Page 24 - Perspective 2019 sample a4 size

24 PERSPECTIVE Journal Vol. 2019
Propagating Air Power to the Masses

Command and Control is one of the components of C4I. According to SLTC CHEN
BOON CHONG, Deputy Head of Air Operations for C4, Republic of Singapore Air
Force, the future of C4I will greatly influence and transform the roles of air power
works for security and development in our ever-changing environment. With the ad-

vent of cyber-physical and networked systems, it is imperative that Air Forces adapt
and adopt. With more advanced and networked system an air force has, however,
the more the need to be cautious on the things that could put a setback in one’s
efforts to be interconnected, SLTC CHEN said. Particularly, the more an Air Force
embraces C4I technology, the more it opens up its networks. Hence, the more
concern in terms of security management. In addition, SLTC Chen highlighted the
importance of intelligence in managing information in the future. With the influx of
data coming in, misinformation and fake news are inevitable, thus, the need to make
actionable intelligence that will be beneficial for the air force. Most importantly, im-
plementing technological advancements will require significant changes in terms of
personnel skills and training.

Being the most important asset in every organization, manpower should al-
ways be given premium in terms of modernization. In order to adapt to the chang-
es brought about by technological advancements, AIR COMMODORE KENNETH
ROBINSON CSC, Director General, Workforce Planning, Royal Australian Air Force
emphasized that Air Force leaders have to actively work to expand their ways of
thinking and get away from what has been traditionally done. Air forces must think
beyond training in accordance with their upgrades and instead understand what it
means to have a joint operation for the army and navy. This means that they would

also need to be prepared to fundamentally change the systems, policies, and pro-
cesses on how they govern their people’s capability and double their efforts to think
far ahead to prepare their forces. For the PAF, the Command must come to think of
what the workforce needs, shift its mindset, and deliberate strategies for the future.

It may take a lot to reach a certain degree in improving air power, but a step forward
is better than no movement at all. In the field of air power and defense, it demands
years to plan and more years to execute. The Air Force, through the AFS 2019, has
opened its doors and looked forward to understanding the future roles of Air Power
for security and development. More than the regional concerns and future of C4I
however, the most essential element to consider is people development – being the

first in the 3As – Airmen, Aircraft, and Air Bases. After all, true air power lies within
the people.

AIR WARFARE CENTER