The Effect of Information Technolgy On Malaysian Defenc Force

Technological development is so fast nowadays.  Scientists and explorers seem like in some kind of a race as new things being discovered and invented every day. Technology covers a wide range of disciplines such as aviation, marine, medication, plantation and automobile, just to name a few. It affects our daily lives and Malaysian Defence Force isn't excluded. One of the technology that has big impact on our defence force is Information Technology (IT); which is the application of computers and telecommunication equipment to transmit and manipulate data. IT applications influence Malaysian Defence Force in many ways such as speeding up communication and increasing management effectiveness. Nevertheless, it also has weaknesses.

Information Technology is all about communication speed. Communication is a vital key of success to any level of mission and operation; ;therefore ensuring communication efficiency and effectiveness using IT will give us an upper hand. In this globalisation era,  communication recognises no boundaries. Satellite communication devices has enabled our troop at the other side of the world to communicate with MINDEF personnel as if it is just next door. The use of email  gives us the capability to exchange information in short period of time. Nowadays, every service has their own websites so that anybody able to get information regarding Malaysian Defence Forces. Furthermore, website visitors can provide feedbacks or ask questions through feedback functions  indeed, IR does speed up communication without compromising effectiveness and efficiency.

Information Technology application also has increased management efficiency and effectiveness.  Malaysian Defence Force have been using several IT based management tools; for example, SPKB and P4 System. By using these systems, managing large number of assets, data and resources become easier compared to using papers. In addition, all these information are centralised and can be backed up in order to ensure stability and security. Moreover, the information could be accessed anywhere at any time. All in all, by using IT based management tools, management efficiency and effectiveness are increased, at the same time improves stability and security.

In spite of the advantages, IT has weaknesses too. The weaknesses have given Malaysian Defence Force hard times such as hackers attack, viruses and malicious softwares. There are also some military personnel sending classified documents using open emails and clouds; thus these practices compromises information security. To make things worse, some of them also post sensitive information on social sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  Thence, Malaysian Defence Force have to take serious action to prevent leakage of information by increasing security measures and controlling social sites activities.

To conclude, IT has been giving big impacts to Malaysian Defence Force either positively or negatively. In spite of its weaknesses, our armed forces must continue the good effort to equip us with IT and other field of technology. By strengthening ourselves with the latest technology, we will become a formidable force as well as respected by enemies and allies.

Capt Alias Mustapa RMAF
No 16 Squadron
Subang Airbase