To begin with, one of the key milestones that marked the shift in the security landscape was the 9/11 twin tower attacks. We could frame the SAF's purpose (with reference to its mission) within the context of a constantly evolving and highly unpredictable landscape. This involves contributing to a "robust, open, and inclusive regional security architecture" as part of our region - where our forces are involved in OOTW such as peace keeping, peacemaking, peace enforcement, peace building, support to insurgency, anti-terrorism, counter drug, civil support, nation assistance, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, etc. Our value in peace, or rather, times of troubled peace. As man scripted by Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus or Plato, Si vis …show more content…
The nature of our conscript military force, our shrinking population, and the fact that while we have to adapt to the new security threats, we cannot ignore the conventional; gives rise to the need for us to be able to do more with less - minimum effort, maximum effects. This set the stage for our development and transformation into the third generation Army - a capable, technologically advanced and networked fighting force. Soldiers have to be trained to be able to take on different roles in conventional and unconventional (OOTW) operations. In doing so, there is a need for us to distinguish common and specialised skillsets to appropriately determine the specialised training required for each to develop the task forces such as the CBRE, IDTF, etc. There is a need for constant technological advancement. Leveraging on technology has its definite benefits however, the inherent challenges are soldiers today not only need to learn how to fire a gun but is required to operate a range of complex equipment; is for the training to keep up with the shortened shelf lives of existing equipment due to the increased pace of technological progress. Trainers have to continuously engage themselves in upgraded trainings while at the same time, deal with technological transitions within their tours (training and retraining) with their conscripts. The increase in the cost is also inevitable. Generally there is a need to develop a dynamic and adaptive force led by competent leaders who are able to communicate purpose and engender commitment. As the security landscape is complex and vast, it is difficult to provide full anticipation and training for all kinds of scenarios. The commanders and soldiers have to be readily involved and drilled in their tasks at the same preserve their highest level of