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REVOLUTIONS IN MILITARY AFFAIRS (RMA)
AN APPRISAL
A military revolution in the fullest sense occurs only – when
entire society transforms itself ,forcing its armed services to
change at every level simultaneously------from technology and
cultures to organizations, strategy, tactics, training, doctrine
and logistics . When that happens, the relationship of
economy and society is transformed.
- Tofflers
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INTRODUCTION
In the wake of the overwhelming victory of coalition forces in Operation Desert
Storm a good deal of discussion took place whether the world had witnessed a
Revolution in Military Affairs(RMA). However, the concepts of an RMA itself, its
constituent elements and the timing of its occurrence remain subject of continuing
debate.
Revolutions in Military Affairs are not a new phenomenon. Throughout history
advances in technology and strategy have revolutionized the way wars are fought. A
RMA results when a nation seizes an opportunity to transform its military doctrine,
training, organization, equipment, tactics, operations and strategy in a coherent pattern
in order to wage war in a novel and more effective manner.
The current term "Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA)" has evolved from an
earlier term "Military Technical Revolution(MTR)" used by Soviet military theorists. A
MTR is a technological event or events which alter the course of military history. The
pace of technological change is accelerating and challenging the military to adopt and
absorb new innovations, particularly in regard to information gathering , processing and
distribution. The battle space has expanded into five dimensions - space, air, land, sea
and subsurface. It is more dynamic and relies on greater maneuverability and faster
communication. The current RMA is characterized by four types of changes :-
* Extremely precise, stand off strikes.
* Dramatically improved command, control and intelligence.
* Information Warfare.
* Nonlethality.
