LETTERS: THE military has been the nation's guardian for 91 years.
It presently faces challenges encompassing defence, peacekeeping, disaster response, and the promotion of national unity.
The future, too, will hold many challenges for it and the Defence Ministry.
Geopolitics and limited strategic assets mean both entities need to constantly seek a big-enough budget, and at the same time improve governance and transparency.
Emphasising openness and clarity in processes and information will surely gain the support of the people, and ultimately, taxpayers.
Responding to floods and landslides is not the military's primary role. But the call for it to be involved in natural disaster relief operations is getting louder by the day.
This presents a great challenge. The military has to find a right balance between its intended role and providing help during such disasters.
They are opportunities, though. It could improve certain skills and request for dual-use assets.
The military is also the lead agency in the National Service Training Programme 3.0, which will begin in 2025.
Territorial Army facilities will be used during the 45-day stint. Armed forces personnel will conduct the training modules.
The military also needs to ensure its camps and bases do not damage the surrounding environment. One of the things that must be looked into is the disposal of military waste.
Research into strategic assets that are environmentally friendly and can adapt to climate change should also begin. This is an opportunity for the armed forces to collaborate with foreign militaries.
Young officers should be allowed to take the lead in planning and designing the use of emerging technologies, such as drones and artificial intelligence.
To servicemen and veterans, Happy 91st anniversary.
MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE OF DEFENCE AND SECURITY (MiDAS), Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times