Joint Forces Command, Malaysia

The Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) or Markas Angkatan Bersama-MK AB is a joint military command which specifically formed to command all tasks of the Malaysian Armed Forces joint operations. The Joint Operations are other operations performed by at least three services such as Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. JFHQ which currently led by Vice Admiral Dato' Seri Panglima Ahmad Kamarulzaman as the Commander and responsible for planning and implementing all the joint and combined operations, joint exercises and Multi-National Operations, such as the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. The JFHQ as like any other joint forces adopts the assigned concept.

Establishment of JFHQ
The history of the JFHQ began when the proposal for its establishment was approved on April 20, 2004. JFHQ was launched by Deputy Prime Miniter cum Minister of Defence on September 6, 2004 and is designed to meet the needs of the establishment of a Joint Force Headquarters. At that time, The Chief of Staff of Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters, Vice Admiral Dato’ Ramlan Bin Mohamed Ali, was also appointed as the JFHQ Commander from September 6, 2004 on and ad hocs basis. Chief of MAF Staff, Lieutenant-General Datuk Hj Shahron bin Hj Ibrahim RMAF then appointed the JFHQ Commander post effectively from December 1, 2006.

After the JFHQ organization was officially established, Major General Dato' Allatif Bin Mohd Noor took over the command of the JFHQ. With a total strength of 312 officers and personnels, this command has been carrying out the tasks entrusted by the Jointness concept which is three services is designed to perform its functions more effectively in assisting the Chief of the Armed Forces in terms of governance and control operations at the highest levels of MAF. JFHQ serves as the operational level of command responsible for planning and implementing all the joint operation, which is likely to be a potentially joint, the combined operation and such multinational security operations under the charter of the Organization of the United Nations (UN). In addition, the headquarters is also responsible for implementing all the Joint Training/Exercise. Other than managing current operations, JFHQ is also responsible to give input on the preparation for future capability development. In fulfilling that need, one current challenge that has to be taken into account is budgetary constraint. For that, JFHQ is focused on the concept of “fit for the purpose” or enabling a capability that fulfil the true requirement as well as a balanced capability development that also takes into account the aspect of interoperability. This is to make sure that any capability developed in the future contribute to the effective execution of the operation and the limited budget can be spent in the most optimal manner.

Other than managing current operations, JFHQ is also responsible to give input on the preparation for future capability development. In fulfilling that need, one current challenge that has to be taken into account is budgetary constraint. For that, JFHQ is focused on the concept of “fit for the purpose” or enabling a capability that fulfills the true requirement as well as a balanced capability development that also takes into account the aspect of interoperability. This is to make sure that any capability developed in the future contribute to the effective execution of the operation and the limited budget can be spent in the most optimal manner.

Op PASIR
On the local operation, JFHQ is responsible for the implementation Operations of Pandanan And Sipadan Island Resort or popularly known by Op PASIR. This operation is a joint operation involving the assets of the three services in the East Sabah area under the command of Joint Task Force 2 Commander.

Op PASIR area covers the whole east coast of Sabah from Kudat to Semporna which includes the Malaysian Exclusive Economic Zone waters and Sabah airspace bordering the South China Sea to the Sulu Sea and the Sulawesi Sea at the east. The main mission of Op PASIR is create a safe and secure environment in East Coast of Sabah to protect national sovereignty and create conditions conducive to economic activity.



Overseas Operation
On the overseas operations, presence of the MAF increasingly felt by the world community. Involvement of military personnel in the mission of the UN has raised the image of the MAF in particular and the country in general through the ability, the dedication, commitment and high disciplaine of members MAF during their assignment.

Among the foreign missions being undertaken by the MAF such as:
 * 1) United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
 * 2) Operation of Interim National Support and Assistance to Afghanistan (Op INSAF)
 * 3) International Monitoring Team – Mindanao

Roles
The roles of JFHQ as an Operational Level Command is responsible for planning and executing all the Joint Operation, which is likely to be a potentially joint operation, the combined operation, integrated operations and multinationals such as operations under the UN Charter.

Functions

 * 1) As an Operational Headquarters is responsible for command, control and manage Assigned Forces to undertake of the Joint / Combined operations.
 * 2) Plan and implement integration forces exercises for assigned forces for the purpose of Joint / Combined operating.
 * 3) Establish Situational Awareness for Joint / Combined operations.
 * 4) Formulate and update the doctrine and the Standing Operation Procedure (SOP) of Joint Warfare.
 * 5) Planning and implementation of all the Joint Bilateral and multilateral levels.
 * 6) Deployed and administered all military personnels who perform duties under the charter of the Association of the United Nations (UN).