Dag EXPANDING Cm ROLES Maracas Po) oy vAes DEFENCE WHITE PAPER Realising the robust planning objectives set out in this White Paper will require a more focused approach, closely integrating policy related research and its practical application. Enhanced regional cooperation and the complexities of more frequent force deployments demand a comprehensive policy foundation if sensitivities are to be managed and the national interest maximised. The foundation for this comprehensive approach to policy will be: * The consolidation of related areas of policy development under the Permanent Secretary for policy. * Restructuring of the defence policy responsibilities to align closely with the strategic priorities shaping security engagement and the development and employment of the RBAF. In particular, the functions of the existing Directorate of Defence Policy will be divided into two distinct areas. * The first will be responsible for strategic engagement. It will develop policy for and lead national participation in non-operational activities both regionally and internationally. Support will be provided to officers participating in the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meetings, the related senior officers’ meeting and expert working groups and, as required, to the parallel military-to-military exchanges. * The second, responsible for defence policy and strategic intelligence, will develop more holistic policy guidance. It will develop strategic assessments of longer term trends affecting the nation’s security, complementing the operational focus of the Directorate of Intelligence. It will develop more detailed policy to guide the implementation of the White Paper’s recommendations. It will support planning for specific operational deployments and prepare policy options to form the national response. * The research being undertaken by the SHHBIDSS will provide an important input to those assessments. While the maintenance of an independent research program will be essential across a range of defence and security related areas, background studies to support policy development may be specifically commissioned. An important consequence of these changes will be a strengthening of the policy expertise within the Ministry, building Scholars Program. upon recent initiatives to foster the number of talented young officers through the ; AAVINAIOCIIO E Sata<4 TSlia S TECO Te Sooo / DEFENCE WHITE PAPER 2011