Contemporary Military Research Articles

Fifty Years of Secrecy: The Politics of Oblivion and Perpetuation of the Dictatorship’s Impunity in Contemporary Uruguay

This article explores the long duration of posttransitional authoritarian discourses of “national security” in Uruguay, in the five decades since the coup that led to a State terrorist regime. We posit that the current deployment of Cold war era discourses justifying state terrorism constitute foundational master tools that enable modern-day military and alt-right autocrats to conceal human rights violations and appropriate the liberal human rights discourse for illiberal political ends. Authoritarians of this new type use these resignified democratic discourses to perpetuate their power, gain influence, and legitimize their repressive illiberal practices. The article uses three public debates relating to the military’s illicit actions in the dictatorship and their involvement in contemporary politics via the new military political party, Cabildo Abierto, to show how these authoritarian tools are deployed in political discourse. We analyze a corpus of texts from recent judicial documents with military “confessions,” official withholding of secret archives, and law proposals presented in Congress. Our findings show that dictatorship-era discourses of “national security” are employed by contemporary military and right-wing political actors for the purpose of sustaining their power. We reveal continuities in dictatorship era discourse practices and strategies that contribute to the emergence of new autocratic social actors who enter the political sphere to capture state resources and protect their group interests. Our findings contribute to the exploration of discursive uses of the past in the present resulting in increased political polarization and autocratic tendencies in contemporary Uruguay.

Revisiting Propensity to Serve and Motivations to Enlist: Insights and Implications for Contemporary Military Recruitment Challenges and Research

As recruitment challenges persist, understanding enlistment motivations remains pivotal in ensuring military readiness and guiding evolving recruitment strategies. This article examines the enduring relevance of the 2006 study “ Propensity to Serve and Motivation to Enlist Among American Combat Soldiers” by Woodruff, Kelty, and Segal and underscores its significance amid contemporary military recruitment challenges. The original article was selected to be profiled as part of the 50th anniversary issue. Building on work by some of the most important names in military sociology, our research underscores the critical importance of understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing enlistment decisions and the effects of declining propensity to serve for all-volunteer militaries. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of enlistment motivations, we emphasize the importance of tailored approaches to attract diverse cohorts of recruits. Our study not only contributes to military sociology and recruiting actions but has also informed policy discussions, stimulated interdisciplinary research, and facilitated the transmission of scholarly knowledge and mentorship to future generations of scholars and leaders.

FACTOR ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND FORMATION OF STRATEGIC RESILIENCE IN UKRAINIAN IT COMPANIES UNDER THE CHALLENGES OF WAR

Ukrainian IT companies, a crucial sector of the national economy, currently face challenges and risks associated with contemporary military and adverse macroeconomic realities. Adapting and strengthening the strategic resilience and financial performance of Ukrainian IT companies becomes a pivotal task in times of war. The purpose of the article is to conduct a factor analysis of the financial performance of IT companies and determine the key directions for ensuring the strategic stability of enterprises in this industry in Ukraine.The article analyzes the primary threats and challenges faced by Ukrainian IT companies, assessing the corresponding measures they implemented to stabilize operations and ensure business processes in 2021-2022. The research allowed for the identification, using economic analysis methods and the construction of multifactorial multiplicative models, of the influencing factors on the financial performance of Ukrainian IT companies during wartime. In particular, five-factor models were constructed to analyze the change in net profit and net income from sales for 7 leading industry companies in Ukraine. The key factors in the models include the structure of funding sources, asset turnover, profitability, cost structure and others.The importance of fostering strategic resilience for Ukrainian IT companies amid military challenges has been established. Business strategic resilience implies a company's ability to adapt to adverse changes in its external environment while maintaining competitiveness. Directions for shaping strategic resilience in enterprises have been identified, particularly in the context of ensuring financial, operational, and organizational resilience, physical security, business model stability, cyber threat resistance, and corporate social responsibility. The analysis of financial performance factors, employing economic analysis methods in conjunction with an evaluation of how IT companies respond to the challenges of war, will enable a comprehensive risk assessment and effective managerial decision-making within these business structures.

ІННОВАЦІЙНА АКТИВНІСТЬ ДЕРЕВООБРОБНОЇ ПРОМИСЛОВОСТІ УКРАЇНИ: АНАЛІТИЧНИЙ ОГЛЯД

This article provides an analytical review of the innovation activity in Ukraine’s woodworking industry, examining the dynamics of change, the main challenges and opportunities that arise in this sphere. The aim of the article is to review and analyze the innovation activity in Ukraine’s woodworking industry in order to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities that influence its development in the context of contemporary military and economic realities. The woodworking industry in Ukraine has significant potential for development thanks to its natural resources and geographical position. However, modern global trends and internal economic challenges require the industry to adapt and innovate. It has been found that the Ukrainian woodworking industry faces challenges related to a decrease in innovation activity and investments in the sector. The decline in innovation activity over recent years threatens not only the competitiveness of Ukrainian enterprises in the global market but also their ability to sustain development. This has occurred against the backdrop of economic difficulties, insufficient state support for innovations, as well as the onset of full-scale war and global economic challenges. With the decrease in the number of innovation-active enterprises in the woodworking industry, the need to update the technological base, develop new products that can be recycled or reused, and implement energy-saving technologies becomes important. Such steps can help increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of production processes. While overall innovation expenditures in Ukraine have decreased, in some sectors, such as industry, there is an increase in innovation spending, indicating a continued interest in innovation in these areas. An important aspect is also focusing on the eco-friendliness of production and implementing innovations aimed at reducing the negative impact on the environment, which can become a competitive advantage and an important element of a sustainable development strategy. In the context of sustainable development and post-war recovery in Ukraine, these data indicate the need for reinvestment in innovation to support the long-term growth of the woodworking industry. It is important to focus on supporting and stimulating innovation to ensure the dynamic development of the industry, which can contribute to the economic recovery of the country and its long-term stability.

Information and Data Processing Training (INFOLAHTA) with Microsoft Excel for Soldiers and Civil Servants KOREM 052/Wijayakrama Kodam Jaya

Within the KOREM 052/Wijayakrama Kodam Jaya environment, proficient information management and data processing have emerged as important determinants of success. In the contemporary military and civil service, mastery in extracting, analyzing, and interpreting information is indispensable for frontline service members and administrative civil servants. Therefore, this training activity is very relevant and essential in preparing them. Report and Data Processing (INFOLAHTA) addresses this need by equipping participants with the transformative potential of Microsoft Excel, positioned at the intersection of technological advancement and strategic skills. This training, led by Multimedia Nusantara University, facilitates training for soldiers and civil servants in Microsoft Excel to process data and information. The results obtained from the participants, combined with the trainers' expertise and support from KOREM 052/Wijayakrama Kodam Jaya, underscore the transformational impact of INFOLAHTA. Empowered Soldiers and Civil Servants emerge proficient at Excel, ready to perform their roles skillfully and confidently. This Community Outreach activity shows the importance of INFOLAHTA in improving professional competence and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The ongoing impact of this effort is expected to enrich the insights and capabilities of Soldiers and Civil Servants.

"Prag smisla" i "plafon forme" u savremenoj vojsci

In this paper author wishes to explore and investigate the relationship between form and meaning in contemporary militaries, aiming to identify the phenomena of form not reaching the threshold of meaning and form which breaks its own ceiling. Relying on methods of conceptual analysis, comparative analysis, content analysis, deduction and other scientific methods, the author identifies the problematic phenomena of form not meeting the threshold of meaning and form which breaks its own ceiling. These are the cases of misunderstanding, or even deliberate ignoring, of the value nature of form, which is always and by definition in the realm of instrumental, and even postulating form as an intrinsic value, a value in itself. When form has no contribution to achieving a goal of intrinsic and "final" value, then it cannot be observed as valuable, and as such it loses its existential justification. Moreover, in cases in which form becomes observed as intrinsic value, i.e., not an instrument and means of achieving some final value, but rather a value in itself, it breaks its own proverbial ceiling. Both these cases are hindering, even detrimental, to achieving the final goal on the basis of which they were even created in the first place. The author first explains why form is of such crucial value for the military, as it is extremely complex and "unnatural," observing several aspects of the military which demand the existence of strict and robust form in order for the system to properly function. Upon explaining its significance, the author identifies specific articulations of form - previously elaborated phenomena of form aren't reaching the threshold of meaning and for breaking its own ceiling - which are detrimental to the military. The author argues that such articulations of form are not in military systems. At the same time, that they are extremely dangerous and detrimental for optimal functioning of the military. In conclusion of the paper, the author asserts that certain measures must be implemented in military systems. They must evaluate and re-evaluate all existing articulations of form to identify and eliminate those which have no justification for existence. Such evaluation must be undone in an ad hoc fashion, but rather a process of constant evaluation of form must be integrated into the military organization to yield optimal results.

Editorial: Contemporary Military Challenges – Second Quarter

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Hybrid Warfare. The Russian Intervention in Crimea in 2014 and the Lessons We Learned for the Current Military Context

Abstract In this paper we will throw a close look on the recent and contemporary military and hybrid phenomenons that curently shape both European and world security structure. In terms of security, seeing through the lens of intellingence and, at the same time, having a deep empirical and epistemological knowledge about the military events that occured near the European border, the world has had serious concerns regarding the russian foreign policy and its geostrategic plans. We will analyze the premises of the Russian military intervention, the hybrid methods used and most importantly what conclusions and valuble lessons Europe, NATO and the West had learned for the future. Moreover, we will see what policies led to these consequences and which strategies will be intended to support decisions and governance regarding the current threats. Systematically, we will try to reveal an efficient physiognomy of the risks, dangers, and threats and what could have been done to stop the current Russian military operation. Conclusively, we should ask ourselves if the current strategies implemented are working at its best. Furthermore, another important question to be raised is how risk indicators are constructed, and further translated into our every-day lives?

Editorial: Security Perspectives

Editorial: Security Perspectives

Editorial: Cyber Security and Defence Challenges

Editorial: Cyber Security and Defence Challenges

Editorial: The Military

Editorial: The Military

Ambiguous Narratives of World War Technologies in Contemporary Military History Museums

This article provides an analysis of how military history museums in Germany, Britain, Belgium, Poland, and the United States exhibit and contextualize weapon technologies that were developed in the two world wars. The article focuses on technologies (gas warfare, the atomic bomb, tanks, and the V2 long-range rocket) that are directly connected to military success and innovation but also relate to dehumanization and destruction. By employing the analytical concepts of experientiality and of antagonistic, cosmopolitan, and entangled memory, this article demonstrates how museums can create open or closed narratives, steer the visitor toward particular interpretations, enhance or deconstruct the authentic aura of technological artifacts, and stage the symbolic potential of technologies. In addition, it shows how museums can educate visitors and allow them to experience the ambiguities, controversies, and complexities of these technologies.

Advancing the Practice of Contemporary Military Performance Psychology:A Full-Spectrum Approach to Psychological Health and Readiness.

The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to emphasize operational readiness, lethality, and optimal performance. Performance psychology is a critical aspect of and central dimension to human performance optimization in support of Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) and Total Force Fitness (TFF). The delivery of performance psychology services must continue to evolve to maximize its potential for enhancing combat performance and supporting psychological readiness in warfighters across all branches of service. The authors (1) provide a brief history of the evolution of military psychology; (2) explore how performance psychology complements and broadens approaches to support warfighter health and readiness; and (3) present a set of strategies to advance performance psychology services toward an aspirational model. Such strategies will more effectively promote best practices to better target operational performance, complement existing health and medical service delivery, and encompass a systems approach to sustainable training. Moreover, these strategies aim to increase return on investment of psychological readiness efforts for warfighters across all branches of service.

Conflict as a Problem and Threat to National and International Security

The beginning of the 21st century is characterized by a deep crisis of the national and international security system. For many factors caused by the intensification of military-political conflicts of a new type, the term “hybrid war” is now used. A feature of these conflicts is, in the first place, the use by the opponents of a wide scale of non-military means of influence: economic, informational, environmental, social, political and others. It is important here to justify the importance of the transformation of the state system of civil protection, which is being developed under the influence of contemporary military and political conflicts. The problem of military-political rivalry, by defining the content of the term “military-political conflict”, leads to a confrontation of political entities both within the state and at the state level, as well as between states, aimed at achieving their own political interests using various means and ways of influencing the political, military, economic, social and information spheres. The purpose of this speech is to present the mechanisms of solving all existing problems related to the functioning of society and to present the forms and features of contemporary hybrid conflicts.

NEW MINTNAME “GEORGIA” (“JURZĀN”): RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA AND THE ‘ABBĀSID NORTH IN THE 8TH-9TH CENTURIES

NEW MINTNAME “GEORGIA” (“JURZĀN”): RESEARCHING THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA AND THE ‘ABBĀSID NORTH IN THE 8TH-9TH CENTURIES

EDITORIAL INDIVIDUAL, STATE, SECURITY

EDITORIAL INDIVIDUAL, STATE, SECURITY

THE FUTURE OF THE COMMON SECURITY DEFENCE POLICY AND A CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION

THE FUTURE OF THE COMMON SECURITY DEFENCE POLICY AND A CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION

INTRODUCTION THE FUTURE OF THE EU’S COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

INTRODUCTION THE FUTURE OF THE EU’S COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY

Head Face and Neck Surgical Workload From a Contemporary Military Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility.

Previous analyses of head, face, and neck (HFN) surgery in the deployed military setting have focused on the treatment of injuries using trauma databases. Little has been written on the burden of disease and the requirement for follow-up care. The aim of this analysis was to provide the most comprehensive overview of surgical workload in a contemporary role 3 MTF to facilitate future planning. The operating room database and specialty surgical logbooks from a U.S.-led role 3 MTF in Afghanistan were analyzed over a 5-year period (2016-2020). These were then matched to the deployed surgical TC2 database to identify reasons for treatment and a return to theatre rate. Operative records were finally matched to the deployed Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application-Theater outpatient database to determine follow up frequency. During this period, surgical treatment to the HFN represented 389/1989 (19.6%) of all operations performed. Surgery to the HFN was most commonly performed for battle injury (299/385, 77.6%) followed by disease (63/385, 16%). The incidence of battle injury-related HFN cases varied markedly across each year, with 117/299 (39.1%) being treated in the three summer months (June to August). The burden of disease, particularly to the facial region, remained constant throughout the period analyzed (mean of 1 case per month). Medical planning of the surgical requirements to treat HFN pathology is primarily focused on battle injury of coalition service personnel. This analysis has demonstrated that the treatment of disease represented 16% of all HFN surgical activities. The presence of multiple HFN sub-specialty surgeons prevented the requirement for multiple aeromedical evacuations of coalition service personnel which may have affected mission effectiveness as well as incurring a large financial burden. The very low volume of surgical activity demonstrated during certain periods of this analysis may have implications for the maintenance of surgical competencies for subspecialty surgeons.

INTRODUCTION EU AND NATO: SECURITY RELATIONS

INTRODUCTION EU AND NATO: SECURITY RELATIONS