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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles' training camp: Takeaways and observations from Day 3 of practice
With Day 3 of Philadelphia Eagles' practice completed, we're looking at takeaways and observations from Saturday's session After a Friday morning walkthrough, the Eagles returned to the NovaCare Complex practice field for their third session of training camp. The morning saw Jihaad Campbell make another charge towards the starting lineup, while Jalen Hurts wasn't his most impressive. The session also saw Kenyon Green get in his first practice of the summer, while Jalen Carter missed his third straight day. With Day 3 of practice completed, we're looking at five standouts from Saturday's session. Jalen Hurts' uneven performance Saturday wasn't the most efficient for the quarterback, but the practice reps are about getting acquainted with Kevin Patullo as a player caller. Jihaad Campbell first team reps It's just day three of practice, but Campbell looks sharp, he looks injury-free, and he's getting first-team reps alongside Zack Baun. Campbell has been learning both inside linebacker positions. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is staying in the fight Once thought of as the potential third quarterback following the Eagles' trading Kenny Pickett to Cleveland, Thompson-Robinson has battled rookie Kyle McCord for that spot and had his best practice of the summer. Kelee Ringo baptism by fire The talented cornerback is in a roster battle with Adoree Jackson and has been getting baptized on the outside by A.J. Brown over the first three days. The treatment continued on Saturday. Moro Ojomo continues to impress Ojomo continues to impress and continues to pressure the quarterback and collapse the pockets. Eagles added a new wrinkle Philadelphia could be even stronger in the secondary thanks to the unique versatility of cornerback Cooper DeJean and safety Andrew Mukuba. On Saturday, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio placed the duo in a DIME package, with the Swiss army knives in the slot. Jihaad Campbell could make Zack Baun even more dangerous. Zack Baun was initially signed by Philadelphia last off-season to add pass rush prowess and versatility to the Eagles' defense. Baun went on to become a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. The Eagles selected Jihaad Campbell in the draft, and he's been working out at both inside linebacker positions. Campbell learning Baun's spot could provide Philadelphia with a scenario where Nakobe Dean or Jeremiah Trotter Jr. plays the other linebacker spot alongside Campbell, allowing Baun to rush the passer more in 2025.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Strengthening military volunteer reserve: A strategic imperative for national defence
THE military volunteer force has long been a vital element in a nation's defence strategy. In Malaysia, it serves as an important component of the national military structure, contributing significantly to defence capabilities. Over the decades, volunteer forces worldwide have adapted to suit the evolving geopolitical climate and shifting security landscapes. They are now recognised as critical force multipliers that support and augment regular armed forces both in peacetime and during conflict. As a component of the broader military instrument within the national power elements—namely Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economy (DIME)—the volunteer force plays a strategic role in bolstering national resilience. Through the Malaysian Defence White Paper (DWP), the government has underscored its commitment to transforming Malaysia into a secure, sovereign, and prosperous nation. This transformation hinges on strengthening the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in various domains, including the volunteer sector. Revitalising the volunteer force, especially the Royal Malaysian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RMNVR), has become essential in addressing emerging security threats, both traditional and non-traditional. This paper centres on the RMNVR, evaluating its current state and proposing strategies for its development into an operationally ready force. By identifying appropriate roles and aligning the RMNVR with national strategic objectives, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) can better leverage its potential. This would enable the RMNVR to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the regular force in fulfilling critical maritime defence duties. In line with the DWP, the MAF's primary mission is to safeguard Malaysia's sovereignty and territorial integrity while protecting national interests from both internal and external threats. The MAF's secondary roles involve Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR), Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), and participation in international peacekeeping under the United Nations. Defending the nation, however, is not solely the responsibility of the MAF. It requires the combined efforts of government agencies, the private sector, and society at large. This is the basis of the Comprehensive Defence framework, a central pillar of the DWP. Within this context, volunteer forces must be ready for mobilisation and capable of replacing or supporting regular forces when necessary, as outlined in the Armed Forces Act 1972. The RMNVR, established on 27 April 1934—the same day the RMN was founded—plays a vital role in this vision. Its mission is to create a spirited and skilled reserve force, trained to perform duties on par with regular naval personnel. During emergencies or wartime, the RMNVR supports the RMN in defending Malaysia's maritime interests. Currently, RMNVR headquarters is located at the RMN Base in Johor Bahru, overseeing 11 smaller units across the country. These units coordinate training and manage logistics. Though supported by RMN infrastructure, there is a need for further development to align RMNVR capabilities with operational requirements. A capable and operationally ready volunteer force demands mission-suited equipment and structural realignment. As part of the RMN's modernisation, the 15-to-5 Transformation Programme, initiated in 2017, aims to create a balanced, credible, and versatile naval force by 2050. This initiative includes acquiring new assets such as ships, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can be utilised to train and equip RMNVR personnel. To become operationally ready, the RMNVR must undergo structural changes. Assignments should be divided between sea-based operations (such as deployment on frontline ships) and shore-based support roles. Volunteers must be trained in core naval functions—seamanship, engineering, logistics—and develop proficiency with onboard systems such as radar, navigation, communication, and weapons. A clear doctrine must guide these transformations, ensuring alignment with broader military strategies and joint operations with the regular forces. Moreover, the RMN should invest in enhancing technical competencies among RMNVR personnel. This includes skills in shipbuilding, maintenance, logistics, port management, and maritime operations. Volunteers with civilian maritime experience can be an asset in coordinating operations, managing port security, and analysing shipping data to support military logistics and humanitarian efforts. Volunteers can also contribute to environmental protection, marine research, and damage assessments during conflicts or disasters. The DWP outlines key future force capabilities that the RMNVR could help fulfil. These include bolstering cyber-electromagnetic activities (CEMA), defence intelligence, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), and Network-Centric Operations (NCO). Volunteer specialists in IT, cybersecurity, and satellite communication can be recruited from relevant industries to support these niche roles. Collaborations with companies such as PETRONAS or MISC could bring on board personnel with critical maritime and technical skills. In learning from international best practices, the RMNVR can model its development after the Royal Australian Navy Reserve (RANR), Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) of the UK, and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). These reserve forces integrate seamlessly with their regular counterparts. Reservists are deployed on ships, participate in national exercises, and are held to professional standards equivalent to active-duty personnel. Their success lies in clear policies, structured training, and continuous professional development elements that the RMNVR must adopt. Determining the ideal future size of the RMNVR requires strategic foresight. The UK Ministry of Defence, for instance, considers factors such as emerging threats, technological shifts, operational commitments, and efficiency requirements in its force-sizing strategy. Malaysia could apply similar criteria, ensuring the RMNVR remains flexible and resilient, ready to address both peacetime and wartime demands. This would also enable the RMNVR to support routine operations without overstretching the regular force. Strategically, the RMNVR could evolve beyond its current form. A restructured organisation divided into warfare, engineering, and logistics command components would better align with the RMN's operational needs. Investment in dedicated training facilities and modern simulators would prepare volunteers for shipboard operations and technical assignments. Specialised training should focus on critical naval operations such as anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, and command and control (C4ISR). Volunteers could serve as gunnery assistants, sonar operators, bridge navigators, and technical engineers. This would create a competent auxiliary force capable of maintaining essential naval functions during high-tempo operations or crises. Additionally, the RMNVR can support intelligence collection through Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT). Collaborations with the telecoms and energy sectors can enable targeted recruitment and training. For example, telecommunications firms can help train SIGINT operators, while offshore rig workers can contribute to maritime HUMINT. The RMNVR has the foundational structure, historical legacy, and potential to be revitalised into an operationally ready force. A comprehensive strategy that includes doctrinal clarity, structured training, capability alignment, and strategic partnerships is necessary. With the right roadmap, the RMNVR can mirror successful international models and fully integrate with the RMN. This revitalisation effort directly supports the three pillars of the DWP—Concentric Deterrence, Comprehensive Defence, and Credible Partnerships. Ultimately, by transforming the RMNVR into an operationally ready and versatile force, Malaysia can significantly enhance its military power and resilience, ensuring it is well-prepared to defend its maritime interests and national sovereignty in the face of current and future challenges.
The Print
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
India has only pressed the pause button on Pakistan. It needs serious behavioural change
Do actions taken under the DIME paradigm have any effect in bringing about behavioural change? The results are mixed, depending mainly on the degree of international support. Bringing about an end to the apartheid in South Africa, is one such successful example, though it took over three decades to fructify. South Africa was expelled from international bodies, boycotted culturally and in sports, military aid was given to anti-apartheid groups like the ANC and comprehensive sanctions were imposed. International DIME pressure, combined with internal resistance, led to negotiations and the end of apartheid by 1994. However, the real turning point was only when the US and UK joined the overall international anti-apartheid movement. Hectic back-channel efforts paved the way for the cessation of military operations without any pre-conditions. Further parleys will now decide the contours of a more durable and long-lasting ceasefire. It is only the pause button that has been pressed, there is much more work to be done. Without any unnecessary chest thumping, our Armed Forces acquitted themselves creditably and succeeded in achieving all operational objectives, highlighting that India retained the right to use all instruments of national power, including military action at the appropriate place and time. Military force must and will be used, as often as required, but it will have to be part of the overall plan under the DIME rubric, to bring about a behavioural change in Pakistan. Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economy all have their role to play, both sequentially and concurrently. The guns have fallen silent and an uneasy quiet has descended over the Western front. What a tumultuous week it has been, starting with India's retaliatory strikes on terrorist bases and terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir to strikes and counter-strikes that lit up the skies, with grave portents of worse to come and a dramatic announcement of a cessation of military operations all across the Western front, effective from 1700 hours, 10 May 2025. Over the course of this period, the Indian Armed Forces rose up to the occasion and delivered decisive blows, not only on terrorist camps but also to the Pakistani military establishment, conveying in no uncertain terms that India had 'zero tolerance for terrorism in all its manifestations'. China is using the same methodology to isolate Taiwan internationally and prevent formal independence. Diplomatically, it has pressured countries to derecognise Taiwan and blocked its participation in international forums like the WHO. It has waged influence operations using Chinese media and cyber efforts to manipulate opinion internally in Taiwan and globally. Militarily, regular airspace incursions, naval exercises and blockades have become commonplace to demonstrate its military dominance. On the economic front, it has used trade as leverage, by blocking Taiwanese products and rewarding countries that reject Taiwan's status. As a result, China has kept Taiwan diplomatically isolated and succeeded in stopping Taiwan from declaring formal independence, but has nevertheless failed to break its democratic resilience, indicating that the DIME construct can constrain but not always convert. Also read: India is not just reacting to terrorism. It is redefining the global response to it The DIME approach Under the circumstances, what are India's options to bring about the desired behavioural change? For this a comprehensive campaign at the national level needs to be formulated on these fronts. Diplomatic. Lead international coalitions to isolate Pakistan in multilateral forums (UN, SCO, OIC). Lobby for Pakistan's continued grey/blacklisting in FATF. Strengthen alliances with Gulf, ASEAN, and African nations to dilute Pakistan's Islamic bloc leverage. Increased international scrutiny of Pakistan and diplomatic costs for Islamabad, may have some effect, while giving India possible leverage in backchannel talks. Insist on verifiable proof of dismantling terrorist infrastructure with strict timelines. We cannot passively wait for the next terrorist strike. Information. Launch global campaigns exposing Pakistan's terror infrastructure, especially the very revealing visuals of Pakistani military personnel in uniform attending the funerals of known terrorists, even going as far as giving them a 'Guard of Honour'. Use media diplomacy and diaspora networks to shape global opinion, highlighting Pakistan's domestic repression in Balochistan, and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan blowback. Undermine Pakistan's narrative internationally, with the aim to build support in Western democracies for India's counter-terror position and military action. Military. Maintain readiness for further calibrated strikes, always leaving the option open for military action. It is only the pause button that has been hit. Use all means to disrupt terror networks and camps. Fortify LoC defences and enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. This would raise costs for Pakistan, deter any overt action or military misadventure a-la Kargil, and create space for diplomatic de-escalation on favourable terms. Economic. Apart from the measures already undertaken, push for targeted global sanctions on Pakistan-linked terror actors. Maintain suspension of trade and other cross border linkages. Notwithstanding the latest bail-out package, influence IMF and the World Bank to attach verifiable counter-terror conditions to bailouts. Promote economic integration such as the India-Middle East – Europe corridor that bypasses Pakistan. The impact of this would be to put financial pressure on Pakistan's elite and institutions, as also weaken the state's capacity to support proxy war/groups. Also read: Did India achieve deterrence? Depends on whether Pakistan was psychologically bruised Need not always be reactive As highlighted earlier these are measures that will have long gestation periods. What best can we expect? Short-Term. Increased diplomatic isolation and financial strain. Limited rollback of tactical terror activity. India's new formulation that any terrorist activity will be viewed as an act of war may have a salutary effect. Mid-Term. Greater international alignment with India's anti-terror narrative and potential weakening of Pakistan's strategic depth via non-state actors. Long-Term. Conditional behaviour changes in Pakistan if sustained pressure aligns with internal instability or leadership shifts. However, a cornered and reactive Pakistan can be even more dangerous. Inbuilt in these measures should be unstated exit offers that reward good behaviour and which can be conveyed through third party channels. This could include conditional easing of pressure if Pakistan dismantles terror networks with verifiable proof. Support for trade corridors if Pakistan de-links foreign policy from proxy warfare and quiet diplomatic normalization through third parties, if bilateral talks hit a road block. Pakistan's use of terrorism is tied to its strategic calculus, especially regarding Kashmir and Afghanistan. While the Pahalgam tragedy has been avenged, whether such a restrained long-term policy is the best course as action remains to be seen. The guns have fallen silent – but for how long? Calibrated military actions as part of a dynamic response strategy, may be required to nudge Pakistan towards the desired exits. We need not always be reactive. Presence of terrorist groups or camps are reason enough for pro-active defensive measures. General Manoj Mukund Naravane PVSM AVSM SM VSM is a retired Indian Army General who served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff. Views are personal. (Edited by Theres Sudeep)
