Developments needed in Curricula to prepare Military Officers and Defence Officials for their Roles in dealing with Future Defence and Security Challenges

SequenceFuture Security Challenges / IssuesMoot Points CurriculumConclusion

Introduction

If no nuclear holocaust takes place, then conventional war appears to be in the final stages of abolishing itself; if one does take place, then it will already have abolished itself. This dilemma does not mean that perpetual peace is on its way, much less that organized violence is coming to an end. As war between states exits through one side of historys revolving door, low-intensity conflict among different organizations will enter through the other

Introduction

Future Security Challenges / Issues Terrorism

976 major acts of international terrorism committed from year 2003 to 2005 with an annual average of 325 Ian Bellany

Pakistans Role in Countering TerrorismIn 2006, in Pakistan 657 terrorist attacks, including 41 of sectarian nature were perpetrated, leaving 907 people dead and 1,543 others injured Pak Institute for Peace StudiesPakistan is signatory to 11 United Nations Counter Terrorism conventions

Pakistans Role in Countering Terrorism Pakistan has signed extradition treaties with thirty countriesEnhancing cooperating with ASEAN Regional Forum Cooperating with coalition partners in Afghanistan

Pakistans Role in Countering TerrorismCaptured more terrorists, especially over 600 linked with Al-Qaida Committed some 80,000 troops along its Western BordersPakistan has so far lost 900 personnel in counter terrorist operations in areas close to Pakistan Afghanistan Border

Future Security Challenges / IssuesProliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Future Security Challenges / Issues Extremism At the national and international levels, unjust economic, social and political systems which really spawn violations of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, contribute to the birth and nurturing of extremism which ultimately leads to terrorism

Future Security Challenges / Issues Extremism To break the synergy between politico-religious extremism, major powers should avoid the double standards, discriminatory approach, intolerance, unwillingness to compromise

Future Security Challenges / Issues Role of Non State Actors pursue their own agenda, protect their own interests and have loyalties only to themselves, hence further complicate the global security environment

Future Security Challenges / IssuesAsymmetric Warfare / Threats Radical groups and relatively weaker non-state actors are using unexpected means to deal stunning blows to more powerful opponentsThe modern means and modes such as information and cyber warfare make them ever more evasive and lethal

Future Security Challenges / Issues Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW)Combat Military Operations may include, counter terrorism / counter insurgency operations, UN operations (Chapter 7), counter drug / weapons and anti piracy operations, participation in coalition operations, enforcement of maritime regimes and exclusion zone

Future Security Challenges / Issues Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW)Non combat military operations may include, disaster relief operations, UN operations (Chapter 6), nation building /reconstruction / support operations, security / law and order, evacuation, search and rescue, ordnance disposal, salvage, arson / accidental fire and humanitarian assistance and epidemic control

Future Security Challenges / Issues Role of MediaMedia through focus on violence can negatively contribute to conflict escalation and distort the public's perceptions of the situation Where it can accrue, if managed adroitly, numerous advantages, it can be an effective propaganda tool in the hands of terrorists which they will use for both tactical and strategic gains

Moot Points What is the concept or our understanding of Global War on Terror? Lack of agreement on a definition of terrorism Divergence in political aimsNo single country is capable of fighting global terrorism single handedly Mutual trust and understanding of each others capacities/capabilities and limitations

Curriculum Formulation of National Asymmetric War / Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) Strategy Military Doctrine on LIC Determination of clear threat Doctrine may incorporate the following:- Concept of low intensity conflictThe threat perception/assessmentRole of various law enforcing agenciesRole of Military and its various arms and servicesTrainingLogisticsLegal aspects

Curriculum Psychological aspects Understanding and objective evaluation of environment Intelligence Media management

Curriculum Leadership doctrines to develop junior leaders for operations under highly decentralized environmentImpact of technology on future operationsJoint planning and interoperability Complete understanding of the nature of conflictArt of negotiation

Curriculum Legal mattersInterrogation/handling of informationDisaster Management; Planning / Organization and conduct of relief and rehabilitation operationsImpact of information and cyber warfareSeminars, exercises and dialogues at ARF level to intermittently exchange views and share experiences

Training Curriculum for Junior Military LeadersA thorough understanding of the background of the conflictHostage rescue techniques and drillsCordon and searchCounter mobilityChecking of various documentsSmall combat team training capable of independent, rapid and decisive engagement and adapting quickly to prevalent condition

Training Curriculum for Junior Military LeadersPsychological operations and public relationsArt of negotiations and persuasionInterrogationManipulation of military measures including civic actionsHandling of informationMedia handling

Training of Individual SoliderBuild superb physical stamina and endurance Expertise in handling a variety of weaponsSniping/sharp shooting to pick up targets in population centersHandling of global positioning system, night vision devices To be able to act independently, in absence of comprehensive orders or breakdown in communication

Training of Individual SoliderInitiative, mental mobility and quick reflexes Adaptability to local conditions and ability to blend with the populaceKnowledge about modus operandi, strategy and weaknesses of the terrorists/insurgentsTechnique of fighting in Built Up AreasTechniques of movement both mounted and dismounted, including efficient driving

Training of Individual SoliderHandling of explosiveEmplaning, deplaning and repelling Know-how about martial artsSurvival under conditions of stress and strainA very high degree of motivation, esprit de corps and devotion to the cause Ability to operate with minimum logistics Expertise in night navigation and specialized operations Awareness of human rights, sensitivities and social ethics of the area of operation

Conclusion