02 Januari 2012

Philippines Army (photo : Army Recognition)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) wants to reduce the number of infantry and marine battalions in the next few years as the military moves towards enhancing its territorial defense capability.

The restructuring program would channel resources to priority areas like boosting maritime security and territorial defense to enforce the country’s sovereign rights at the Kalayaan Island Group.

“Our territorial defense needs for this planning period will essentially be met by our forces that are engaged in internal security operations in priority regions and our units in non-priority regions,” the DND said in a planning guidance issued to the military.

Documents obtained by The STAR show that the Army infantry battalions would be reduced to 81 this year from 85 in 2011. The number of active duty battalions would be slashed gradually in the succeeding years until it reaches 54 in 2018.

The number of infantry brigade headquarters would be cut to 27 this year from 31 last year. It would be reduced further in the succeeding years until it reaches 18 in 2015.

On the other hand, the number of infantry divisions would be reduced to nine this year from 10 last year. The number of divisions would be down to six by 2015.

The DND plan, however, seeks to form two battalions for Rapid Deployment Forces by 2015. It also wants to create one infantry battalion for peacekeeping operations this year.

DND said the personnel and equipment from the units to be deactivated would be reapplied to other priorities like filling up the needs of remaining forces.

The marine battalions would also be reduced to 10 this year from 12 last year. Only nine marine battalions would be retained in 2013.

However, a marine battalion would be formed and would undergo retraining this year while another one would be created for peacekeeping tasks next year.

Even the military’s elite forces would be covered by the restructuring plan.

The four active duty combat groups would be reduced to two this year and would be deactivated in 2013.

On the other hand, the Special Operations Combat Support Group would be abolished in 2013. The DND plan, however, called for the creation of a ground-based air defense system group next year.

The DND has asked the military to submit a plan to ensure the smooth implementation of the restructuring program.

The DND planning guidance listed as the top resource priority the improvement of the country’s maritime security and territorial defense capabilities.

The DND also plans to streamline the armed forces’ civil-military operations (CMO) battalions, which conduct development projects in areas of conflict.

The 10 CMO battalions would be reduced gradually until these are abolished in 2017. The Armed Forces’ National Development Support Command, which works with private groups to provide basic services, would be scrapped this year.

(PhilStar)

15 November 2011

Marinir TNI AL akan mempunyai 3 divisi (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Surabaya (ANTARA News) - Korps Marinir akan memiliki divisi baru yakni Divisi III Sorong-Papua pada tahun 2012 untuk melengkapi Divisi I (Pasmar-1) di Surabaya dan Divisi II (Pasmar-2) di Jakarta.

"Embrionya sudah lama ada di Sorong, yakni satu batalyon di Papua, tapi nantinya akan ditingkatkan menjadi brigade dan akhirnya divisi," kata KSAL Laksamana TNI Soeparno di Surabaya, Selasa.

Ia mengemukakan hal itu setelah memimpin upacara HUT ke-66 Korps Marinir di Lapangan Tembak Lettu Anumerta FX Supramono, Kesatrian Marinir Karangpilang, Surabaya.

Didampingi Komandan Pasmar-1 Brigjen TNI (Mar) A Fariz Washington dan Komandan Pasmar-2 Brigjen TNI (Mar) Sturman Panjaitan, ia menjelaskan penataan itu akan mendorong adanya tiga divisi yakni Divisi I di Jakarta, Divisi II di Surabaya, dan Divisi III di Sorong-Papua.

"Jadi, pengamanan kawasan perbatasan Indonesia dengan negara lain tidak akan ditambah, karena sudah dianggap cukup. Apalagi Marinir memang bukan untuk pengamanan perbatasan laut," ucapnya.

Selain itu, Korps Marinir juga akan menambah tank BMP-3 F sebanyak 54 unit tank dengan 34 tank baru akan direalisasikan pada tahun 2012, sedangkan sisanya menyusul.

"Ke-54 tank baru itu akan ditempatkan di wilayah barat dan timur dengan sebagian tank merupakan produksi dalam negeri. Yang jelas, kalau alat tempur kita bisa dibuat di dalam negeri, ya kita beli di sini," ujarnya. Kendati demikian, menurut KSAL, Korps Marinir itu bukan pasukan "ecek-ecek" (sepele). "Anda bisa lihat sendiri kesiapan personel dan materiil dari Divisi Infanteri 1 dan 2 dengan seluruh alat tempurnya yang didatangkan ke sini pada HUT ke-66 Koprs Marinir," katanya.

Upacara HUT ke-66 Korps Marinir yang diikuti 6.155 prajurit itu dimeriahkan dengn atraksi dari 12 tank PT-76 buatan Rusia yang dipakai dalam Pertempuran Trikora pada tahun 1960-an, tiga pucuk Launcher RPG yang pernah dipakai di Aceh dan Timtim, sekaligus demonstrasi terjun statik oleh 60 peterjun dan terjun "Freefall" oleh 11 peterjun yang turun secara bersamaan (bertumpukan).

Sebelumnya (14/11), istri Komandan Korps Marinir yang juga Ketua Gabungan Jalasenastri Korps Marinir, Ny Nita Alfan Baharudin, merayakan HUT Korps Marinir dengan mengunjungi anggota Marinir Wilayah Timur yang dirawat di Rumah Sakit Marinir, Gunungsari, Surabaya.

(Antara)

12 September 2011

Airborne Insertion (Parachute) Capability has transfered to Special Forces Command (photo : Aus DoD)

The responsibility for maintaining the Airborne Insertion (Parachute) Capability has transfered from Army Forces Command to Special Operations Command.

The transfer marks a significant milestone in the history of Army’s parachute capability.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison recognised that the Army has raised, developed and maintained a conventional parachute capability over the past 31 years.

“I acknowledge the fine efforts of all those who have served as part of, and in support of the parachute capability,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

Initially raised and based on a company in the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) in 1980, the parachute capability was enhanced and the responsibility transferred to the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment(3 RAR) in 1983. During its time as a Parachute Battalion, 3 RAR was ably supported by a wide range of units from the 1st and 3rd Brigades, the Parachute Training School and 176th Air Dispatch Squadron.

“I also acknowledge the ongoing support of the Royal Australian Air Force in maintaining the parachute capability.”

“The parachute capability has been important part of the ADF’s contingency force since its inception, and will continue to be into the future. However, times have changed and there is a need to re-balance Army to meet the challenges of the future,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“3RAR now faces many new challenges including the move to Townsville, deployment to Afghanistan and playing its part in Army’s future.”

The transfer of the parachute capability to Special Operations Command means that the ADF maintains a robust and flexible entry capability while ensuring that Army is better able to meet the challenges of the future.

(Aus DoD)

28 Juni 2011

About 8,000 tablet devices such as iPads will soon be issued to servicemen to sharpen their fighting skills, the Ministry of Defence said. (photo : The Straits Times)

FROM November, recruits doing Basic Military Training (BMT) will be armed with one more 'weapon' - a handheld touchscreen device such as an iPad - to sharpen their fighting skills.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Defence Ministry said the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) plans to issue about 8,000 sets, including to every recruit in the BMT Centre and those in other institutes such as the Officer Cadet School and the Specialist Cadet School, as well as to servicemen in the air force and naval training schools.

(The Straits Times)

01 Juni 2011

Infantry soldiers charging out of a Terrex ICV. (photo : Cyberpioneer)

Infantry soldiers often trek tens of kilometres to reach their target or objective, are exposed to artillery fire along the way, and attack the objective with just the lightweight weapons they carry in their hands.

Now they have another option.

The introduction of the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) into the Army in September 2009 has revolutionised the way the infantry operates. Since then, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has been training its soldiers to operate on the new Terrex platform which gives them more mobility, firepower, protection and networked capabilities.

Such capabilities of an infantry on wheels were demonstrated on 31 May, as part of a parade which marked the operationalisation of 2nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (2 SIR) as the Army's first motorised infantry battalion. The battalion had taken delivery of the Terrex in July 2010.

At the demonstration held at the Murai Urban Training Facility, fighter jets and Leopard Main Battle Tanks simulated long-range fires on enemy forces in a built-up area, before a Trailblazer mine-clearing vehicle was called in to clear the path of mines.

Then came the Terrex ICVs, from which infantry soldiers charged out of to close in on enemy forces in the buildings.

Having witnessed the demonstration, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen remarked that the parade was a major milestone in the transformation of the infantry into a key component of the 3rd Generation networked SAF.

He said: "The strength of the 3rd Generation SAF lies not just in its individual pieces of hardware, but its ability to network an array of systems and capabilities."

Commenting that the Terrex ICV links to other mechanised platforms from the Armour, Artillery and Engineer formations that share a common network, Dr Ng said: "Such a network allows the SAF to create an overall fighting system that is flexible and more responsive to the complex demands of the modern battlefield.

From left: 1WO Yeo, LTC Goh and 2LT Tarmidzie are proud to be part of the first motorised infantry battalion. (photo : Cyberpioneer)

"On how the Terrex ICV serves as an asset to infantry troops, Commanding Officer of 2 SIR, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Nick Goh, said that the new platform adds more than just mobility to the troopers.

"As the Terrex is equipped with the Battlefield Management System (BMS) which connects it to other land and air platforms, and our soldiers are equipped with the Advanced Combat Man System (ACMS), our troops are well-connected, have better situational awareness, and can call on the firepower of other assets in the SAF to support their mission."

Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 SIR, 1st Warrant Officer (1WO) Yeo Keng Hua, an infantry soldier for 21 years, added: "In the past, infantry soldiers could only attack the enemy with the weapons they carried, but the Terrex offers a whole suite of more powerful weapon systems that are more effective." The Terrex can be configured with General Purpose Machine Guns and grenade launchers.

1WO Yeo also emphasised the enhanced protection the Terrex ICV offers to infantry soldiers.

"Infantry forces who trek to their objectives are commonly hit by Artillery fire, but with the Terrex and its closed-hatch design, troops are protected in the Terrex, and this increases their survivability in the field," he explained.

Commending 2 SIR for attaining full operational capability in slightly less than a year since taking delivery of the Terrex, Dr Ng said: "This is a significant achievement in meeting a demanding timeline, while testing and establishing new fighting concepts and tactics."

According to one of 2 SIR's platoon commanders, 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Muhammad Tarmidzie Bin Mohamad Taha, this impressive feat was achieved through sheer hard work.

He said: "It's been really taxing on us, to be trained in motorisation on top of the fundamental training for all infantry soldiers.

"But we adapted, learnt quickly, and now, I'm very honoured to work on a cool platform like the Terrex, and to be part of the first motorised infantry battalion."

Present at the parade with Dr Ng were Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, Chief of Army Brigadier-General Ravinder Singh and other senior officers from the SAF.

(Cyberpioneer)

10 Februari 2011

RSTA troopers like those who operate various mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are now combined with Signals units under the new C4I battalions. (photo : Aviation Week)

Wonder what the term 'C4I battalion' stands for? It means Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Battalion. The 10 and 11 C4I battalions were formed in 2010 through the merger of Signals units and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) units of Army Intelligence. This development not only underscores the close operational linkages between combat intelligence and communications but also enhances their overall operational effectiveness.

The active 10C4I comprises companies specialising in C4, ISR, SATCOM and Mobile Cellular capabilities. The reprofiled battalion is better positioned to create closer synergy and faster response to support the High Readiness Core (HRC) in security operations and peacetime contingencies like terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

The formation of C4I battalions allows for a single point of contact resulting in fast and effective dissemination of information. (photo : Mindef)

Formed in January 2010, 11C4I is commanded by LTC Yeoh Keat Hoe. In peacetime, the battalion acts as a force generator; raising and training Intelligence and Signals troopers for the Combined Arms Brigade's (CAB) C4I battalion. In operations, 11C4I will support the combined arms brigade by providing them with a comprehensive situational awareness of the battlefield.

Operations aside, the newly created C4I battalions also allow for enhanced training and operational effectiveness as LTC Yeoh described, “With a C4I battalion headquarters, there is now dedicated attention devoted to the Signal and RSTA companies in terms of training, sustenance and development.”

(Singapore Army)

23 Januari 2011

Paskal - the commandos from Royal Malaysian Navy (photo : Malaysian DoD)

KUALA LUMPUR: There was drama aplenty in the Gulf of Aden when commandos from a Royal Malaysian Navy auxilliary ship stormed and rescued a hijacked Malaysian chemical tanker and its crew from Somali pirates, early yesterday.

The Shipborne Protection Team, comprising special forces from the combined Armed Forces tri-services, swung into action from the RMN’s Bunga Mas 5.



Their swift and timely action saved the lives and limbs of the 23 crew. It also salvaged the tanker laden with lubricating oil and ethylene dichloride, all of which is believed to be worth in excess of an estimated RM30 million.



Bunga Mas 5’s effort resulted in the capture of seven Somali pirates, three of whom were injured in the ensuing gun battle with the commandos.



Relating the high drama, RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said MT Bunga Laurel, hired by the Malaysian International Shipping Corporation (MISC), was on its way from the gulf to Singapore when it was attacked by the pirates about 300 nautical miles (555km) east of Oman at 11.40pm on Thursday.



“The drama unfolded just two hours after the Bunga Mas 5 had completed escorting the tanker and another MISC liquefied natural gas carrier, MT Seri Balhaf, to a safe zone called Easton 4 in the gulf.



“This is the waypoint where we cease our escort duty,” he said.

Abdul Aziz said under the cover of darkness, seven pirates armed with AK-47 assault rifles, light machine guns and pistols suddenly emerged from a skiff boat and began boarding the tanker, firing at random.

MT Seri Balhaf was spared.





RMN's Bunga Mas 5 (photo : Secure Malaysia)



“At the same time, a mother ship with 18 pirates on board began its assault on the tanker.“



The alarmed tanker crew activated the Ship Security Alert System before taking cover in a specially-designed security compartment near the vessel’s engine room,” Abdul Aziz said.



Responding to the SOS distress signal Bunga Mas 5, which was 14 nautical miles (25.9km) away, sped towards the tanker at 1.20am.



The navy’s Fennec attack helicopter went airborne to provide reconnaissance and aerial gunfire from its mounted general purpose machine gun.



“Several shots on target from the helicopter kept the pirate’s mother ship at bay. This preventive measure saved the tanker from serious damage and minimised the risk on its crew.



“Simultaneously, the commandos boarded the tanker and subdued the pirates. It was all over within minutes. There were no injuries on the Malaysians, while the three injured pirates were given first-aid,” said Abdul Aziz.



Following interrogation with the authorities, he confirmed that all seven captured pirates were Somalis who admitted that they had used one of the previously captured vessels as their mother ship.



‘What’s baffling is that they seemed to know our movements, including even the 300-nautical mile extended envelope in the gulf. They are ruthless and their threats are for real,” said Abdul Aziz.



He added all concerned were glad that the episode was over and MISC officials are believed to have cleared the tanker fit to continue its journey.



Bunga Mas 5 has a crew of 21 MISC supporting personnel and 39 Shipborne Protection Team members from the Armed Forces, specialising in various trades.



There are four teams, inclusive of six special force members, deployed for the two-day escort duty shift in the gulf under Operasi Fajar launched since June 21, 2009.



Bunga Mas 5 can escort up to three vessels at a time, including foreign ships as requested by international authorities.



Pirate gangs operating along Somalia’s 1,900 miles-long (3,100 km) coastline have become increasingly brazen, accounting for the capture of 32 commercial vessels to date to seek ransoms.



The Gulf of Aden, sandwiched between Somalia and Yemen, is the main sea route between Europe and Asia where vessels ply the Suez Canal.



Two other piracy incidents also took place in the gulf and its vicinity, the last 48 hours.



South Korean navy commandos stormed the Samho Jewelrya hijacked by Somali pirates about 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) off northeast Somalia in the Indian Ocean, rescuing all the 21 crew and killing eight pirates.



The 11,500-ton ship, with eight South Koreans, two Indonesians and 11 from Myanmar was hijacked on January 15 in the Arabian Sea when it was en route to Sri Lanka from the United Arab Emirates.



In the second separate incident, pirates hijacked the Syrian-owned bulk carrier MV Khaled Muhieddine with 25 crew approximately 330 nautical miles southeast of the Omani coastal port of Salalah on Thursday night.



The Togo-flagged vessel, with a deadweight of 24,022 tonnes, was on passage from Singapore to Al Hudaydah in Yemen with 22 Syrians and three Egyptians on board.



(New Straits Times)