DEFENDING THE NATION'S SOVEREIGNTY: EXPANDING ROLES IN WIDER HORIZONS DEFENCE WHITE PAPER 2011 2011 REFINING PLANNING AND DECISION MAKING “... The Royal Brunei Armed Forces has to be smart in adopting a practical approach, emphasizing on inter-agency and multi-national operations, especially in the concept of Jointly and Joint Operational Planning”. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Titah (Royal Speech) in conjunction with Opening Ceremony of the Defence Staff College Course on 25 November 2010 An essential principle underpinning the recent development of the RBAF has been the adoption of a much more appointed, significant networked integrated approach to planning and operations. The Joint Force Commander has been the Joint Operations Centre is being developed as the nerve centre of the force, and progress has been made with introducing the essential Cl capabilities to underpin a force. Delivering joint effects is not, however, just a matter of putting the appropriate systems in place. It depends upon: " Building the culture of cooperation and the doctrine that ultimately guide the effective delivery of military force. " Approaching capability development in a holistic way, identifying all the elements to make sure the RBAF can deliver the desired operational effects in priority areas. * Providing comprehensive planning guidance to underpin the development and employment of the force To take this next step, the RBAF is now moving to refine the ways in which it approaches joint planning, the conduct of operations, and overall capability and policy development. Joint Planning The primary focus for joint planning at present is the strategic level direction provided by the Defence Executive Committee. It is the key decision making body and responsible for the overall management of Defence. Below that level, however, many elements of planning within the Ministry and the RBAF have in the past been developed independently. To support the development of more comprehensive and integrated guidance with respect to operations, a Joint Planning Committee (JPC) is to be established. The JPC will support and translate the decisions of the Defence Executive Committee into operational terms. Its primary responsibilities among others will be to: " Develop Defence-wide planning operational guidance. " Establish the objectives to be achieved in each area. " Monitor activities and progress in relation to them. " Report to the Defence Executive Committee on their achievement. The principal areas of guidance will be: " Oversight of the development of joint force and related single Service doctrine.