Military Education Research Articles

Wargaming Preferences: How Participating in Educational Wargames Changes Student Preferences on Learning

Educational wargaming has shown its clear value in the classroom, leading to deeper and more long-lasting learning. Yet, it is unclear how students respond to the use of games in the classroom and whether they perceive them to have educational value above and beyond “having fun.” This study of the War at Sea wargame at the U.S. Naval War College provides evidence that students see wargaming as a valuable learning activity, that they consider it appropriate for the PME environment, and that participating in a wargame makes them more likely to want to learn via wargames in the future. These findings provide evidence in support of the ongoing effort to increase wargaming in professional military education (PME) curriculum, and suggest that early exposure to wargames creates buy-in among students that can be harnessed throughout their careers.

Teaching Defence Management to Senior-Level Professional Military Education at the Baltic Defence College

Teaching Defence Management to Senior-Level Professional Military Education at the Baltic Defence College

Challenges to Senior Professional Military Education. Observations from the Baltic Defence College

Challenges to Senior Professional Military Education. Observations from the Baltic Defence College

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.

The features of the theoretical training of the ancient Roman military

The purpose of the article. To investigate the specifics of the training of senior officers of the Roman army in the Late Republican period and the Early Principate. To outline the peculiarities of the study of military theory by the senior command staff of the legion, as well as to prove the probability of the existence of specialized libraries among the Roman elite, which consisted of the works of Greek and Roman authors of the genre of military literature. Research methodology. The research methodology: comparative, analysis, synthesis and analytical analysis. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that the problem of military education in Ancient Rome was comprehensively investigated for the first time. In particular, the peculiarities of the study of the theory of military affairs not only by representatives of the highest military command — those from the nobility, but also by "new people" (homines novi) — representatives of the riding class (equites) are analyzed. Conclusions. It has been proven that the senior officers were not illiterate in military affairs and quite successfully coped with the assigned tasks — both in the administrative field and on the battlefield. It is also determined that the responsibilities of the senior officers of the Roman army, in particular military commanders, in addition to knowledge and skills in the field of military art, also included understanding the psychology of ordinary soldiers and the art of eloquence (rhetoric). The latter was acquired not so much from experience as from studying the works of Greek orators and philosophers.

Enhancing combat readiness via evidence-based pedagogical innovations in National Guard of Ukraine officer training

This study examines the effectiveness of innovative pedagogical conditions in enhancing combat readiness among future officers of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU). Utilising a quasi-experimental design, we implemented and evaluated a set of pedagogical interventions integrating recent combat experience into officer training at the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine. The study involved 74 trainee officers divided into experimental (n=35) and control (n=39) groups. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the experimental group across functional, psychological, and reflective components of combat readiness, with increases of 43%, 25%, and 32%, respectively, in high-level readiness. These findings underscore the importance of rapidly integrating field experiences into military education, offering valuable insights for enhancing officer training in dynamic conflict environments. The study contributes to the broader understanding of adaptive military education strategies and provides a framework for implementing evidence-based training reforms in military institutions globally.

Jak skutecznie dzielić się wiedzą na temat zwalczania terroryzmu? Wnioski, dobre praktyki i zalecenia NATO DEEP eAcademy

Experience in recent years, including intense technological development and the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to an increased interest in web-based training. E-learning allows learners to absorb knowledge at a pace that is tailored to their abilities and teachers to be more flexible in their delivery. The same circumstances that have created new forms of learning and working in a technologically developed society have triggered the rise of hybrid threats and given terrorists modern tools. In response to this trend the North Atlantic Alliance established, among others, NATO DEEP eAcademy – an entity from the sphere of education and training, whose task is to develop optimal solutions for implementing the assumptions of NATO Defence Education Enhancement Programme, i.e. a programme supporting the transformation of the military education systems of NATO partner countries. The director of this institution, Prof. Piotr Gawliczek, talks about what NATO DEEP eAcademy offers these countries and the Polish contribution to this project.

How to efficiently share counterterrorism knowledge? Lessons learned, best practices and NATO DEEP eAcademy recommendations

Experience in recent years, including intense technological development and the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to an increased interest in web-based training. E-learning allows learners to absorb knowledge at a pace that is tailored to their abilities and teachers to be more flexible in their delivery. The same circumstances that have created new forms of learning and working in a technologically developed society have triggered the rise of hybrid threats and given terrorists modern tools. In response to this trend the North Atlantic Alliance established, among others, NATO DEEP eAcademy – an entity from the sphere of education and training, whose task is to develop optimal solutions for implementing the assumptions of NATO Defence Education Enhancement Programme, i.e. a programme supporting the transformation of the military education systems of NATO partner countries. The director of this institution, Prof. Piotr Gawliczek, talks about what NATO DEEP eAcademy offers these countries and the Polish contribution to this project.

Bridging Theory and Practice in Military Education Through Advanced Technologies

This study presents a comprehensive examination of the developmental trajectory and operational advancement of a pioneering military simulation apparatus explicitly engineered to facilitate the seamless integration of joint fire support principles within the ambit of military education, with a specific focus on artillery students. The Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology provided by industry leaders such as Microsoft and Meta present solutions for interdisciplinary pursuits situated at the confluence of emergent technologies and contemporary military instructional methodologies. Central to the efficacy of this endeavour is the incorporation of meticulously crafted virtual and augmented reality models of authentic military equipment to imbue the simulation experience with unparalleled realism and fidelity to the principles of artillery fires. Collaborative ventures with private enterprises have facilitated the production of a simulator characterized by its gamification elements and unparalleled verisimilitude, enhancing its efficacy as an educational tool. Augmented by spatial intelligence gleaned from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sensors, the simulation framework can be further enriched by integrating true-to-life topographic representations meticulously synthesized by amalgamating laser scanning methodologies. Positioned as an indispensable cornerstone within the academic purview of the esteemed Department of Fire Support at the University of Defence, this initiative aspires to impart foundational knowledge and cultivate a proactive ethos of inquiry and engagement amongst the students. Furthermore, the simulator is a pivotal instrument for military training, offering a risk-free environment devoid of the hazards associated with live artillery fire exercises. By mitigating financial burdens and other logistical constraints inherent in conventional training methodologies, this innovative simulation apparatus represents a paradigm shift in contemporary military education and training practices.

Possibilities of the electronic educational environment in increasing the efficiency of the military education system

The presented article examines innovative ways to develop military education in the context of digitalization and digital transformation. Specific technical solutions have been proposed to increase the efficiency of future officers' mastery of military-technical specialties. The pedagogical experience of using the designed library of 3D-models of military hand-held small arms in the officer training system is summarized and presented. This library is described in detail and its place in the structure of the electronic educational environment of a military educational organization of higher education of a law enforcement agency is highlighted. The logical sequence of studying a sample of military hand-held small arms in the system technical description – 3D-model – real sample is revealed. The positive aspects of using the developed library in the preparation system are highlighted. Directions for further development of the structural component of the electronic educational environment of a military educational organization are proposed.

Dilemmas of measuring the effectiveness of logistics personnel training in the military higher education system

For years, the most important value of any organisation invariably remains the people who make it up. Their competence, knowledge and skills directly determine the outcome of the processes implemented and the level of results achieved. The same situation applies to military logistics personnel performing a wide variety of tasks within the subsystems of the military logistics system. As experience to date indicates, the key issue in the proper preparation of logistics personnel is the education of managerial cadres within military education. In this extremely complex process, it turns out to be a priority to reliably measure the effectiveness of the didactic methods and techniques used, the effect of which unambiguously determines the competences, knowledge and skills of those graduating from specific forms of education conducted within the framework of military higher education. It should be noted that the area subjected to research has not been comprehensively explored in the scientific dimension so far, which results in the fact that the research results obtained and described in the article complement the research gap clearly noticed in the literature on the subject regarding the measurement of the effectiveness of training logistic personnel in the military higher education system. The article is an attempt to fill a research gap in the field of the effectiveness of training logistic personnel for the needs of the armed forces, which undoubtedly exists because the literature on the effectiveness of training does not refer to this area. The aim of this article is to identify and evaluate priority dimensions and methods for measuring the effectiveness of logistics personnel education in the military higher education system. The research problem undertaken to be solved was specified in the following form: which dimensions, measures and indicators should be prioritised in the process of measuring the effectiveness of logistics personnel education in the military higher education system? A number of methods were used in the material, the leading ones being analysis and synthesis, literature search, abstraction and inference. A diagnostic survey method using an expert interview technique was used as the empirical method. The approach adopted was due to the nature and complexity of the research problem undertaken to solve.

FORMATION OF LEADERSHIP COMPETENCE OF FUTURE NGU OFFICERS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW PARADIGM OF MILITARY EDUCATION

The article raises the question of the formation of leadership competence of future officers of the NGU in the modern conditions of a complex security environment, the armed aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine, the Euro-Atlantic choice of Ukraine and the modernization of the security and defense sector on the basis of operational interoperability in accordance with NATO standards and procedures. The need to train highly educated, competent, motivated professionals of the security sector, to which NGU belongs, is emphasized, whose success is determined by professionalism, adaptability, mobility and leadership qualities. Leadership as a multifaceted socio-historical phenomenon is considered on the basis of theories of leadership, which provides an understanding of the essence of influence on subordinates and commanders; peculiarities of preparation and training. The development of military leadership is related to its very purpose and the challenges of the modern security situation. The significance of the competence approach in the development of the leadership competence of the future officer of the NGU, which is reflected in the new paradigm of military education, is indicated. The figure of a modern military leader at NGU has been updated taking into account a certain model according to the requirements of NGU, in particular, what a leader should be, what he should know and do (perform), his features that ensure the realization of professional competencies. The concept of leadership competence has been updated and the directions of its formation have been clarified. It is noted that for the formation of the leadership competence of the future officer of the NGU, both existing models of leadership, the experience of Ukrainian higher military educational institutions, and successful practices in the development of military leadership in developed countries are important. In this regard, educational programs on leadership, approaches to the formation of leadership competence at the Kyiv Institute of the National Guard of Ukraine and the National Academy of the US Armed Forces were analyzed.

THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGIES IN MILITARY EDUCATION

The article examines the topical topic of introducing virtual reality technology into military education to increase the level of effectiveness and safety of training military personnel. In the context of the latest challenges to global security and rapid technological progress, the need to improve the quality of military personnel training has become extremely urgent. The purpose(s) of the article is to analyze the state, problems and prospects of introducing virtual reality into military education in order to increase the level of efficiency and safety of training military personnel. The advantages of using virtual reality technology in the field of military education are outlined, in particular, reproduction of close to reality combat scenarios, immersive simulations and optimization of team interaction. Having analyzed in the article modern approaches to military training and the shortcomings of classical methods, we singled out the prospects of using virtual reality to increase the effectiveness of the educational process, balancing the realism of the experience and the safety of military training. The introduction of virtual reality into the educational process of military education will require investments, the development of specialized software and the training of qualified instructors, although over time these efforts can increase the level of combat readiness of the armed forces. The conclusion of the article emphasizes that the introduction of virtual reality into military education should become one of the key decisions in the framework of the reform of military personnel training. The use of this technology helps to increase the level and speed of knowledge acquisition, the safety of military training and exercises, to develop key skills and readiness to act in a real combat environment. Investments in innovative technologies and the latest training tools are critical to maintaining the combat capability of the armed forces and the successful execution of combat missions. The results of the article will have important implications for commanders, military instructors, and researchers trying to improve the effectiveness and safety of military personnel training. They should be able to use the latest virtual reality technology for greater flexibility and efficiency of the educational process, which will help strengthen the combat capability of the military personnel of the armed forces.

What is the dietary intake and nutritional status of defence members: a systematic literature review.

Optimal diet and nutrition is vital for military readiness, performance and recovery. Previous research on military diets has primarily focused on the nutritional composition of field/combat rations and dietary intake during deployment. There is accumulating research exploring the usual free-living dietary intake and nutritional status of defence members in garrison (i.e. military bases on which personnel are stationed). However, no comprehensive review has been conducted to assess the overall dietary quality of defence members internationally. Therefore, this review assessed the diets of military populations against national nutritional guidelines and Military Dietary Reference Intakes (MDRI). A systematic literature review of original research was conducted. CINAHL, Medline (EBSCO), Scopus (Elsevier), PubMed and AMED databases were searched up to the 20/02/2023. A total of thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall quality of included studies was high, with a low risk of bias. The diet quality scores indicate poor to fair diet quality among defence members. Defence members display low intakes of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, seafood, plant protein and nuts and high intakes of added sugars, trans fat and processed meat. Results also indicated suboptimal intake of fibre, essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, Mg, Zn and iodine. This may lead to reduced performance, increased risk of chronic diseases and mental health disorders. More research is needed to assess the long-term consequences of poor diet quality in defence members. These results require the attention of policymakers to ensure that military education and food environment is supportive of healthy eating.

Exploring the characteristics of the cadets’ learning network under military education

Military academy education is a part of university education. This study aims to explore the characteristics and achievements of the learning network for military academies students in Taiwan order to understand the main reasons for the differences and to identify special students. Moreover, this study analyzed the social network to explain the patterns of the students’ learning network. The findings are as follows. (1) An extensively connected learning network exists among the students of different classes. Students who comply with social norms have close relationships and interact frequently with each other. (2) Different cognition of social norms is the main reason leading to differences among students in their learning network and performance. Compliance with social norms is effectively conducive to the access and sharing of knowledge and improvement of learning performance. (3) The academic performances of those who have aloof relationships with their peers are polarized with either extreme good or extreme poor, and most of them comply with no notice or reflect the behavior of rejecting social norms. The academic contribution can support administrator as an important reference for planning education strategy.

Is the Joint Force Ready for a High-Tech, Multidomain, Evolving World?: A Study of Professional Reading Lists

What must the U.S. military of tomorrow look like? Using the U.S. Marine Corps’ 2024 Commandant’s Professional Reading List (CPRL) as a proxy for what military personnel are being told to know, the authors of this article questioned whether the Marine Corps is ready to envision a future U.S. military capable of Joint, inter-Service, interagency, and multinational multidomain operations. The authors assumed that professional reading lists focus on topics critical to future warfare and professional military education. As a benchmark, the authors have compared the CPRL’s topics to those in U.S. Army general George S. Patton Jr.’s “favorite books” list. Additionally, the authors have compared content in the CPRL to the most recent Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community. This article identifies gaps in the CPRL and consequently the Marine Corps’ ability to envision a future force beyond 2030. The authors suggest categories of books that need to be added to professional reading lists to help prepare the Marine Corps and other U.S. military Services for future warfare.

Military Command In Multi-Domain Environment

Abstract The practice of military command roots in the past. There were always trends to follow the footsteps of the great captains of earlier eras such as Alexander the Great, Caius Julius Caesar or Napoleon Bonaparte. With the birth of the modern scientific method historians and theorists tried to identify the essence of good leadership and the personal requirements of being a good leader. In the 18th century the notion of coup d’oeil and of the military genius were considered the key to success on the battlefield. The military education traditionally focused on the development of leadership skills, but the skills and practices being taught were drawn from experiences of previous military engagements and exercises. In periods of peace command experience stagnates or even deteriorates due to lack of combat experience, meaning that the command practices lose their touch with the realities of the present. This article argues that the growing complexity of the operational environment requires the alteration of the existing command practices and military education agenda to create leaders capable of achieving the desired successes in future wars. In our view a highly digitalized multi-domain command post requires a certain kind of leaders that beside tactical and operational proficiency must have a skill to efficiently apply the available high-tech assets, the digital coup d’oeil.

South Korea’s Defense Diplomacy for Long Term Capacity Building through International Military Education in the United States

This paper explores the long-term impact of South Korean military education in the United States on South Korea's defense capacity building. Through qualitative case studies, the research examines the evolution of South Korea's participation in US military education programs and the subsequent utilization of US-trained officers within the South Korean military. The findings reveal significant benefits such as enhanced interoperability, modernization of military tactics, and the development of a highly skilled officer corps. However, the study also addresses challenges including cultural barriers, costs, and political polarization. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this research underscores the critical role of international military education in strengthening South Korea’s defense capabilities and fostering enduring defense partnerships between South Korea and the United States.

Structure of the step-by-step sequential program for future officers of military education institutions to engage in the military applied seventh school

High motivation, sufficient level of professional knowledge, excellent physical and functional condition of the main body systems of servicemen are an integral part of the combat readiness and combat capability of the personnel of the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At many stages of the conduct of hostilities during the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the availability of the latest weapons and equipment, as well as the training of personnel to perform assigned tasks, the high level of training of units and units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, are definitely essential components. The analysis carried out by specialists in physical training and sports (service branches) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine indicates the need for constant improvement and development of military applied (special) physical skills of servicemen. Specialists insist on the need to introduce in the training of military personnel the skills of overcoming obstacles, moving on the battlefield, throwing grenades, firing from small arms from different positions, swimming in uniform and with weapons. The reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the training of future officers in military education institutions today makes it possible to abandon outdated approaches and methods of personnel training, and there are opportunities to introduce more effective methods into the military education system. More effective and innovative methods of training future officers of military educational institutions are organized for servicemen of the Armed Forces of NATO partner countries.

INNOVATIVE WAYS OF THE SYSTEM IMPROVING OF GRADUATED PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF OFFICERS OF THE SECURITY AND DEFENSE SECTOR OF UKRAINE THROUGH THE PRISM OF VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY

Modern realities place new demands on the transformation of the paradigm of military education in general, especially on the professional training of officers of the security and defense sector of Ukraine, which should result in professional competence and a high level of readiness to perform complex situational, including combat, tasks in various types of professional activities. Approaches amendments to the acquisition of innovative knowledge, skills and abilities by officers of the security and defense sector of Ukraine are laid down in a number of domestic legal acts and the adoption of international experience in training officers using innovative technologies. The results of the study made it possible to identify a number of statements, namely: the result of the graduated professional training of officers of the security and defense sector of Ukraine should not only be the higher military education obtained by officers, but also the formation of professional competence, a high level of readiness to perform complex situational, including combat, tasks in various types of professional activities; to ensure the quality of the results (acquisition of innovative knowledge, skills and abilities by officers while studying in higher education institutions with specific learning conditions) is possible through the introduction of an innovative set of actions aimed at creating a new educational environment, revision of approaches to improving the didactic support of curricula and the choice of modern methods and teaching technologies; a special role in the realization of the research objective is played by understanding the use of innovative educational technologies, including virtual and augmented reality. Such technologies can significantly improve not only the learning outcomes, which can be determined by a number of criteria (innovativeness of the formed competencies, timeliness of their updating, importance for a particular type of professional activity, etc.), but also significantly deepen the personal understanding of the development of critical thinking, communication skills, leadership qualities, the level of responsibility for ensuring the safety of all personnel, making certain leadership decisions on actions in the context of preparation and conduct of combat operations, officers’ understanding of their personality, purpose, aspirations and values in their professional and daily life.