the process of security sector reform - ISAC Fund

Angus Morris REFORM OF THE ARMED FORCES
Angus Morris REFORM OF THE ARMED FORCES
In summary, the need is for transparency, accountability, appropriateness and
affordability. These requirements are included, with other details, in Euro-
Atlantic organisational joining parameters. Many Central and Eastern European
nations who have been through the joining procedures for NATO PfP and or
EU membership have found the programmed entry process itself to be a helpful
guide to defence reform.
One of the biggest challenges in a major review is that there may need to be a
fundamental change of the way people go about their military business – in effect,
a culture change. This may only be brought about successfully by a combination
of clear vision, effective communication of that vision, and an inclusive process
of discussion during the review process and throughout implementation. Even
then, some flexibility will be needed, as external events often impact change
during even the process of the review itself. Finally, patience and tenacity will
be necessary to see things through. And all of that is a lot to ask of all the stakeholders
in this strategically important process.
Some examples of less than successful defence reviews include: those done
for short-term political gain; for economic reasons alone; where the defence
sector has driven change without broad support; where accountability and
transparency are ignored; and where illogical single service issues prevail. In
the end, these types of defence reviews tend to fail – as do those which are
inadequately resourced and championed.
THE NECESSITY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF
SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO TO REFORM
The decision on whether or not to reform the armed forces of Serbia and
Montenegro can only be for the Government and the people of Serbia and
Montenegro to make. No one else should make that decision for any country.
This decision is strategically important – it will impact on the international view
of how Serbia and Montenegro is progressing. It is also vitally important right
down to the individual level – personal security is at the heart of everyone’s key
goals in life. And the Government of Serbia and Montenegro has made their
commitment to Armed Forces reform very clear. So, it is already underway.
Such reform, if conducted in an appropriate way, as it appears to be being
done, will also involve the whole community, some in only a small way, others
considerably. This is the major reason to let people know early on why reform is
needed, what is being done and when, and who is to be involved and how they
can be heard should they so desire.
There should be some confidence gained from the fact that many other countries,
including near-neighbours and friends, have gone through a similar review
process in the recent past. There is much to be gleaned from others and help
is being offered freely and with the best of motives. Once a Government has
made its vision for reform clear, as Serbia and Montenegro has, they will find
more help offered than they can deal with. A critical step is to decide how to
co-ordinate such advice and offers of help. Whatever is offered, it is vital that
the reforming Government remains fully in charge of the process; they must
visibly own the review itself, and the resulting plans for its implementation. It
is necessary to be selective to ensure that the support offered is consistent with
transformation goals. In other words it is demand led, not supply driven.
And they must take their time over such a strategically important issue; they
should not be rushed, seeking or being forced into unnecessarily restrictive
deadlines. They should decide how they wish to conduct the review, who they
want advice from, how it will be brought together in an efficient and productive
way and how they will manage the cultural change that will be necessary, not
just within the Armed Forces, but in other Government Departments, in Civil
Society and throughout the country. And they must have the courage, tenacity
and patience to see the process through.
SUMMARY
Many and varied agencies are permitted to use armed force. When reforming
security sector elements, basic change management theory and practice should
be employed. Critical to this is top-level political buy-in to the process of
reform. All personnel and supervisors involved in the use of armed force should
work under the principles of good governance. Technical competence is key,
as are transparency, accountability, appropriateness and affordability. It is for
the Government and people of Serbia and Montenegro to decide how they
should conduct their defence review. There is a role for civil society as well as
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