Farhan, M. A. (2010). Revolution in military affairs: requirements for responsive Malaysian Armed Forces. Pasig City, Philippines: Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Master in Public Management Development and Security Batch 1

History has taught us the valuable lesson that technological advancement could change the way wars are fought. General Douglas Haig and his contemporaries in World War I paid a heavy price of ignoring technological advancements by fighting the ongoing war with past military doctrines. Similarly, the past decades have witnessed the transformation of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) from a counter insurgency outfit into a well-organized and well-trained conventional force capable of engaging in low intensity conflicts. In the process, new technologies are acquired. However, the procurement of advance technology is without the congruent efforts to integrate it into doctrines and organization structures review. Does MAF have to pay the price of losing precious lives to relearn the lesson? This thesis therefore seeks to understand the concept, characteristic, impact and adaptation of the Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) by modern military organization in the contemporary geopolitical environment; examines how MAF has responded to changes in military technology; and how RMA can affect Malaysia's National Defense. Foreign and local literature were used for literature review. There are various books debating the understanding of RMA. Most of the authors of these books are discussing the important of technology that changes the future war. Apart from technology, some of these books also highlighted the changes in the organization and doctrine which constitute the element of RMA. These books to stress on the importance of technology in keeping pace with the changes in war fighting. In addition, internet as well as some excellent "online-databases" that are available at libraries and resource centre was extensively used. This study concludes that the MAF has adapted itself to RMA in its force modernization and development programme by acquiring advanced technology. Nevertheless, there is a lack of emphasis in the MAF to transform its organizational structure and review its doctrine in line with the new technology, thereby negating the full effects of RMA. There are a few recommendations proposed to enhance the MAF capability. Recommendations propose are; MAF must review existing doctrine and develop new doctrine; review existing command structure; develop doctrine with affordable technology; human resource development; training for efficient and effective organization; and lastly commitment from higher leadership. For the purpose of this research study, Action Plan and Project (APP) were developed and focus on the development of new doctrine. Doctrine on training for Electrical Mechanical Engineering (EME) personnel for new asset project will be the focus on APP implementation. The recommendation project divided into 4 sub project, namely; doctrine development on EME technical training; creation of Nucleus Unit at Army Institute of Engineering; relocation of new procurement assets at Army Institute of Engineering; and lastly program management. This project is very relevance for the MAF to enhance its defence capability. In acknowledging the changes in RMA, MAF participates through the implementation of strategic plans, performance assessments and continuous improvement in its capabilities. MAF had embarked for the drastic modernization program. Procurement of new assets to enhance its capability had being done continuously. Therefore, there is an "urgent need" to review and to develop a new doctrine in parallel with the procurement of new assets to the MAF. The new doctrine will be use to establish a standard set of actions and guidance for the MAFs unit and personnel.