‘In Pursuit of Quality Soldiering’: A book for the military enthusiast launched

KUALA LUMPUR – Retired general of the Malaysia Armed Forces, General Tan Sri (Dr) Borhan Ahmad recently launched his book entitled 'In Pursuit of Quality Soldiering: The Story of the Man Behind the Green Beret' at Dewan Perkasa, Wisma Perwira Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) yesterday.

The memoir contains a vivid glimpse of Borhan’s life from the time he ran away from his home in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, to join the Boy’s Company in Port Dickson in 1953.

Written in chronological order, starting from his exploits as a Budak Boy at the Federation Military College (FMC), in particular his effort to swim across the body of water between Pulau Pangkor Laut and Pangkor which he did as a 14-year-old, his swashbuckling young officer days in the Congo, the blood and sweat years of raising the Malaysian Special Forces within 15 years to what it is today, his two tours as a Defence Attache, his challenges and experiences in higher command, to the time of his eventual retirement from the Malaysian Armed Forces in 1995.

Borhan has helmed every level of command there was to be commanded, from a four-man patrol whilst combating units of the Communist Party of Malaysia (CPM) deep in the heart of the Malaysian jungle, right up to the level of Chief of Defence Force. As a soldier, he fought in three emergencies, dived in many seas and jumped the night skies in pursuit of adventure and his love of soldiering.

In his introduction speech at the launch, the book’s editor, Lt Col (Rtd) Dr Ananthan S commended that the memoir is written in prose which is easy to follow yet compelling. He categorised it as a ‘pick me up and can’t put me down book’, adding that as an academic, there are various lessons that can be gleaned from this book.

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) as the publisher has categorised this book as an academic book for several reasons – its potential for teaching, learning and further research purposes. The military history perspectives alone, from the authoritative record on the formation of the army’s special forces since 1965, is something that has never been published as such.

Evidence is also offered in the birth and formation of many other prominent organisations, including the Rapid Deployment Force and several major army training establishments in the Malaysian Armed Forces Academy – the forerunner of what is now the National Defence University.

The chapter on Battling the Enemy puts on record hitherto untold incidences and events of various special operations, gripping accounts that no civilian would have ever heard details of before now. Apart from the sheer number of behind-the-scenes photographs, there are also maps and diagrams of various famous Ops we have only heard about in the news.

This book also offers a practitioner’s view on lessons for military leadership and management. Leadership traits and values are clearly portrayed through the many anecdotes and actions of the author, traits such as determination, endurance, candour, honour, courage, integrity, duty, loyalty to not only superiors but also subordinates, and most importantly, being ethical in all dealings – values the author internalised from his formative years in FMC and as a young officer.

One example in the book depicts Borhan’s boldness in confronting the principal staff of army headquarters in June 1967. If not for his conviction and principled stand, the Malaysian Special Service Unit would have been disbanded then and there.

The application of leadership principles such as setting examples, making sound and timely decisions, and taking responsibilities for one’s actions, are exemplified on numerous accounts in this book. Borhan, as Chief of Army in 1993, approved the request for Malaysian troops stationed in Mogadishu, Somalia, to be deployed in support of US forces in the rescue mission at Bakara. This he did without seeking prior approval from higher-ups as time was of the essence. Despite the backlash from the Minister’s Office, he took it all in his stride.

There are lessons in capability development, defence infrastructure, logistics, defence management, self-reliance and defence diplomacy. The formation of the Malaysian Special Service Unit in 1965 to undertake special operations, which until then was undertaken by the SAS and the British Royal Marine Commandos is testimony of the determination to become self-reliant in special forces operations.

Readers, in particular, military officers and military history buffs should find selected chapters – or the entire book – appealing for the historical, tactical, and personal first-hand accounts revealed in its pages. In the Afterword, Borhan states: “From the day I picked up a Sam Browne up to the day I bade farewell to the uniform, I have no regrets.” – The Vibes, April 9, 2021

‘In Pursuit of Quality Soldiering: The Story of The Man Behind The Green Beret’ is only available from UPNM Press, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia.