Item category 2: POINTER Monthly Essays

3-Dimensional (3D) printing is a form of Additive Manufacturing (AM) process which creates a 3D object from a model through the fusion of material. Although 3D printing started from as early as the 1980s, the technological leap to move beyond the realm of rapid prototyping only began in the 2010s...

In today’s information-centric world, potential aggressors can be discerned if a country possesses the actual means to retaliate and exercise their deterrence stance. The two pillars of Singapore’s defence policy built on diplomacy and deterrence relies on the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to back...

The essay views radical Islamic terrorist organisations as anti-fragile systems to understand better the resilience of these organisations and the requirements of a successful counter-terrorism containment strategy. Despite the 20-year Global War on Terrorism, the scourge of terrorism has not bee...

In this essay, the author highlights that the development and deployment of Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) in modern warfare raises pressing ethical questions. He examines the ethical problems posed by the use of AWS and critically assesses the arguments presented by various writers. The author ...

This article delves into British grand strategy in the aftermath of the First World War. The author discusses the challenges London faced when implementing its “peace-with-security” strategy, and concludes that Britain successfully shaped the post-war world order but faced various challenges.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that can benefit the training community by improving not only the competencies of already skilled personnel, but also that of trainees who may lack knowledge and experience. Popularised by Pokémon GO, it is one of the technologies that have been identified t...

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...