Building the Army of tomorrow: How this force planner is preparing for future warfare

Deputy Assistant Chief of General Staff for Plans and Head Force Plans Lieutenant-Colonel Brandon Tan is shaping the Army of the future by focusing on the development of its soldiers and leaders. Tan's work involves anticipating future technological advancements, policies, and threats, as well as developing soldiers who can adapt, make decisions, and lead in changing circumstances.

He believes that the Army's most important asset remains its soldiers, who need to cultivate critical thinking, agility, and courage. Drawing on military theorist Carl von Clausewitz's ideas, Tan emphasizes that warfare is fundamentally about pitting will against will, and that technology is a means to an end, never replacing the visceral element of leadership.

Tan's own experiences as a young officer, particularly the dedication of his wing commander during Officer Cadet School, shaped his leadership philosophy. He learned that leadership is not about being the strongest or fastest, but having the heart for one's people and leading by example. Inspired by this, Tan encouraged his soldiers to pursue their interests, such as coding and AI, to improve their National Service experience.

This led to innovative initiatives using readily accessible tools, automating routine administrative tasks, and finding ground-up solutions to enhance training safety. The unit's efforts resulted in recognition, including the Chief of Army Safety Excellence Award and the Best Combat Support Unit Award. Tan firmly believes that the Army's true strength lies in its people and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization.