Military Research Articles

Revival of China and the United States Strategy to Contain at Indo-Pacific Region (From Rebalance to Offshore Balancing)

Chinese foreign policy initiative has turned out to be a negative reaction from the United States of America (USA) and its allies, as it is perceived to contain the agenda for territorial expansion in the sense of an expanding political influence covered by infra structures and trade investment activities. Along with the darkening of a OBOR (one belt, one road) map followed by the interests of China to secure the Silk Road through the presence of its military force. A number of countries in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, including Indonesia have expressed their complaints regarding China's claims to the South China Sea. China has already positioned as regional power that "challenges" a vis-a-vis the United States as a superpower that maintains a status-quo continuity in the Indo-Pacific hemisphere. This research used qualitative research method, data collected through interviews with informants to be able to dig up information so that accurate information can be obtained in accordance with the theme of this study. The selection of informants was determined using a purposive technique. While secondary data collected from various relevant documents. This research analyzes that The United States' foreign policy to stem the rise and expansion of China's impact in the Asia-Pacific region, harmonizes with concerns from several countries in the region for the rise of China with its foreign policy judged assertive. Setting out from the policy to stem the China influence, it can be said, the United States of America refers to its experience in the cold war as it stemming the expanding influence of the Soviet Union through the Containment Policy. Only this time has the United States been confronted with such vastly different conditions. These conditions that the United States is unable to "brace" for, so containment policy repetition through some of its implementation such as rebalance, free and open indo-pacific to offshore balancing still test its effectiveness.

Model compensation control of composite vertical take-off and landing UAV

Abstract The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for composite vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) is a complex, highly coupled, and nonlinear system which is sensitive to external disturbances and model uncertainties. The composite VTOL UAV system consists of a multi-rotor section and a fixed-wing section. To improve observation accuracy, the compensation function observer (CFO) uses a new structure that includes velocity information. The CFO is utilised to estimate the uncertainty and the external disturbances of the system model, which performs superior estimation accuracy compared to the extended state observer (ESO). In the modeling process of the VTOL UAV, the aerodynamic moment is calculated by means of the cross-product operation of force and force arm, which solves the problem of over-reliance on aerodynamic parameters in the traditional modeling approach. The controlled object is refined by CFO, and model compensation control (MCC) is used to realise the velocity and attitude control of the composite VTOL. The numerical simulation of MATLAB/Simulink and hardware-in-loop simulation (HIL) of Rflysim were implemented, and which were used to compare the MCC, active disturbance rejection control (ADRC), and proportion integration differentiation (PID). The simulation results confirm the superiority of MCC in controlling composite VTOL UAVs in terms of anti-disturbance and tracking speed.

Antizipation von Zukunft?

Abstract Current research in medieval studies focuses on how the future was dealt with in medieval culture. While Reinhart Koselleck has denied the Middle Ages any interest in an inner-worldly future, recent contributions show a variety of diverse endeavours to know and influence the future. By examining naval campaigns of the city commune of Genoa from the 12th–14th centuries, this article argues in favour of examining the social practice of medieval societies more intensively in terms of how people tried to influence what would happen in the future. The study of three military campaigns – the attacks on the Spanish harbour cities of Almería and Tortosa in 1147 and 1148, the conquest of Chios and Phocaea in 1346 and a failed expedition to Cyprus in 1383 – shows that in all cases the exercise of military force was at best planned in outline. As a rule, it was assumed that the available contingents and experience would be sufficient for success. Concrete tactics, but in the case of Chios and Phokaia also the targets of the attacks, were only agreed upon during the campaigns. A record of one such negotiation has even been preserved from Cyprus. On the other hand, there were diplomatic and, above all, economic planning horizons that stipulated long-term agreements even before the attack, in which precise deadlines and dates for payments were fixed as well as alliance obligations. The interference between these futures, which were planned and plannable to varying degrees, resulted in the inherent dynamics of non-synchronised temporalities.

Competing Visions for US Grand Strategy in Cyberspace

Cyberspace is a primary battleground of the twenty-first century. Yet, grand strategists have been slow to address cyber strategy. We examine the implications of four prominent American grand strategies—restraint, deep engagement, liberal internationalism, and conservative primacy—for core topics in cyber strategy. Several unique features of cyberspace, including its nonviolent effects, pervasive secrecy, and the challenges of global governance, generate counterintuitive implications. For example, advocates of restraint, usually skeptical of conventional military force, should be more comfortable wielding cyber power, generating surprising convergences with conservative primacy. Conversely, liberal internationalists place importance on legitimating the use of force, rendering them more cautious than even proponents of the "restraint" strategy. We also briefly explore two newer grand strategies—progressivism and conservative populism—in order to show how our framework applies to emerging debates. Our approach can also help analyze how grand strategies extend to other emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence.

Integrating Emerging Technologies in Military Maintenance and Repairs: An Overview of Current Status, Opportunities and Challenges

Maintenance and repair (M&R) of military equipment are crucial for operational readiness. The article highlights challenges faced by military forces, particularly in the US, with significant equipment non-operable due to inefficient M&R. It emphasizes modernizing M&R through Predictive Maintenance (PM) and 3D Printing (AM). PM employs AI and data analytics for real-time monitoring and foreseeing malfunctions, signifying a strategic shift in M&R. AM significantly curtails downtime by enabling on-demand spare parts production, presenting a solution to traditional military M&R challenges. The article also underscores the economic advantages and potential for operational efficiency improvements through these technologies. However, it points out hurdles in implementing PM and AM, including high initial costs, lack of trained personnel, and the threat of counterfeit production in AM.

THE DOCTRINE OF AIR WARFARE BY GIULIO DOUHET IN THE SOVIET MILITARY-SCIENTIFIC JOURNALISM AND FICTION OF THE 1920S-30S

The article says about reflection of the doctrine of air warfare of Italian military theorist Giulio Douhet (1869-1930) in military, scientific, popular science and artistic literature in the USSR in 1920-30s, its criticism by Soviet specialists, discussions about the role of aviation in the wars-to-be. According to the said concept, the lack of military aircrafts, primarily bombers, might cost an entire war. Numerous Soviet leaders in the 1920s saw aviation as a formidable military force and as a kind of ‟locomotive” capable of driving industry, science and culture. It is logical that Giulio Douhet’s doctrine aroused their great interest. The works of the Italian general and some works of other foreign authors related to his doctrine, were repeatedly published in the USSR. Prominent military commanders and aviation specialists took part in their publication and discussion. Those disputes were intertwined with discussions about the role of aviation in the wars-to-be. Some authors believed that there was a rational grain in the doctrine of Giulio Douhet, and aviation could put enemy on the brink of defeat in short time. Others insisted on the need to prepare for a protracted war, where aviation would play an important role, but only as one of the means of struggle. As a result, the 1920s-30s’ discussion of Giulio Douhet’s theory in the USSR reflected significant aspects in the development of views on the tasks of the air fleet.

STRUCTURAL AND SEMANTIC ORIGINALITY OF THE SEMANTIC FIELD ‟POWER” IN VLADIMIR MAKSIMOV’S NOVEL ‟TO LOOK INTO THE ABYSS”

The article characterises the semantic field ‟Power” in the novel by the famous Russian prose writer of the 2nd half of the 20th century, Vladimir Maksimov (1930–1995). The purpose of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the structural and semantic features of the field, determination of the originality of the textual functioning of its core components, which are the semantic dominants of the work, actively involved in the organisation of the narrative, in the artistic depiction of historical events and the creation of images of literary characters. The theoretical concepts of the semantic field and semantic space of the text, which unites its conceptual, denotative and emotive meanings, are defined. Linguistic modelling of the field structure is based on the principles of discourse analysis of the text and is determined by the specific linguistic personality of the writer, genre-stylistic and plot-compositional features of the work. Characteristic of component composition of the field, its core, centre and periphery, microfields is given. Semantic connections and intersections of field components are determined with contextual synonymy and antonymy revealed. The core of the field includes the key lexemes “power”, “strength”, “leader”, “will”. The semantic field unites five microfields: the central part of the field structure includes the microfields ‟White-Guard Power of Alexander Kolchak” and ‟Soviet Power of Vladimir Lenin”; the peripheral zone includes the microfields ‟Power of Social Elements”, ‟Military Force of Foreign Intervention” and ‟Power of Selfless and unselfish Love”. The semantic dominants of the text, being the key components of the field, contribute to the dynamics of the narrative, create an artistic chronotope, reflect the author’s position, and convey the bright features of the writer’s linguistic personality.

The association between perceived social support and mental health in combat-injured and uninjured male UK (ex-)military personnel: A cross-sectional study

Social support is a key determinant of mental health across multiple populations and contexts. Little is known about social support among UK (ex-)military personnel, especially those with combat injuries following deployment to Afghanistan. This study aimed to investigate the level of perceived social support and its associations with mental health among injured and uninjured UK (ex-)military personnel. An analysis of baseline data from the Armed Services Trauma Rehabilitation Outcome (ADVANCE) prospective cohort study was performed. A representative sample of male UK combat-injured personnel was compared with a frequency-matched sample of uninjured personnel. Validated questionnaires were completed including the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). MSPSS score was transformed using linear splines with a knot at ≥ 55. Multivariable logistic regression analyses examined associations between perceived social support and mental health. In total, 521 combat-injured participants (137 with amputations) and 515 uninjured participants were included. Median MSPSS score was 65 (interquartile range [IQR] 54–74). Injured and uninjured participants reported similar MSPSS scores, as did those injured with amputations, and non-amputation injured participants. For each one unit increase in MSPSS score (for scores ≥55), the odds of post-traumatic stress disorder decreased (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 0.96). No such association was found with MSPSS scores below 55 (AOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.01). Similar results were observed for depression and anxiety. Perceived social support may be a target for intervention within this population, irrespective of injury status.

B - 24 Assessing Cognitive Impairment within a High-Blast Risk Military Force

Abstract Objective Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) is a military occupational specialty that is particularly high risk for blast exposures as well as psychologically traumatic combat experiences. We explore cognitive performance, symptom profiles, and blast exposure history of this group. Methods Participants were recruited from an active duty TBI rehabilitation center. Of 123 participants, 12 were EOD (Other N = 111). Learning and memory (HVLT-R), sustained attention (PASAT) and executive functioning (DKEFS) were assessed. A Global Deficit Score (GDS) was calculated to determine impairment. Neurobehavioral symptoms (NSI), PTSD and depressive symptoms (PCL-M and PHQ-8), combat (CES) and blast exposures (BETS) history were also assessed. Results When comparing EOD to Other, age, number of mTBIs, and blast exposures were comparable (p’s > 0.05). There was a trend for EOD to report fewer symptoms and more combat deployments. EOD reported greater exposure to combat (CES p = 0.004, d = 0.90) and performed stronger cognitively. HVLT-R-Total (EOD M = 48.50, SD = 9.46; Other M = 39.13, SD = 11.67; p = 0.008, d = 0.82), HVLT-R-Delayed (EOD M = 45.75, SD = 11.11, Other M = 38.61, SD = 13.76; p = 0.09, d = 0.53) and PASAT (EOD M = 54.10, SD = 7.37; Other M = 46.56, SD = 10.21; p = 0.014, d = 0.76). 50.4% of the overall sample and 16.7% of the EOD sample were determined to have cognitive impairment (GDS p = 0.015). Conclusions Results highlight the importance of baseline assessment for higher functioning specialized populations. EOD performed better than general forces on cognitive measures, including memory domains previously identified to be impacted by blast exposures. EOD presents with greater kinetic combat experiences that expose them to psychologically traumatic events despite reporting fewer symptoms. Most notable is the high rate of cognitive impairment in an active military force.

Problems and prospects of realizing gender equality in the security and defense sector of Ukraine

Since 2014, Ukraine has been actively defending its borders and sovereignty from the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. Since February 24, 2022, with the outbreak of a new wave of war, Ukraine has faced many new security and defense challenges related to the protection of national interests and freedom, as well as the rights of servicemen, military organization, command and control. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 60,000 women have been serving in Ukraine, 42,000 of them are military personnel. Therefore, raising issues such as equal rights and opportunities for women and men in the military is extremely relevant today. Deep-rooted stereotypes and prejudices about gender roles in society are one of the reasons for this inequality, which is not only a problem in Ukraine but also a global one.

Methodology used to develop the minimum common data elements for surveillance and Reporting of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the MILitary (ROMMIL) statement

Background The objective was to summarize the methodology used to reach consensus for recommended minimum data elements that should be collected and reported when conducting injury surveillance research in military settings. This paper summarizes the methodology used to develop the international Minimum Data Elements for surveillance and Reporting of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the MILitary (ROMMIL) statement. Methods A Delphi methodology was employed to reach consensus for minimum reporting elements. Preliminary steps included conducting a literature review and surveying a convenience sample of military stakeholders to 1) identify barriers and facilitators of military musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) prevention programs, 2) identify relevant knowledge/information gaps and 3) establish future research priorities. The team then led a sequential three-round Delphi consensus survey, including relevant stakeholders from militaries around the world, and then conducted asynchronous mixed knowledge user meeting to explore level of agreement among subject matter experts. Knowledge users, including former and current military service members, civil servant practitioners, and global-wide subject matter experts having experience with policy, execution, or clinical investigation of MSKI mitigation programs, MSKI diagnoses, and MSKI risk factors in military settings. For each round, participants scored each question on a Likert scale of 1-5. Scores ranged from No Importance (1) to Strong Importance (5). Results Literature review and surveys helped informed the scope of potential variables to vote on. Three rounds were necessary to reach minimum consensus. Ninety-five, 65 and 42 respondents participated in the first, second and third rounds of the Delphi consensus, respectively. Ultimately, consensus recommendations emerged consisting of one data principle and 33 minimum data elements. Conclusions Achieving consensus across relevant stakeholders representing military organizations globally can be challenging. This paper details the methodology employed to reach consensus for a core minimum data elements checklist for conducting MSKI research in military settings and improve data harmonization and scalability efforts. These methods can be used as a resource to assist in future consensus endeavors of similar nature.

Burnout and moral injuries after foreign deployment among medical personnel of the German armed forces: a pre-post study.

Given a high amount of workplace stressors, burnout syndrome, as a depression-related syndrome, is highly relevant for medical service soldiers. This study aims to examine their effects with regard to moral injuries and personal values following foreign deployment. This longitudinal study included 91 soldiers of the German Armed Forces Medical Service. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Portrait-Value-Questionnaire (PVQ) before and after a foreign deployment as well as the Moral Injury Scale (SMBE) after deployment. Analysis has been conducted using t-tests to assess potential changes in MBI and PVQ scales between pre-test - t1 (2-4 weeks before deployment) and post-test - t2 (up to 6 months after deployment). In addition, correlations were examined between moral injuries (MI) after deployment and MBI scores at t1 and t2 as well as between personal values (PVQ t1) and MBI scores at t1 and t2. The MBI subscales showed mild to moderate burnout symptoms at both pre- and post-tests, with a slight deterioration during the study period, albeit not significant. There were no significant mean differences in PVQ between measurement points. Nevertheless, PVQ self-direction and tradition at t1 correlated negatively with MBI INV at t2 (PVQ SD r = -.21, p = .043) and MBI PA at t2 (PVQ TR r = -.23, p = .027). Furthermore, the subscale PVQ power at t1 correlated positively with MBI PA at t2 (PVQ PO r = .28, p = .006), meanwhile PVQ universalism at t1 correlated positively with MBI INV at t1 (PVQ UN r = .25, p = .018). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between moral injuries at t2 (SMBE total score, SMBE_Sub1, SMBE_Sub2) and MBI subscales Emotional Exhaustion (EE; r = -.54, p = .001), Depersonalization (DP; r = .38, p = .001), and Involvement (INV; r = .30, p = .004) before and after the deployment period. No correlation was found between MI and MBI subscale Personal Accomplishment (PA). The results indicate that medical service soldiers exhibit mild to moderate burnout symptoms even before deployment. Significant associations between moral injuries and burnout were found in 3 out of 4 MBI subscales (EE, DP, INV). There was a significant association with a stronger moral injury and higher burnout levels, persisting both before and after the study period. Furthermore, our results suggest that personal value orientations might be meaningful predictors of burnout. Hence, causal questions regarding general work stress among medical service soldiers should be further explored in more detailed studies. Further research could lay the foundation for future approaches in psychotherapy as well as primary and secondary prevention in this field.

The Image of the US Army in American movies: The Soft Power of American Cinema

The formation of the army's image has acquired newfound significance in our time. Paradoxically, alongside the spread of humanist ideology, the number of violent conflicts worldwide is increasing. These stimulates the need for propaganda aimed at shaping the image of the army and enhancing the attractiveness of service. As one of the world's largest military forces, the US army has engaged in a diverse array of conflicts with over 750 military bases in approximately 80 countries (Kohli 2020). A diverse range of tools is employed to shape the image of the US army, including media, recruitment campaigns, social media, public events, etc. Among these tools, movies have their specific role. While traditionally intended for entertainment, movies have been used for over a century as a means to shape public opinion. This article delves into the main attributes of the US Army as a social institution, analyzing its four fundamental characteristics: the Militia Tradition, Mobilization Miracles, Man-Mindedness, Maritime Influence, the weapon and the enemy as distinctive attributes. Additionally, it features the seven core values of the US Army: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. The article provides a detailed analysis of how various components of movie production tools communicate the attributes and core values of the US Army and contribute to shaping its image, examining a high-viewership movie “Interceptor” (2022). The goal of the study was to find out the image of the US Army that “Interceptor” projects and to identify the verbal and visual communicative means it uses for this purpose. The content analysis made it possible to distinguish verbal and visual elements of the movie, encompassing human voice, mise-en-scène, as well as film editing techniques, to identify and highlight the messages and ideas conveyed about the attributes of the US Army.

The ravages of war: challenges and resilience in medical education in Sudan

The armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) beginning on April 15, 2023, has thrust Sudan into a worsening humanitarian crisis, severely affecting all aspects of Sudanese life, including medical education and healthcare systems. This commentary explores the current state of medical training in Sudan amidst this conflict and discusses potential strategies to address the challenges faced by both students and educators.Following a comprehensive literature review of articles using keywords, and published from 2015 to the present, 2024, the challenges were categorized into issues related to the curriculum, educational resources, wellbeing of students and educators, human resources, and oversight by governing bodies. The proposed solutions involve the government, humanitarian organizations, medical schools, and innovative curricular strategies. Partnerships and the involvement of the Sudanese diaspora are crucial for situational assessment and execution of culturally sensitive, contextualized solutions. Alliances with other medical schools can facilitate the relocation of students and faculty. Faculty development programs and student support are paramount during this phase.Deploying distant learning strategies combined with small group learning, such as e-learning, problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), and ambulatory teaching, can mitigate some adversities in the Sudanese educational experience during war. Implementing collaborative evaluations and solutions can help Sudan's educational system navigate the conflict, enhance resilience, promote healthcare, and facilitate planning for the post-conflict period.

Enhancing Human Resources Competency in a Defense University: Strategies and Best Practices

This systematic literature review examines strategies and best practices for enhancing human resources (HR) competencies within defense university environments, focusing on studies published between 2010 and 2023. Recognizing the distinct challenges faced by military educational institutions, the review identifies key themes and methodologies that contribute to effective HR development, including competency alignment with military culture, the integration of advanced training technologies, and leadership development frameworks. A total of 43 articles were analyzed from reputable databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a particular emphasis on research addressing competency frameworks, leadership training programs, and performance evaluation in military contexts. The findings underscore the importance of tailored competency models that adhere to military standards, the adoption of cutting-edge training technologies, and the promotion of continuous professional development. Furthermore, the review highlights successful case studies that demonstrate significant improvements in HR competencies within defense universities. These insights provide a valuable guide for institutions seeking to enhance their HR capabilities. The study concludes by offering recommendations for future research, particularly in exploring innovative competency models, the advancement of training technologies, and leadership development strategies that meet the evolving needs of military organizations.

Civil Legal Framework for Moral Damage in Jordanian Law

This study explores civil remedies for assault, allowing victims to claim damages for psychological harm and use force in self-defense. If a victim defends themselves and faces a counterclaim, the initial tort may mitigate their liability. When a tort is used as a defense in a criminal case, it can trigger issue estoppel in subsequent civil proceedings meaning that if the defendant loses the criminal case, they often lose the civil case as well. The situation differs when it comes to moral damages resulting from criminal acts. Moral damage refers to injury to legally protected interests, such as personal security, caused by a tortious act. Victims of criminal offenses that also constitute torts can use these acts as evidence of liability in civil actions. However, specific remedies for moral damage are often insufficient or absent, particularly for victims of violent crimes. These victims may struggle to obtain more than nominal damages for assault or battery, facing challenges due to tort limitation periods, which may require suing for false imprisonment while still involved in criminal proceedings. The case of Phillips v UK exemplifies this, where the Crown's immunity extended to acts violating personal dignity, making it difficult for victims to pursue actions for moral damages.

Awareness and use of Canadian Armed Forces mental wellbeing programs and resources among Regular Force personnel

To support broader efforts to empower military personnel to improve their health and wellbeing, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have implemented numerous mental wellbeing programs and resources. The aim of the present study was to better understand factors that may drive awareness and use of these programs/resources. Data from the Your Say Survey, which is routinely administered to CAF members to assess their perceptions of policies and programs, were analyzed to identify key predictors of awareness and use of programs and resources promoting positive mental health at the individual, unit leader, and organizational levels. The survey was completed in 2021 by a stratified random sample of 1,743 Regular Force members, which was weighted to be representative of the CAF Regular Force population. Awareness of most programs/resources that were considered was found to be quite high, whereas use was comparatively low. Results of logistic regression analyses revealed that program/resource awareness was generally lower among younger CAF members, those who were single and had no dependent children, and those who indicated their supervisors infrequently demonstrated positive behaviours around mental health. Awareness also varied depending on the organizational command in which CAF members worked. It was found that CAF members were generally more likely to have used the program/resource if they reported poorer self-rated mental health and were older. Similar to program/resource awareness, use varied significantly depending on CAF members’ organizational command. The potential implications of these findings for enhancing awareness of mental wellbeing programs and resources in the CAF, and in occupational settings as a whole, are discussed.

Drafting restraint: Are military recruitment policies associated with interstate conflict initiation?

Are countries that use conscription more restrained in their use of military force? A common argument holds that military conscription restrains leaders from using force because it increases the political cost of war and distributes them more evenly and broadly across the population. Despite this intuition, empirical evidence to support it is at best inconclusive. This article introduces a novel perspective on the relationship between military recruitment (MR) policies and conflict initiation (CI) by arguing that the military’s size relative to society – its military participation rate (MPR) – is an important and overlooked part of this story. MPR is a more direct measure of the population’s exposure to the costs of war, but high MPR may also increase CI by enhancing military capacity. By incorporating MPR into the analysis of CI, both independently and in interaction with conscription, this article provides a more comprehensive understanding of how MR practices shape CI. It tests these new hypotheses about the relationship between MPR, conscription and CI using a variety of time-series models that cover all country-years from 1816 to 2011. The findings do not support the conventional wisdom, instead revealing that neither conscription nor volunteerism is independently associated with restrained initiation of military conflicts abroad. On the contrary, these recruitment practices are more likely to be associated with an increase in the likelihood of CI. These findings indicate that we should be skeptical of traditional arguments that assume conscription leads to restraint in the use of force, either independently or conditional on MPR. These counterintuitive results underscore the need for additional research on the complex relationship between MR practices, civil–military relations and foreign policy.

Financial Readiness, Combat Readiness: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach On Saving Habits Among Malaysian Military Personnel

Saving money benefits individuals and the economy. This research examines the factors affecting Malaysian military personnel's saving habits. The study focuses on the impact of financial literacy, financial inclusions, financial stress, peer influence, military culture, and self-discipline on saving habits. The positivist study design was based on a survey questionnaire of 1000 Malaysian Armed Forces military personnel. Data from the pilot and main survey were analysed using SPSS 29.0 and SmartPLS4, respectively. The study randomly selected respondents from a population of approximately 120,000 actively serving military personnel. The respondents include officers and other ranks deployed at various military bases and camps in Malaysia. Except for self-control, financial stress, and financial inclusions, the remaining three variables have strong connections with the savings habit. The findings support life cycle and planned behaviour theories. This study sheds light on military personnel and the necessity of savings strategies for financial readiness.

Deep Learning for Visual Speech Analysis: A Survey.

Visual speech, referring to the visual domain of speech, has attracted increasing attention due to its wide applications, such as public security, medical treatment, military defense, and film entertainment. As a powerful AI strategy, deep learning techniques have extensively promoted the development of visual speech learning. Over the past five years, numerous deep learning based methods have been proposed to address various problems in this area, especially automatic visual speech recognition and generation. To push forward future research on visual speech, this paper will present a comprehensive review of recent progress in deep learning methods on visual speech analysis. We cover different aspects of visual speech, including fundamental problems, challenges, benchmark datasets, a taxonomy of existing methods, and state-of-the-art performance. Besides, we also identify gaps in current research and discuss inspiring future research directions.