Logistic Security of Military Units and Institutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: The article's objective is primarily to present what logistic security denotes for military units and institutions and demonstrate how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the magnitude of logistic requirements and the way they are satisfied. The further part of the article allows for indicating the directions of measures enabling the appropriate preparation of the logistic potential to meet the generated needs in the event of subsequent crises. Research methodology: As the pandemic continues, the questionnaire survey method was recognized as the most effective and efficient one. By addressing the people directly involved in the ongoing implementation of logistic tasks, there is a high probability of obtaining objective and comprehensive information on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the magnitude and range of logistic needs and what actions need to be taken to satisfy these requirements at an appropriate level. Findings: The functioning of military units and institutions has been severely disrupted in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This stems from several restrictions introduced at the national level. Also, the leadership of the Polish Armed Forces decided to limit training activities, and at the same time, directed part of the military potential to support civil services in combating the pandemic. These disturbances did not relieve the military units and institutions from maintaining operational readiness at the prescribed level. Therefore, in addition to the standard duties, there were limitations and additional duties for society's benefit. Practical implications: Based on the research results obtained, the staff in charge at the Ministry of National Defence are capable of undertaking measures to modify the existing solutions in the field of understood logistic security. In this way, conditions for real counteraction against threats resulting from future crises could be created. Originality: Regarding the functioning of military units and institutions and their logistic support during the COVID-19 pandemic, the research results demonstrated that a flexible response to emerging complications is necessary. This flexibility concerns the acquisition of supplies, the provision of specialist logistic services/laundry, preparing meals, baking bread/ and applying the law, which does not fully consider the conditions resulting from a crisis.