087148294370792015-02-11T08:18:00.001+08:002015-02-11T10:06:15.912+08:00Think strategic, fight tactical <div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://kingsofwar.org.uk/2015/02/televised-salvation/">http://kingsofwar.org.uk/2015/02/televised-salvation/</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
A quick response to the 3 questions asked in the link above.<br />
<ol>
<li>What are the terms of a strategic narrative to defeat the extremist movements who trade in barbarity?</li>
<li>Do we need to reconsider how we use military forces? Is force their most effective capability?</li>
<li>Are American and Western political audiences willing to sacrifice life and treasure to defend others?</li>
</ol>
First posted on <a href="https://twitter.com/opswarfare78" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<ul>
<li>re: Televised Salvation; [1] don't forget the tactical; we can also use these broadcasts to trace useful intel on ISIS #CCLKOW</li>
<li>re: Televised Salvation; [2] we should be mindful that many soldiers "didn't sign up" to conduct these "soothe & cuddle operations" #CCLKOW</li>
<li>re: Televised Salvation; [3] as long as there are soldiers willing to sacrifice life and treasure to defend others, that is enough #CCLKOW</li>
</ul>
</div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-56611041024997560382014-11-07T20:41:00.000+08:002014-11-07T21:12:26.528+08:00Check & balance <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-28424395">Cameron to check arms export licences to Russia</a><br />
The Commons Committees on Arms Export Controls report shows the importance of having checks and balances.<br />
<br />
The military nuts forum has a thread which crowdsources the appearance of singapore-made weapons in interesting locations.<br />
<a href="http://militarynuts.com/index.php?showtopic=424">http://militarynuts.com/index.php?showtopic=424</a><br />
<br />
Not ideal, but the situation is not likely to improve, until Singaporeans understand the impact of selling weapons to countries which may misuse them.<br />
<br />
Some info on the arms trade below.<br />
<a href="http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/ArmsTrade/">http://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/ArmsTrade/</a>lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-55101297017567844572014-07-30T01:59:00.000+08:002014-07-30T01:59:19.041+08:003 PARA Airborne in AfricaJust spotted a new documentary series, showing the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, training in Kenya.<br />
<a href="http://forces.tv/topic/3-para-airborne-africa-0">http://forces.tv/topic/3-para-airborne-africa-0</a><br />
<br />
Episode 1 below<br />
<a href="http://forces.tv/87495148">http://forces.tv/87495148</a>lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-37491342177940366532014-07-26T22:03:00.001+08:002014-07-26T22:13:01.305+08:00Libya stirs again <p>U.S evacuates embassy in Libya amid clashes <br>
<a href="http://mobile.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/07/26/us/politics/ap-us-us-libya.html">http://mobile.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/07/26/us/politics/ap-us-us-libya.html</a></p>
<p>Did a quick search for keywords, in this case, the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response. </p>
<p>This was the new task force that was formed in the aftermath of the deadly attack on the US mission in Benghazi. </p>
<p>So was quite glad to find photos on DVIDS. <br>
<a href="http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1465711/sp-magtf-crisis-response-supports-military-assisted-departure-tripoli">http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1465711/sp-magtf-crisis-response-supports-military-assisted-departure-tripoli</a></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCkcGdIMyiFZh2yaIxKQUED6zxSVsijzaL0UO_-QbA7kh-izndOClozRmuRfUEumbGlAYC17eWKH1lqxAdpHldq2Pu8g2zZD0DHsox8Lk8lrs3kvTZJstEof0qmC1QZi-v0Zy/s1600/450x300_q75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCkcGdIMyiFZh2yaIxKQUED6zxSVsijzaL0UO_-QbA7kh-izndOClozRmuRfUEumbGlAYC17eWKH1lqxAdpHldq2Pu8g2zZD0DHsox8Lk8lrs3kvTZJstEof0qmC1QZi-v0Zy/s640/450x300_q75.jpg"> </a> </div>lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-63171115862623949372014-04-10T00:41:00.001+08:002014-04-10T00:55:55.678+08:00Reading between the lines <p>Defense.gov News Article: U.S. Sends More Marines to Romania, Navy Vessel to Black Sea <a href="http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121959">http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121959 </a></p>
<p>With the crisis in Ukraine, it is understandable that the US would want additional assets in case of an emergency<u>.</u></p>
<p>Incidentally, the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response (SP-MAGTF CR) was set up specifically to deal with this kind of scenario, after the death of the US ambassador to Libya, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/john-christopher-stevens-us-ambassador-to-libya-dies-at-52/2012/09/12/b1c00cee-fcd0-11e1-8adc-499661afe377_story.html">Christopher Stevens.</a></p>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7521970.post-2524532711382054522014-01-22T21:15:00.000+08:002014-01-22T22:06:21.998+08:00Military Ground Vehicle Trends<a href="http://www.janes.com/article/32285/military-ground-vehicle-trends-accompanying-report-below" target="_blank">Jane's</a><br />
Short but informative video from Jane's.<br />
<br />
Didn't know about<br />
<ol>
<li>Russia's new Main Battle Tank (MBT) [<a href="http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20131120/184829773/Russia-to-Start-Producing-New-Main-Battle-Tank-in-2016.html" target="_blank">link</a>]</li>
<li>Netherlands retiring it's MBTs [<a href="http://www.defensie.nl/english/latest/news/2011/05/26/48183133/Dutch_tank_history_ends_with_a_bang" target="_blank">link</a>]</li>
</ol>
<div>
Wonder if MBTs of the future will morph. We already see heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) like the Namer, which point to a possible reframing of the classic firepower/protection/mobility mix.<br />
<br />
One additional factor to consider is situational awareness. Future platforms will need to have sensors that help the tank crew "see better". With urban warfare more and more likely in future conflicts, future platforms will need to be able to defend and fire back at elevated targets [read: thicker top armour and guns with high elevation].</div>
lee sze yonghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04279894793719248427noreply@blogger.com0