151 AIR POWER Journal Vol. 3 No. 4 WINTER 2008 (October-December)
DEFENCE TRANSFORMATION:
AN APPRAISAL
P. K. MALLICK
As we prepare for the future, we must think differently and develop the kinds
of forces and capabilities that can adapt quickly to new challenges and to
unexpected circumstances. We must transform not only the capabilities at our
disposal but also the way we think, the way we train, the way we exercise
and the way we ght. We must transform not only our armed forces, but
also the Department that serves them by encouraging a culture of creativity
and prudent risk-taking. We must promote an entrepreneurial approach to
developing military capabilities, one that encourages people to be proactive, not
reactive and anticipates threats before they emerge.
—
Donald H. Rumsfeld,
Ex US Secretary of Defence
“Transformation”, “reform”, “modernisation”—whatever one calls change—
is not a new phenomenon in the armed forces. Transformation, “generates
increased combat power by networking sensors, decision-makers and
shooters to achieve shared awareness, increased speed of command, high
tempo of operations, greater lethality, increased survivability and a degree of
self-synchronisation.”
* Brigadier P. K. Mallick, Indian Army, is currently with HQ Integrated Defence Staff of the
Chiefs of Staff Committee.
© Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi
