Category: Pointer Monthly Essays

This essay investigates to an extent to which the Western armed forces were aided in post-1945 counterinsurgency campaigns by their past experiences in imperial warfare. Focusing on key examples, such as the United Kingdom (UK), it examines how colonial military strategies and doctrines influence...

In this essay, the author explores the multifaceted challenges to regional security and co-operation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, focusing on political, economic and socio-cultural dimensions. The author then examines the effectiveness of these initiatives and...

In this essay, the author argues that hybrid warfare, without resorting to a full-scale conventional offensive, cannot conclusively defeat an adversary nation state or opposing government. The author begins by explaining hybrid warfare and its main characteristics. Next, he attempts to discuss th...

The concept of Centre of Gravity (CoG) remains a cornerstone in military planning, yet consensus on its definition eludes both practitioners and academics. This ambiguity stems from Carl von Clausewitz’s varied interpretations, compounded by divergent perspectives within different military branch...

In this essay, the author aims to discuss how China will embrace AI and Robotics to enhance its national security and how the security landscape will be affected by this pursuit. The author first identifies China’s national interests and examines how it will use AI and Robotics technologies to en...

In this essay, the author examines the view that traditional Non-Offensive Defence (NOD) is not an effective military strategy in current times. He supports his arguments by analysing the origins of this military strategy and its fundamental principles. He then follows up with a discussion on the...

This essay critically examines the multifaceted challenges confronting regional security and co‐operationwithin the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As the geopolitical landscape evolves, ASEAN faces amyriad of issues that impede the realisation of its vision for a stable and colla...

There are many qualities that a Commanding Officer (CO) must possess in order for them to lead their unit well. In this essay, the author shares the seven key factors that he feels an aspiring CO needs to consider when drawing out their own action plan as they take on the role of a CO, in order...

This essay undertakes a meticulous examination of the military leadership exhibited by General Arthur Percival during the Malayan Campaign and General Douglas MacArthur's command in the Philippines Campaign. By employing a comparative approach, the author aims to illuminate the distinct strategie...

In this essay, the author explores the dynamic relationship between the traditional military concepts of ‘Decisive Battle’ and ‘Operational Art’. While ‘Decisive Battle’ traditionally embodies the idea of a single, pivotal confrontation that determines the outcome of a conflict, ‘Operational Art...

In this essay, the author first describes the concept of national security and how it is typically achieved before attempting to shed light on the concept of Transparency. Next, viewing Transparency as an instrument, he identifies the mechanisms underpinning its effects and discusses its value an...

In this essay, the author discusses the ideas of three military strategists in their analysis of Clausewitz’s Centre of Gravity (COG) concept—the Clausewitzian Traditionalists, the Rejectionists and the Accommodators. Specifically, the author examines the ideas of the Rejectionists as they reject...

In this essay, the author states that despite the increasing focus on irregular conflicts, today’s threat environment is really a hybrid of conventional and irregular warfare. In his opinion, small states need to retain the ability to deter and prevail in conventional conflict as their geostrateg...

According to the author, the security dilemma is an unfortunate reality, perhaps an enduring feature of the self-help international system. He explains that threat assessments exist in part because of the security dilemma, and these assessments can become self-fulfilling prophecies. This happens ...

Specialists and MEs are warfighters, trainers and leaders who partner the Officers and Senior MEs in Training, Operations and Administration. They pride themselves in being subject matter experts (SME) in their domains, and lead the Army by providing last mile leadership for their soldiers. They ...