Plans for 2018

Neglected for too long; hope to upload at least 1 post per month.

Will continue to focus on analysing "between the lines" and small details that some may miss, relating to military and defence issues.

Fort Serapong

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.

Some quick thoughts

1. a flagstaff was established in 1833 on Mount Serapong
2. Serapong remained in MINDEF/SAF plans up till the 1970s, with construction of retaining walls, in case there was a need to access it

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.

A google search has already revealed a treasure trove, e.g. this Masters thesis by Lim Chen Sian in 2007.

https://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/bitstream/handle/10635/16642/LIM%20CHEN%20SIAN.pdf

Or this recent Straits Times infographic

http://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/attachments/2017/02/12/st_20170212_fall12c_2935711.pdf

Specialised Marine Craft - "Smoke and Mirrors"

More details about the Specialised Marine Craft (SMC) revealed, via Jane's Defence Weekly.

In the minds of many military enthusiasts, the SMC has more secrets up it's sleeve...

For example, the stated primary role of "coastal interception of threats at sea", doesn't require a stealth design.

But "smoke and mirrors" is not unexpected, from a military force that wishes to keep the adversary guessing. :)

“The Past and Future of War” - Prof Azar Gat - 23 Feb 2016

Just alerted via email

Abstract:
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?

Details in link below.
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

One big step for women

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34994134 

Great news, all combat roles will be open to women.

This will have positive multiplier effects beyond gender equality, both in terms of combat performance and overall outlook of the US armed forces

The Role of the Military in Future Conflict" by Dr Thomas X. Hammes

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.

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).

Always refreshing to hear from a former "practitioner", especially one who is candid, pulling no punches.

Black OPFOR uniform

Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/1-4-Infantry-Regiment-156335791124263

Came across this on Facebook today.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.906453626112472.1073742044.156335791124263

Didn't know about this all black uniform earlier. 1st Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment are currently based in Hohenfels, Germany, in an OPFOR role.

NATO’s Readiness Action Plan

Measures implemented to bolster the eastern flank of NATO. Hopefully, the political process is also reviewed to improve reaction times.

Renewed focus

http://understandingwar.org/employment

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.

Just that all those roles are rolled into one person. :)

Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team

http://theanimeplace.co/watch/mobile-suit-gundam-8th-ms-team-subbed/

Nope, haven't posted in the wrong blog.

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.

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.  

Really worth a watch. Just finished episode 6...