Effectiveness Of Military Operations Research Articles

Economic and social impacts of armed conflicts: Assessing the effects of military operations on development

The paper highlights the impact of military conflicts on society's socio-economic development. A review of scientific publications on the subject is carried out. The impact of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict on the socio-economic development of Ukraine is considered based on regression analysis. The main consequences of military operations in Ukraine are outlined. The approaches of the leading international organisations to accounting and auditing the consequences of conflicts and wars are determined. Examples are given, and the main aspects of accounting for losses caused by military conflict in different countries are compared. The study aims to comprehensively analyse and assess the impact of military conflicts on economic development and social aspects of society. Regression analysis methods were used to determine the relationship between military conflicts and economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, public debt, defence spending, scientific data analysis, synthesis and comparison, and geospatial and comparative analysis, which helped to assess the direct and indirect effects of conflicts on economic development and the social sphere in Ukraine. The article analyses the social consequences of the military conflict in Ukraine in 2014–2024. An empirical analysis of economic losses from military conflicts is carried out. The need for an integrated approach to assessing and overcoming the consequences of wars and conflicts and coordination between government organisations, local communities and international partners to achieve sustainable development and restore the country's socio-economic situation is established.

Experiences of ethnic minority personnel in the armed forces: A systematic review

LAY SUMMARY An armed forces consisting of personnel from diverse and ethnic minority backgrounds offers considerable benefits, not just in terms of reflecting society but for improving the effectiveness of military operations. Many ethnic minority individuals serve for long periods, during which they experience personal growth and benefit from military service. However, little research has explored the impact these experiences might have on ethnic minority communities within the Armed Forces, who report higher levels of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Given the lack of empirical research into armed forces ethnic minority personnel, this systematic review aimed to provide insight into and understanding of existing international research, relevant reports, and policy. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and included articles written in English since 2010. The review identified three themes — cultural identity, health status and health utilization, and trauma and discrimination — and indicated that ethnic minority personnel experience greater disadvantage than their native counterparts, both during and after service.

Deciphering the Physiognomy of the Military Operational Environment – Factors and Characteristics

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic and detailed analysis of the key components that characterise the military operational environments and that should be considered to improve the effectiveness of the operations process. Also, it focuses on understanding how these salient characteristics might influence capabilities and tactics with particular emphasis on the adaptability of military forces in the face of rapid and unforeseen changes in the operational environment. The research objectives include identifying and assessing the impact of operational environment’s factors, and analysing how military forces adapt to these conditions to maximise their effectiveness. The results highlight the need for continuous adaptability and flexibility of the military forces to respond performantly to the ever-changing operational requirements. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates that military operational effectiveness is closely connected to the ability to anticipate, understand and integrate new technologies, as well as to adjust continuously designated strategies and tactics in the face of the challenges specific to the operational environment.

3D printing in aerospace and defense: A review of technological breakthroughs and applications

The integration of 3D printing technology in the aerospace and defense sectors has heralded a paradigm shift in manufacturing processes, design capabilities, and operational efficiency. This review explores the transformative impact of 3D printing on these industries, focusing on breakthroughs and applications that have reshaped traditional methodologies. Technological advancements in additive manufacturing have facilitated the production of complex geometries and intricate components that were once deemed impractical or impossible. Aerospace engineers and defense manufacturers are now leveraging 3D printing to create lightweight, high-strength structures, optimizing the balance between performance and fuel efficiency. This has led to enhanced aircraft design and functionality, as well as the development of unmanned aerial vehicles with unprecedented capabilities. Moreover, the ability to rapidly prototype and iterate designs has significantly reduced the time-to-market for new aerospace and defense systems. The review delves into case studies showcasing how 3D printing has streamlined the development process, enabling quicker adaptation to evolving threats and technological advancements. In the defense sector, the customization potential of 3D printing has revolutionized the production of weapons and equipment. Tailoring components to specific mission requirements enhances the effectiveness of military operations while reducing costs associated with mass production. The review also highlights the role of 3D printing in the development of advanced sensors, communication devices, and protective gear for defense personnel. However, challenges such as material limitations, standardization, and certification processes persist. The review provides insights into ongoing research and development efforts addressing these challenges, aiming to further unlock the full potential of 3D printing in aerospace and defense. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of 3D printing in aerospace and defense, emphasizing its transformative impact on manufacturing, design, and operational capabilities. As the technology continues to evolve, its integration is poised to shape the future landscape of these critical industries.

Using interactive learning methods during practical exercises on fire training

This article examines the use of interactive learning methods during practical exercises on fire training. The author considered the effectiveness and practical advantages of using modern technologies and interactive approaches to improve the educational process in the law enforcement context. The article analyzes the results of research and provides examples of successful implementation of interactive training methods during fire training, which contributes to improving the skills and knowledge of future law enforcement officers.
 The article also discusses various tools and technologies that can be used for interactive fire training, such as virtual reality, range simulators, and skill monitoring systems. The importance of involving the military in active participation in the training process, as well as the interaction between instructors and law enforcement officers during training, is highlighted. Practical recommendations for the implementation of interactive training methods in the context of fire training to achieve a higher level of training and effectiveness of military operations are described.
 Interactive learning approaches such as simulations, games, virtual reality, practical exercises and competitions are analyzed, particularly their advantages in promoting firearms proficiency and knowledge. The study describes the interaction of participants during interactive classes, emphasizing the role of cooperation and interaction in the learning process. The impact of these methods on improving the understanding of the material and ensuring effective learning is also considered. The results of the study provide an important contribution to the understanding and use of interactive training methods in the field of fire training, emphasizing their importance for increasing the effectiveness and interest in training, as well as improving proficiency in this area.
 These interactive methods help increase the effectiveness of training and the practical application of fire training skills, ensuring better learning of the material and preparation for real situations.

Assessment of the negative effects of military operations on the territory of Vyshgorod district of Kyiv region

Assessment of the negative effects of military operations on the territory of Vyshgorod district of Kyiv region

Special criminology measures for preventing unvoluntary leaving a military unit or place of service

Voluntary abandonment of a military unit or place of service is a serious problem in the field of military discipline, operational readiness and defense capability of the army. This problem can have a negative impact on the effectiveness of military operations, the security of the country and trust in the representatives of the military management and defense sector. The spread of the specified type of criminal act forces lawyers to investigate the nature of the commission of the crime provided for in Art. 407 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the Criminal Code of Ukraine), criminological characteristics, dynamics, the person-criminal, as well as prevention measures, among which it is possible to single out the special criminological orientation, which can be recognized as narrowly directed and designed to effectively solve the tasks.
 The article is devoted to the study of special criminological measures aimed at preventing cases of voluntary abandonment of military units or places of service by military personnel. In order to strengthen military discipline, reduce the number of deserters and increase the level of defense capability, various strategies and approaches are highlighted, in particular, the importance of psychological training and social adaptation of servicemen to overcome stress and improve their relationships is emphasized. Improving the quality of life and working conditions, as well as opportunities for professional growth, help to encourage military personnel to remain in the service. An important role is also played by strict discipline, control and information work regarding the consequences of committing voluntary abandonment of a military unit or place of service.
 When studying special criminological measures to prevent involuntary leaving of a military unit or place of service, it is worth noting that the spectrum of measures selected from the criminological catalog is focused on the system of determinants of war crimes in order to reduce their impact or completely eliminate them. The majority of legal scholars consider this criminological tactic to be the most effective in view of its orientation, structure and ultimate goal.

Obstacle Detection using Lidar 360° for Military Use

This paper presents a novel approach to obstacle detection using LiDAR360° for military use. The proposed system utilizes a 360° LiDAR sensor to detect obstacles in the environment and employs a real-time algorithm to identify and track potential threats. The system is designed to operate in challenging environments, including low-light and low-visibility conditions, and is capable of detecting a wide range of obstacles, including vehicles, buildings, and natural terrain features. The system's performance is evaluated using both simulated and real-world data, and the results demonstrate its effectiveness in detecting obstacles in a variety of scenarios. The proposed system has the potential to significantly improve situational awareness and enhance the safety and effectiveness of military operations in complex environments.

Transformation of Views on the Use of the Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine During the Russian-Ukrainian Armed Conflict (2014-2018)

Today, during the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation, the need to use the experience of the anti-terrorist operation in eastern Ukraine has become apparent in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. It was during the ATO that profound changes and a number of reforms of the Armed Forces of Ukraine took place, which radically changed the approaches to the use of certain branches of the armed forces and for the second year in a row has allowed us to adequately repel Russian aggression against our country. Since any transformation is possible only on the basis of the analysis of previous experience, it is necessary to analyze the previous experience of the Russian aggression of 2014-2018 in order to further improve the combat capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Therefore, the purpose of the article is to describe the activities of military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2014-2018 and to analyze the transformation of views on the use of Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces. An overview of individual operations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the period 2014-2018 was conducted and the factors of their success or failure were identified. For the purpose of the study, general scientific methods of cognition were used, including a critical analysis of the available scientific literature on the topic, comparative analysis, systematization of practical experience in implementing technical innovations, and the method of establishing cause and effect relationships. The study presents the main trends that determine the future development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which will provide new methods and means for victory in the war, such as: minimizing the loss of manpower and equipment; increasing the effectiveness of military operations; improving the level of training of officers in specialized educational institutions and military departments.

The role and place of women in the army of Ukraine in the context of gender equality

The article is the analysis of the current issues related to gender policy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The article presents the principle of equality that has a number of manifestations, one of which is the principle of gender equality meaning equal approach to all relevant issues regardless of gender. Gender stereotypes, gender behavioural norms and problems of gender identification in the modern Ukrainian society are analysed. The problem of gender differences is associated with the fact that due to the continuous dynamic changes in the world, more and more questions arise as to the impact of certain gender stereotypes on professional activities of a person. One of the currently discussed issues is the impact of gender mainstreaming on the role of women in the military, as well as the impact on the effectiveness of military operations with their participation.The results of the research confirm that the principle of equal rights and possibilities for the service people of both genders is implemented in the army; however there is still the necessity to strengthen educational activities among the personnel, first of all, among the units and subdivisions of Ukraines Armed Forces. For the last few years, considering the fulfilment of assigned tasks in both everyday life and combat operations, the role of servicewomen has increased. To determine theoretical foundations of that problem the theoretical methods of generalisation, scientific analysis and synthesis were implemented. Corresponding software was used to process empirical data and to conduct analytical calculations. Analytical processing of information was engaged to solve the problem of scientific analysis of the events as a holistic phenomenon.

Analysis of the Number and Type of Vaccinations Performed among Polish Soldiers in 2018-2021.

Vaccination is a very common topic, but it is rarely raised or discussed with respect to military members. Soldiers are one of the main professional groups to be immunized on a regular basis. The military actively participates in research on new vaccine preparations. This paper presents data from 2018-2021 on vaccination among Polish soldiers. The material obtained from the Central Register of Vaccination for Professional Soldiers was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The number of injections performed in a given period depends on the location of the ongoing missions and the vaccination schedule specific to a given Polish Military Contingent. In Poland, soldiers undergo preventive vaccinations in accordance with the scheme developed by the Armed Forces Operational Command, taking into account the specific nature of the service, epidemiological risks and the calendar of current preventive vaccinations. Soldiers serving abroad are immunized against typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, measles, tick-borne encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, polio, diphtheria, meningococcal disease, chickenpox, cholera and yellow fever. Regular vaccinations for soldiers are necessary to minimize the spread of infectious diseases, and they have a beneficial effect upon the effectiveness of military operations.

Experiences of ethnic minority personnel in the armed forces: A systematic review

LAY SUMMARY An armed forces consisting of personnel from diverse and ethnic minority backgrounds offers considerable benefits, not just in terms of reflecting society but for improving the effectiveness of military operations. Many ethnic minority individuals serve for long periods, during which they experience personal growth and benefit from military service. However, little research has explored the impact these experiences might have on ethnic minority communities within the Armed Forces, who report higher levels of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Given the lack of empirical research into armed forces ethnic minority personnel, this systematic review aimed to provide insight into and understanding of existing international research, relevant reports, and policy. The review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and included articles written in English since 2010. The review identified three themes — cultural identity, health status and health utilization, and trauma and discrimination — and indicated that ethnic minority personnel experience greater disadvantage than their native counterparts, both during and after service.

Spousal Psychological Health: The Role of Military Spouse Health and Protective Factors

Military spouses play an important role in enabling military operational effectiveness. Studies show that poor physical and psychological health among military members negatively impacts the well-being of their spouses. However, little is known about the main challenges and protective factors related to the well-being of military spouses dealing with ill or injured military members. Existing research has mostly focused on one perspective—either military members’ or spousal. Therefore, this quantitative study was conducted with a matched (member and spouse) sample (N = 130). The aim of the research was to understand the role of military members’ illness from both the members’ and spousal perspectives, as well as the role of protective factors, including relationship quality and social support, in the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) spouses. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that members’ psychological health predicted the psychological health of military spouses. Analyses also revealed that spousal perception of the relationship quality was a key predictor of spousal life satisfaction and psychological distress.

Calibrating violence: Body counts as a weapon of war

AbstractThis article examines how coalition forces sought to weaponise the counting of civilian casualties in Afghanistan between 2008 and 2014. Drawing on interviews with senior coalition officials, recently declassified documents, and coalition data on civilian harm, it will explain how these figures were used to calibrate the violence inflicted on the Afghan people, ensuring that commanders applied sufficient force to achieve their objectives without causing unnecessary harm to civilians and jeopardising the success of military operations. The article examines the formation of the Civilian Casualty Tracking Cell (CCTC), which was created by General David McKiernan in 2008. It also traces the formation of the Civilian Casualty Mitigation Team (CCMT), which was established by General John Allen in 2011. Furthermore, it explores how this data was deployed by coalition officials to minimise civilian harm where possible and to rationalise this harm where necessary. Rather than simply documenting the death and destruction, these counts were complicit in the violence experienced by Afghan civilians, helping to enable and enhance the effectiveness of military operations. As such, I argue that these counts failed to contest the violence of war or the continued dehumanisation of Afghan civilians.

«Европейская оборона» через призму французских интересов и возможностей

The article is devoted to the analysis of the complex of problems associated with the organization of the defence structures of the European Union and the role of France in this process. The focus of the project «European defenсe», the possibility of its implementation within the EuroAtlantic space are investigated. The continuity and evolution of the European defence potential building program are shown. The concepts of «European defenсe», «European army» are analyzed and their real content is revealed. The pairing of France’s national efforts with partners in the framework of the Permanent Structured Cooperation on Security and Defence (PESCO) projects is shown; the importance of a pragmatic approach to building a «European defenсe» on the basis of a number of interstate programs of military-industrial cooperation is highlighted. The connection between the new stage of scientific and technological progress and the revitalization of plans to strengthen the defence potential of the EU is revealed. The evolution of the French leadership’s approach to building a «European defenсe» is presented, its assessment of the current state of this project, and in connection with this, features of its views on the prospects for developing a dialogue with Russia. Against the background of a slowdown in the development of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, the role of interstate initiatives outside the EU, aimed at accelerating and increasing the effectiveness of military operations, has been highlighted. The examples of individual actions emphasize the key role of states, in particular France, in the implementation of missions of a pan-European character. As a result of the analysis, a conclusion was made about the sustainable and non-opportunistic nature of the transformations in the field of military construction in the EU. A forecast is given regarding the possible scale and real fulfillment of European defence construction plans. The conclusion about the significance of the «European defenсe» project for the implementation of France’s geopolitical plans and the strengthening of its positions in the EU and in the Euro-Atlantic field is substantiated.

Сучасні процеси трансформації викликів та загроз національній безпеці країн-членів ЄС

It is substantiated that, today, civil and military analysts are interested in acquiring up-to-date knowledge on the transformation of challenges and threats to the national security of EU Member States, with not only military and national security issues but also virtually all spheres of human life. It is determined that the European Union, unlike the North Atlantic Alliance, is not a military and political organization and never intended to become one, but from the very beginning of its existence, the Member States of the European Union were aware of how important a component of socio-economic and political relations is. security for the prosperity and freedom of a democratic society, economic internationalization, the development of science, medicine, industry. There is a particular danger of hybrid wars, which is that the enemy behaves extremely cunningly and cunningly, often making himself a friend. Therefore, in today's world, the devastating effects of hybrid warfare cannot be overstated, which in itself is also a challenge to modern democracy, the preservation of state sovereignty and the development of civil society. It is proved that special attention in the European Union is also paid to the development of rapid response to environmental and energy problems, cybercrime, intensification of interethnic, interfaith and other conflicts by eliminating procedural, financial and political factors that hamper the deployment of fighting, reduce the effectiveness of military operations under a common security and defense policy. Conflict prevention is proposed to be implemented through the development of a mechanism for early detection of threats to the European security system in order to respond to modern realities. As the experience of Russian aggression against Ukraine has shown, the European Union, for a long time, did not receive proper signals from Kiev about the threat to European security coming from the East. The emergence of such a mechanism should be preceded by the formation of a common center for the collection, analysis and coordination of information to ensure national priorities for the development of the security of states. A similar mechanism already exists in the FRONTEX Agency, but only at the level of public order and the state border.

The Effects of Militancy and Military Operations on Pashtun Culture and Traditions in FATA

Two events in the last five decades proved to be disastrous for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), now part of KP province: the USSR invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and ‘War on Terror' initiated by the US against militants in Afghanistan in 2001. After the incident of 9/11, FATA became the centre of global terrorism and emerged as the most dangerous place. Taliban’s rule was overthrown in Kabul, and they escaped and found refugees across the eastern border of Afghanistan with Pakistan. This paper aims at studying the emergence of Talibanization in FATA and its impacts on the local culture and religion. Furthermore, the research studies the effects of military operations on FATA’s cultural values and codes of life. Taliban, in FATA, while taking advantage of the local vulnerabilities and the state policy of appeasement, started expanding their roots and networks throughout the country. They conducted attacks on the civilians and security forces particularly when Pakistan joined the US ‘war on terror.’ Both the militancy and the military operations have left deep imprints thus affected the local culture, customs, values, and religious orientations in FATA.

Hormonal balance and nutritional intake in elite tactical athletes

Chronic exposure to multifactorial stress, such as that endured by elite military operators, may lead to overtraining syndrome and negatively impact hormonal regulation. In acute settings (<6 mos), military training has been shown to lead to hormonal dysfunction; however, less is known about the consequences of long-term military training. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the chronic effects of military operations and training on the hormone profile of elite military operators. A cross-sectional, random sample of active duty elite US military operators (n = 65, age = 29.8 ± 1.0 yrs, height = 178.4 ± 0.7 cm, weight = 85.1 ± 2.0 kg) concomitantly engaged in rigorous physical training were recruited to participate in the study. Following an overnight fast, waking plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone, sex-hormone binding globulin, cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine were obtained. Data were analyzed for correlations and compared against normative reference values. There was a significant positive correlation between TT and cortisol (R2 = 0.07; P = 0.038). In addition, 43% of the participants (n = 28) had TT below age-based normative reference ranges. These results indicate that long-term military operations and training may place a large burden on the operators and depress or alter the hypothalamic pituitary, adrenal, gonadal, and thyroid axes.

A Campaign of Giants: The Battle for Petersburg. Volume 1, From the Crossing of the James to the Crater by A. Wilson Greene

Reviewed by: A Campaign of Giants: The Battle for Petersburg. Volume 1, From the Crossing of the James to the Crater by A. Wilson Greene Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh (bio) A Campaign of Giants: The Battle for Petersburg. Volume 1, From the Crossing of the James to the Crater. By A. Wilson Greene. (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2018. Pp. 720. Cloth, $45.00.) A. Wilson Greene’s greatest potential contribution to the field is as profound as it is straightforward; a comprehensive and well-researched campaign study of the military operations that culminated in the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia simply does not exist at the moment. In this first of three projected volumes, Greene ably covers the Petersburg campaign from the crossing of the James to the Battle of the Crater. For scholars interested in a wide variety of topics, there is much useful information in Greene’s volume. For those interested in race and emancipation, Greene ably covers the effect that racism had on military operations, especially in the charnel pit of the Crater, where Confederate troops mercilessly gave Federal African Americans no quarter. Greene also ably covers the effects of military operations on Petersburg’s civilians, but as the title forthrightly attests, this volume is first and foremost a campaign study, and it will unavoidably be of greatest interest to military historians. The relative lacuna in the literature on the Petersburg campaign (at least compared to the literature on other campaigns of comparable significance) produces few places where Greene can intervene in points of great historiographical controversy. He does, however, flag in his own preface a distinctive assessment of Grant’s leadership, which Greene describes as “in many respects . . . disappointing. Readers may be as surprised as I was to discover the many shortcomings in Grant’s leadership once his troops crossed the James” (xiv). In a field where Grant’s military reputation remains ascendant—perhaps too much so—Greene offers a somewhat subdued voice of dissent. In Greene’s volume, Grant appears distant and even disengaged, allowing his senior subordinates such as George Meade and Benjamin Butler great discretion in their generally poor management of operational details. Greene [End Page 486] is too careful and judicious a historian to come even close to returning to the Grant-as-butcher canard, but he does aver when discussing the Union armies’ missed opportunities to take a lightly defended Petersburg in mid-June 1864 that “it is curious that Grant showed such scant interest in overseeing the culmination of his brilliant maneuver from Cold Harbor” (216). This tone is echoed throughout the volume; Greene modulates that criticism, however, by acknowledging that most of Grant’s biographers have seen this behavior as consistent with Grant’s command style and his responsibilities as general in chief of all the Union armies. On this point, Greene may underrate the importance of Grant’s responsibilities beyond the Virginia theater. One must remember the sheer complexity of the larger Union war effort Grant had to supervise, with far-flung military forces in disparate theaters operating across a continent. Moreover, focusing on individual command personalities such as Grant seems to be an increasingly arid avenue of inquiry in the first place and reveals a gap in the bifurcated approach that still dominates much military history of the Civil War. On the one hand, Greene’s analytical focus on the problem of assessing Grant’s performance—even his volume’s title—stands in the battles-and-leaders tradition of Civil War history. On the other hand, the volume also benefits from the obvious influence of social history in the ample space it gives to the perspective of the common soldier, backed by prodigious research in a wide variety of sources. In sum, Greene’s opus is very much of a piece with what I have in other places described as scholarship that focuses on brave men and brave deeds. In its capacious approach, it rebuts charges of romanticization—it is hard to come away from Greene’s treatment of the grisly combat in the Crater as someone overly fond of war—but at its most fundamental level, Greene analyzes the campaign’s...

The Importance of Reindeer in Northern Finland during World War II (1939–45) and the Post-War Reconstruction

We studied the consequences of World War II (WWII, 1939–45) for reindeer herding in northern Finland, evaluated the significance of the livelihood for the population during and after the war, and identified the factors that made successful reconstruction of the livelihood possible. The study is based on qualitative content analysis of articles published in the professional journal Poromies (‘Reindeer Herder’) during the period 1931–67. Reindeer were an important source of food, transport, clothing, footwear, and skins for soldiers during the war. Approximately 220 000 reindeer were slaughtered to provide food, averting the compulsory slaughter of 88 000 cows. Herders’ skills were highly valued during the war. The herds and herders figured in the reconstruction of northern Finland and contributed to the war reparations owed the Soviet Union. During the period 1939–45 the number of reindeer fell dramatically, and the cession of Finnish territories to the Soviet Union and destruction of fences made herding difficult. In addition, the area of pastureland available to reindeer decreased. The combined effects of military operations, a labour shortage, an increased number of predators, and difficult weather and snow conditions led to losses of reindeer. The recovery of the livelihood to its pre-war level took 10 years. We argue that in addition to improved post-war pasture conditions—a result of decreased reindeer densities and favourable weather—the rapid recovery of reindeer herding can be attributed to the high motivation, diligence, and experiential knowledge of herders and the herding administration gained in rebuilding the livelihood after WWI (1914–18). Both groups understood that in northern Finland it would be economically wiser to invest in reindeer husbandry rather than cattle farming since reindeer are better adapted than cattle to the harsh climate and to forage grown in low-productive soils. Reindeer herding was based on natural pastures and labour, whereas cattle farming relied on crop cultivation, as well as expensive buildings, machinery, and fertilizers.