Military Development Research Articles

Pedagogical conditions for soft skills development in future officers: evidence from the National Guard of Ukraine during wartime

This study investigates the effectiveness of pedagogical conditions for developing soft skills among future officers of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) during wartime. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we examined the development of essential military leadership competencies in a 12-month pedagogical experiment at the Kyiv Institute of NGU. The study involved 132 participants divided into experimental (n=64) and control (n=68) groups, with the experimental group receiving enhanced soft skills training through specialized pedagogical interventions. Results demonstrate significant improvements in the experimental group across multiple competency areas, including communication skills (31% increase), critical thinking (23%), teamwork (31%), lifelong learning (64%), professional ethics (31%), and leadership abilities (33%). Statistical analysis using the χ2 criterion confirmed the significance of these improvements at the 0.05 level. The findings suggest that structured pedagogical interventions, particularly those integrating combat experience and mentorship approaches, can effectively enhance military officers' soft skills development. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the importance of systematic soft skills training in military education, especially during periods of active conflict. The study's implications extend beyond the Ukrainian context, offering insights for military education programs globally while highlighting the need for continued research into long-term skill retention and cross-cultural applications.

Development and Prospect of Space Debris Protection Structures for Spacecraft

Background: As the pace of human conquest of space continues to accelerate, the number of spacecraft carrying out various activities in space continues to increase, so that the available orbital space continues to decrease, the amount of space debris continues to increase, and thus the probability of orbiting spacecraft being impacted by space debris is also increasing. Research on the development of protective structures in the current state is conducive to improving the protection performance of spacecraft protective structures against space debris, reducing the occurrence of spacecraft disintegration events and spacecraft collision events, and may also promote the development of many fields through the development of new technologies. Aim: Through the latest application and development of spacecraft, the advantages and disadvantages of various protection structures are summarized, and the development trend of academic and aerospace protection engineering is analyzed. Methods: Through the latest representative patent research methods for spacecraft space debris, research content, and creative structure, the principle and characteristics of the protective structure are demonstrated. Results: By comparing the application of different spacecraft space debris protection structures, the existing problems of the current protection structures are listed, and the potential development paths and research topics are put forward Conclusion: The development of aerospace, military, and other industries benefit from the development of protective structures, and the composite spacecraft space debris protection structures have broad development prospects.

Developmental trends of military sociology IN Russia (based on the analysis of publications in Sociological Studies, 2014–2023)

The article presents an analysis of the state and prospects of military sociology in Russia, reflected in Sociological Studies for the period 2014–2023. The article is a logical continuation of the previously begun work on the analysis of military sociology institutionalization in Russia for the period 1974–2013. Thus, the results of the 50-year activity of the journal’s editorial board on the support and development of military sociology in Russia are summarized. Based on the thematic content analysis of publications and an analysis of quantitative and qualitative authorship characteristics, conclusions are drawn about a decrease in the number of studies of army problems in the last ten years, an increase in the number of materials on historical issues and prospects for the formation of the sociology of war as a new field of interdisciplinary knowledge. The authorship is being transformed to wards expanding regional and international diversity, reducing the number of authors representing the military department. Such problematic issues of military sociology development as the closed nature of research results in the military and the narrowing of traditional military sociological issues are stated. The potential of military sociology in the study of wars and armed conflicts remains unrealized, finding expression in the coverage of peripheral topics.

The Militarisation of Japan and the Ethics of Survival Strategies

Abstract Recently there has been media speculation about Japan’s move away from pacifism towards a more active role in global conflict, focusing on the war in Ukraine. The lack of military infrastructure and research and development in Japan since World War II have also had a profound impact on a lack of preparedness for COVID 19 vaccines, as the infrastructure needed was often linked to military development. We discuss how such changes have resulted in a desire for a buildup of military development including vaccine development in Japan. These changes, should they take place, will signify a shift away from the post-war period as Japan develops a new global role.

A Modern View of the European Vector of the Military Development of Ukrainian Lands in the 13th–14th Centuries: Prospects for Future Historiographical Studies

Given the widespread dissemination of Russian mythologies about Rus and its history, the examination of different phases in Ukraine's military history has become a crucial undertaking in our contemporary era. The primary objective of the research paper was to scrutinise the manifestations of European military culture within the trajectory of Ukrainian lands' development during the 13th and 14th centuries, with a particular focus on the Galician-Volhynian state. The analytical framework employed in this study encompassed methods such as content the analysis, the genetic-historical method, and synthesis. The scientific novelty of the work also consisted in an attempt to overcome stereotypes and refute false statements with the help of objective historical sources. The results of the analysis revealed robust connections between the military developments in 13th and 14th century Rus and the principles of European chivalry. A meticulous examination of specific chronicle events illuminated conspicuous indications of chivalric practices embedded within the Rus’ian elite. Noteworthy among these manifestations was the deliberate adoption of mounted shock combat, a strategic approach mirroring European methods prevalent in the 13th century. It was imperative to underscore that Rus’ian princes and boyars demonstrated parity with their European counterparts in both military proficiency and the quality of their equipment. The Battle of Yaroslav in 1245 exemplified this parity, illustrating the effective resistance of the Rus’ian elite against the formidable Polish and Hungarian knights of that era. The mastery of mounted shock combat necessitated skill and training, suggesting that the Rus’ian military elite underwent analogous chivalric education. In conclusion, this study posited that during the Middle Ages, the military elite wielded substantial political influence in Rus, indicative of protracted and significant interactions with the European sphere. This challenges antiquated Soviet notions characterising the political system of Rus as "closed" and contradicts contemporary Russian narratives perpetuating myths surrounding the enduring dependence of Ukrainian lands on Moscow.

China's Legal Governance Approaches toward Safeguarding Its Maritime Rights and Interests

Ocean development is crucial for modern states, and the importance of safeguarding and developing ocean rights and interests is becoming increasingly apparent. Economic development relies on the ocean, as does national sovereignty, security, and interests. In addition, national political and military development also depends on the ocean. China has long been committed to safeguarding its own ocean rights and interests, while also actively promoting the development of the international legal order for the ocean. In terms of international legislation, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a legal basis for safeguarding ocean rights and interests and plays a regulatory role in the maintenance of maritime rights and interests for all states. In terms of domestic legislation, many ocean laws in China play an important role in safeguarding China's maritime security and ocean rights and interests. As an important part of the legal system for safeguarding ocean rights and interests, maritime law enforcement has practical significance in the application of national jurisdiction at sea. China's maritime law enforcement, centered on safeguarding ocean rights and interests, is carried out by the reorganized China Coast Guard, guided by domestic and international legal norms, and strictly combats illegal and criminal activities at sea through international cooperation to protect the sustainable development of marine resources and environment and to safeguard international maritime public security and order while guaranteeing ocean rights and interests. In terms of judicial practice, China has already used legal means to effectively safeguard ocean rights and interests in the areas of marine environmental protection, maritime rights protection, fisheries law enforcement, and maritime traffic safety.

SINGAPORE: BALANCING BETWEEN WEST AND EAST

Due to its location at the intersection between the spheres of influence of multiple regional players, as well as its socio-cultural composition, Singapore had to conduct a diplomatic policy of balancing in order to secure its existence and develop its armed forces. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the defence policy of the state of Singapore, the characteristics of its military cooperation with its main partners and whether the diplomatic policy of balancing diplomatic relationships with powerful countries, motivated by diverging goals, impacts the military development of Singapore. The research method used is the observation of the military diplomatic relations of Singapore’s armed forces, as well as the of its military acquisition policies.

Исторические этапы становления и развития системы воспитания командирской воли у курсантов военных вузов

Introduction. In the modern system of military education in the Russian Federation, the issues of education of military professional qualities in future officers have become especially relevant. One of these qualities is the commander’s will. Theoretical analysis. A comparative analysis of the periods of formation and development of the system of education of the commander’s will in future officers allows us to conclude that at each historical stage of military education development, various approaches and methods were applied to the education of military personnel, and especially future officers. It is advisable to attribute the genesis of the problem under study to 1699 (the creation of a regular army). This study identifies five historical stages of the formation and development of the problem. The historiography of the problem of educating the commander’s will in future officers contains many examples of great Russian commanders, who, undoubtedly, personally were models of commanders with high volitional qualities and were really able to perform any assigned service and combat task, even in difficult conditions. Conclusion. Thus, five historical periods of formation and development of the system of education of the commander’s will in future officers have been identified and a brief description of each of them is given.

РОЗВИТОК СУЧАСНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ: ВИКЛИКИ ДЛЯ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ ПОЛЬЩІ

The main purpose of the article is to analyze national security challenges related to the development of modern technologies. The impact of this phenomenon on many aspects of safety in cyberspace is presented. The relationship between modern technologies with the military security of the state is also presented. There is also a cross-discussion of the struggle of state entities with terrorist threats directly related to dynamic technological progress. The possibilities of cybersecurity education at universities, within the framework of postgraduate education, courses and trainings are analyzed. The study shows that modern technologies have a significant impact on Poland's national security. Rapid technological development poses a serious threat to national security for any country, including Poland. They directly influence national security aspects as the fight against terrorism, ensuring the security of state institutions in cyberspace and guaranteeing permanent military development necessary to counteract both common and hybrid threats. The functioning of state entities and their citizens requires constant adaptation to an environment that changes dynamically in the international arena. Poland, like any other country, should be in constant readiness to resist the above mentioned challenges to defend their own national interests. To do this, you need to use the opportunities and soften the threats associated with the constant inter -sectoral development of technology. Modern information technologies offer advanced means and capabilities of cybersecurity. However, it also increases the potential for cyberattacks, which requires constant improvement and adaptation of cybersecurity policy. The development of military technologies, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, or cybercribe, changes the face of national defense. Poland needs to be effectively investing in modern defense technologies in order to maintain their defense capability at a proper level. Modern technologies influence the protection of critical infrastructure from potential terrorist attacks. Integrated IT systems can increase efficiency, but at the same time increase the risk of cyberattacks that can have serious consequences for the country's functioning. It is also necessary to strengthen international cooperation to exchange advanced experiences and work together to protect against modern technological threats. Key words: technology, military safety, terrorism, cyberspace, cybersecurity, higher education, Poland.

Military Boundaries, Practices and Reforms in Colonial and Postcolonial Cameroon: A Comparative Analysis

This paper offers insights into both the history of colonial militaries in Cameroon, and how the British and the French who scrambled for and failed to annex the territory were busy observing and comparing Germanmilitary strategies from the time of German annexation on 12 July 1884. In 1914, they jointly attacked and defeated the Germans and successfully administered Cameroon till reunification in 1961. This paper sets outto examine the pre-First World War British-French evaluations of German strength, strategies of colonial militaries, methods of observation, comparison of German, French and British approaches during the inter-war period and finally the influence of colonial militaries on the modern Cameroon. The article argues that, despite historically rooted pathologies from colonialism that continue to hamper military development, postcolonial military practices and reforms have not been able to address Cameroon’s crises. Based on a wide range of primary and secondary sources, the article looks in-depth at the means and practices of observing and comparing colonial militaries in Cameroon, concluding that, any military that does notobserve and compare the strategies, tactics and boundaries of its rival, is bound to be defeated.

Research on dynamic characteristics of rolling bearing slippage under different working conditions

Abstract With the development of aerospace, military and other fields, higher requirements are put forward for the life, reliability and accuracy of rolling bearings. Rolling element slippage, as a phenomenon that cannot be ignored in the work of rolling bearings, affects the accuracy and life of rolling bearings. The present paper discusses the dynamic modelling of rolling bearing slippage, drawing on the research conducted by both domestic and international scholars in this field. The variations in rotational speed and revolution speed, the fluctuations in sliding speed between the inner ring raceway and outer ring raceway, as well as the impact of bearing load and speed on rolling element slippage during the process.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine unmanned systems future development

The relevance of the article is due to the Armed Forces of Ukraine unmanned systems development normative forecasting need in order to achieve a superiority over the enemy. One of the futures` main provisions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine unmanned systems development has been outlined. Futures have been developed by using a modified method of "branches" as a component of foresight (scenario forecasting). Elements of SWOT analysis and the cognitive-dynamic method of forecasting were also applied in the part regarding normative forecasting. The future of the Armed Forces of Ukraine unmanned systems development is presented as the desired version of the development of these systems in the future, using cause-and-effect logic. Within its framework, the main trends in the development of unmanned systems in the leading countries of the World were considered. The list and content of the main stages of development of futures according to the modified method of "branches" are presented. The forecasting horizon is defined. The author's view on the ecosystem of unmanned systems that has apeared in Ukraine is offered. The results of the analysis of the stakeholders of the considered ecosystem are presented with the distribution of their influence and interest according to the Mendelov and Johnson matrices. Based on the analysis of external and internal factors that will influence the development of unmanned systems, as well as the future operating environment, the key results that must be achieved to realize the main development goal and the main ways (actions, influences) to achieve them are determined. The key results cover two main areas - as organizational and technological and as combat also. In addition, the priority directions for the unmanned systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine development by components, levels, types and technical aspects have been determined. The proposed futures may be used both as for more detailed regulatory forecasting of the unmanned systems development, for example, when developing of a corresponding foresight, as during the program documents (strategies, concepts, etc.) development or priorities of the State's military and technical policy determination.

The use of META (virtual simulations) in Canadian junior military leadership development

The use of META (virtual simulations) in Canadian junior military leadership development

Military Advancement of Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Security Implications for India

The advanced Military UAVs have significantly all over the world in different form. The cost-effectiveness and political advantages of UAVs make it as one of the powerful weapon in 21st century. Economically, UAVs offer reduced vehicle costs, operational expenses, and pilot training compared to manned aircraft. Politically, they can lower the threshold for the use of force in various scenarios especially when it is used for grey warfare. Consequently, military UAVs are employed for bold intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, thereby providing an edge to the users in terms of information superiority, which can bolster influence over disputed territories. The PRC embarked on military UAV development as early as the 1950s, initially emulating technologies from the US and the Soviet Union. Presently, China competes with the US in UAV technology advancements. Employing a government-led top-down approach, China fosters vibrant cooperation among industries, academia, and the military to develop UAV capabilities, with a focus on expanding influence in the surrounding region. Since Xi Jinping assumed office in 2012, aggressive policies have been implemented to assert control over sea territories within the first island chain. The main agenda of Xi Jingping is making China AI enabled in all sectors especially in the area of Military Technologies. This is why military UAVs are anticipated to play a pivotal role in Xi’s Indo-Pacific strategy, where the PRC faces conflicts with neighboring countries. On the other joining hands with Pakistan, China continuously using its high-end drone technology against India to create internal security problems for India in form of drugs smuggling, proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition the This article delves into the significant development of military unmanned aerial vehicles by the People’s Republic of China and their utilization in confrontations with India.

Educating AI developers to prevent harmful path dependency in AI resort-to-force decision making

ABSTRACT The integration of AI technology into resort-to-force decision making would give machines influence over decisions determining the life or death of countless people. Despite this prospective impact on entire societies, many AI developers have only a rudimentary ethical understanding of their AI. Moreover, if AI development is ethically unreflective, minor flaws can spiral into harmful machine-made decisions. So how can we ensure responsible military AI development, especially in the context of AI-supported decision making on the resort to force? We argue that harmful ‘path dependencies’ of AI systems can only be avoided by providing developers with clear training on ethical and developmental issues arising during the AI lifecycle. Based on lessons from applied human systems exploration, we introduce an educational regime: ‘10 pillars of responsible AI development.’ Each pillar is broken down into detailed questions, helping developers reflect on their decisions throughout the AI lifecycle. This article is thereby situated between political science, normative theory, and computer science and contributes to this collection’s treatment of the risks of integrating AI technology into resort-to-force decision making by focusing on the AI development process itself, particularly on the role of developers.

Proposal for Applying Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDSs) as a Strategic Business Unit at a Military Development Located in Southern Europe (Córdoba, Spain): “Project BLET”

The Spanish Army is planning to create a new Logistics Base in Córdoba, in a development known as “Project BLET” (85 agricultural hectares, developed into an industrial zone). The Sustainability Concept proposed here is framed within the context of the strategic management process as a Strategic Business Unit. Aligned with 2030 AGENDA, the above mentioned process focuses on efficient water management and is providing a drainage strategy based on the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDSs), as well as a water management plan that aims to consider rainfall as a key non-potable water resource. The purpose is to prepare a roadmap, based on the Project, and a methodology that guarantees the viability of the SuDS and its non-potable rainwater use. The final result could be a sustainable military logistics hub in Southern Europe, which would stand out for being a pioneer in the treatment of rainwater and have sustainability features that are intended to be certified and assessed by different institutions.

PHILOSOPHY OF WAR: IMPACT ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS

In the context of modern military development, the article highlights the decisive role of scientific and technological progress and the philosophy of war. The article emphasises that technology is not only the main combat capability, but also determines the philosophy of warfare; it also notes that only through scientific and technological innovations can the military initiative be seized and victory achieved. The author emphasises that it is important to consider these innovations in the context of the philosophy of war, which allows them to be adapted to the strategic and tactical requirements of combat operations. The article notes that successful management of a military conflict requires not only technical solutions but also a deep understanding of the philosophy of warfare. It is noted that technical achievements should be balanced by strategic and philosophical aspects of military activities, and the philosophy of war is a key element that determines and guides the development of scientific and technological innovations, emphasising the need for a deep philosophical understanding when introducing new technological solutions into military strategies.

“A Distinctly Busy Man” – Lieutenant Colonel (Dr) Frederick Holles Brennan, First Officer Commanding of the 1st South African Irish Regiment, 1861–1927

Abstract Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Holles Brennan, formerly the commanding officer of the 1st South African Irish Regiment, medical officer of the Transvaal Volunteers, surgeon to the Hawarden Castle hospital ship and recipient of the Volunteer Officer’s Decoration and Long Service Medal during active service, is a forgotten name in South African military history today. Canadian-born Brennan, a qualified medical doctor, emigrated to South Africa during the 1890s. After settling in Johannesburg, he established a successful medical practice and became an integral part of the Irish-Canadian diasporic community on the Witwatersrand. This was complemented by active involvement in a range of charitable causes, in addition to participating in both the Anglo-Boer War (on the side of the British) and the First World War. From 1894–1927, Brennan made a fundamental contribution to the development of the South African military and sports history, without compromising his Irish-Canadian identity.

Military construction and military duty in Dagestan in 1928–1940: a historical and socio-cultural aspects

The article considers the historical and socio-cultural aspects of military development in the Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic from 1928 to 1940, taking into account the growing interest in society and the scientific community in military history, including the problem of involving the peoples of national regions of the country in the process of formation and further development of the Soviet Armed Forces. In the research the principles of historicism, scientific objectivity, as well as comparative historical, problem-chronological, statistical and descriptive methods have been used; new publications and documentary sources that have not previously been introduced into scientific circulation have been employed.The historical and social and cultural aspects of military development in the Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic from 1928 to 1940 have been considered. - from the moment of the first compulsory conscription of Dagestanis for military service in the ranks of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA) until the adoption in September 1939 by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of the new Law “On General Military Duty”. This event marked the beginning of the implementation of military service by representatives of the male youth of the peoples of Dagestan service on a common basis with all nationalities of the USSR.The research characterizes the work of the authorities to establish military registration of the male part of the population and pre-conscription training of young people in a multinational region. The gender component of the process of formation of military service has been highlighted; the features of the implementation of Soviet military construction in Dagestan within the designated chronological framework identified and prospects and scope of application of the research results characterized.

Технологический суверенитет России: вопросы теории и практики

What is the meaning of technological sovereignty? Is it related to sanctions or not? Is it possible to measure it? Historicism of the concept of technological independence. Sanctions as a new driver of economic and military development. The contemporary model of technological sovereignty is considered: organizational structure, institutional environment, stages of achieving. Import dependence, import substitution and technology transfer to civilian areas. The role of technology transfer from the military-industrial complex to civilian sectors, the role of diversification in the innovations’ implementation.