Military Structures Research Articles

The Motives of Lithuanian Inhabitants to Enrol in Kaunas Self-defence Battalions in Summer and Autumn 1941

This article examines the biographical data of Lithuanian inhabitants who served during the Nazi occupation (1941-1944) in Kaunas National Labour Protection battalion (TDA), and in the Auxiliary Police Service (PPT) 1st and 2nd battalions, formed in August 1941 on TDA’s basis. The number of people they killed distinguishes these battalions from other Lithuanian self-defence units. Throughout the history of Lithuania no other military structure killed as many innocent people as they did. Among other reasons, these battalions were chosen because more data on them survived. The goal of the article is to answer the question on what motivated Lithuanian inhabitants to join these battalions. This historical cognitive question is also relevant because it was not researched in the works of other historians on the Nazi period in Lithuania. The clues about the motives for joining these battalions can only be evaluated as hypotheses, the validity of which should be either confirmed or denied. The facts on the battalions’ participation in exterminating Jews and other groups of people leads one to the impression that Lithuanians joined these as well as other Nazi battalions with the incentive to murder. After completing the research on the biographical data it was ascertained that the opinion about joining for the motive of murder was not correct. This is confirmed by the circumstance that when joining the self-defence battalions, people were not aware that they would have to take part in the extermination operations of Jews and other groups. The troops were divided into four groups according to their motives for enrolling in military structures: 1) Patriots; 2) Unemployed and other jobseekers; 3) victims; 4) the insecure. Such classification is not strict, i.e. some persons can be attributed to several groups. By analysing the biographical facts of the troops who served in these battalions it was established that their motive for joining them was their patriotic inclinations, desire to have a job and receive payment, ambition to avenge the wrongs of the Soviet regime, willingness to avoid punishment for joining the Soviet regime, deportation to labour camps in Germany and to escape the fate of prisoners of war. In determining these inner motives, not only historical knowledge, but also knowledge of other science disciplines was used. The analysis of biographical data suggests that the inhabitants of the land who joined the self-defence units were motivated not by one, but rather several motives. They saw Kaunas TDA, 1st and 2nd PPT battalions as a means to satisfy their own inner motives. These motives led them to enrol in these military units in summer and autumn of 1941.

From Lithuanian Riflemen to Forest Brothers: Research on the Development of the Local Military Structure

The article analyses the Thorn Company, a partisan unit that operated in northeast Lithuania, and the link of its partisans with the previously established societal tradition of self-defence and armed activity. The author seeks to reveal the extent to which the partisans belonged to the pre-war Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union and protective squads of small towns and villages which were formed during the uprising of 1941 as well as their participation in the divisions of public and auxiliary police which operated in 1941–1944. The research was carried out using analytical, inductive and statistical methods. The tradition of armed resistance and self-defence had been maturing in the territory of the future area of activity of Thorn Company (Zarasai regional district, Salakas village area). This tradition had been developing ever since the fights for independence in the early part of the twentieth century. Even then the local population who formed a squad of saboteurs actively assisted the Lithuanian army. The mindset of armed resistance to invaders was shaped, their skills of armed fighting were improved, and a framework of self-defence was taking shape. The memory and traditions of freedom fighting were nourished and passed on to the younger generation throughout the two decades of Lithuanian independence in the riflemen’s squadrons, which operated in the Salakas village district. This tradition determined an active role for riflemen from Salakas area in the anti-Soviet June uprising of 1941, and in their participation in policing units during the period of Nazi occupation (the latter activity was determined by anti-Soviet rather than pro-Nazi convictions). The military activity tradition shaped in the context of the above mentioned events was also alive in the postwar period. Throughout the whole period of the military company’s existence, its backbone was made up of fighters who gained fighting experience in riflemen’s squadrons during the independence period as well as in the Naziperiod police and self-defense divisions. Many ff them served in earlier military formations of earlier periods, and thus presumably cherished a certain collective mindset, made up of patriotism, belief in the possibility of restoring Lithuanian sovereignty and a deep anti-Soviet disposition. They must have been inclined to think that the gun was a reliable means of survival, and armed fighting was the most suited form of relating to the occupiers.

Germany’s approach to the functioning of NATO standing force groups in the mid-2010s and early 2020s

Western democracies have endowed NATO with the functions of “containment” of Russia and influential non-Western powers in general. This process is accompanied by a spasmodic growth of the Alliance’s military capabilities and changes in its internal structure. The principal responsibility for the implementation of the aforementioned measures falls upon the European member states, particularly those which have been members of the Alliance for a considerable length of time. Of these, Germany has demonstrated the most considerable commitment. Although some studies have examined the evolution of the Alliance’s military structures, there is a dearth of literature on Germany’s role in the Alliance within the field of Russian historiography. Nevertheless, an analysis of this topic is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of Berlin’s strategic intentions. The objective of this article is to examine the role of the FRG in relation to the functioning of permanent NATO troops. In order to achieve this, the author employs two distinct theoretical frameworks, namely those of alliance theory and military capability building, in combination with a comparative analysis approach. The author illustrates the distinctive features of the evolution of permanent NATO force groups and elucidates the challenges, including a shortage of military personnel, and opportunities, including limited activity by other NATO member states, that have influenced the utilisation of the Bundeswehr in the functioning of the groups. In light of the aforementioned conceptual and operational documents, which serve as the foundation for Germany’s foreign policy, the article posits that the Federal Republic of Germany is prepared to assume a leading role within the European NATO member state contingent with regard to the operationalisation of multilateral troop groupings.

Considerations regarding the use of mission command at the tactical level

Mission Command is a specific component of the command and control system of military structures at all levels of leadership. Implementing the concept allows the commanders to encourage their subordinates to make quick and effective decisions. It also allows them to show their initiative and freedom of decision within the limits of the intention of the superior commander. In this article, a doctrinal-comparative introspection will be carried out to facilitate the identification of some advantages and disadvantages of using the Mission Command concept in the process of planning, leading, and evaluating operations at the tactical level. The research is based on the assumption that adapting the act of command and control to the particularities of the operation aims to maximize the effect of the action. Taking into account the aforementioned and not limiting ourselves to the principles of leadership, we can assert that this concept, which uses principles of military art and operational art, will become a tool at the disposal of future generations of military leaders to facilitate leading of forces with efficiency and effectiveness based on doctrinal foundations, within the limits of acceptable risks.

Methodological Approaches in Military Science Research

Scientific research is a prerequisite for progress in all areas of society, and military science is no exception. However, its specificities require careful analysis in order to identify specific methodological approaches to ensure the added value of the results obtained. Moreover, the need for continuous transformation and adaptation of military structures to the operating environment and to the specific characteristics of contemporary armed conflicts leads to an increased interest in identifying innovative solutions in this field. Academic research is the approach to provide feasible and viable solutions to these challenges. However, there are relatively few works that address the methodological peculiarities specific to the field of military science. For this reason, the present article analyses how to organize and conduct scientific studies in the military field, proposing a structured framework of methodological approach in 14 steps to ensure the logical coherence of the approach, while highlighting the specificities of the field under analysis.

Участие Великобритании в военных действиях на Украине в 2022 году

The article analyzes the role and place of Great Britain in the preparation of the military conflict in Ukraine, as well as the formation of the terroristconcept of warfare led by the Ukrainian army and special services. Both direct and indirect participation of British military structures in combat actions against the Russian armed forces in 2022 is examined. The article outlines the supplies of weapons and military equipment to Ukraine by the UK, the forms and directions of training of the Ukrainian “proxy army” by British military instructors. Finally, the use of theconflict by London for conducting technical intelligence concerning new Russian weapons is shown.

Armed resistance of partisans in 1944–1953 and its suppression in Skapiškis rural district

There were similarities and differences between armed resistance activities of partisans that took place in various regions of Lithuania in 1944–1953. Still, irrespective of several regional peculiarities, three main periods of the partisan warfare may be distinguished as characteristic of all Lithuania: 1944–1946 – a period of spontaneous fighting, 1946–1948 – a period of organized fighting and 1949–1953 – the end of partisan warfare. Therefore, if you look closely at armed resistance of partisans and tactics they used in the rural district of Skapiškis, you will see a reduced image of all armed activities against occupants across Lithuania. Like everywhere in Lithuania, in Skapiškis rural district, first platoons featuring great numbers of partisans were formed spontaneously. The partisans here used to apply the tactics of attacking the towns. Therefore, on November the 7th 1944, the town of Skapiškis, the centre of the rural district itself, was assaulted. Like everywhere in Lithuania, in this rural district as well, the very first battles of the partisans brought huge losses – the forces of the People’s Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD) attacked numerous platoons of partisans and frequently destroyed them immediately. The young people from Skapiškis land boycotted mobilization to the Red Army. After the call for legalization appeared, a lot of fighters left the forests and hid they relationship with the partisans. The partisans used to hinder the occupants’ authorities from organizing the local elections. During the second part of fighting, in 1946–1948, the issues of uniting the partisan units and transition to organized fighting became the focus of attention of partisan commanders. At that time, the county of Kupiškis was established and Skapiškis rural district became a part of this county. On May 1st 1947, Algimantas Military District was established, and all partisans of Kupiškis land became subordinate to Šarūnas Special Team of that Military District. The last period of fighting stood out from those above by completing the formation of centralized structures of partisans as well as by their destruction. Refined combinations of agencies, activity of the agents, treacheries, destruction of headquarters and military structures and greatly reduced numbers of partisans were the main causes of defeat of both Skapiškis land partisans and those operating all over Lithuania. It has been estimated that during entire period of partisan warfare (1944–1953), in Skapiškis rural district, 40 partisans, their liaisons and supporters lost their lives.

Economic Ties of Russian Settlers and Native Population of Turkestan in the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th Centuries

The article analyses the issues of reclaiming of Turkestan by the Russian empire in the second half of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century by means of creating in the region administrative and military structures as well as by organizing Russian migrant settlements. It was revealed that in the process of organization of urban and rural settlements Turkestan authorities took aim at keeping a distance between native and migrant population. The article characterizes the conditions of granting land parcels for Russian settlers, the different categories and the number of countrymen coming to Turkestan. The article demonstrates various forms of economic interaction of settlers and native people in agricultural activities, everyday life, etc. An accent is put on the changes in the organization of living space under the influence of Turkestan climate peculiarities, different methods of managing agricultural food crops and commercial crops (cotton); the issues of irrigational activities, adoption of farm equipment and particular aspects of everyday life are being analyzed. The author makes a note that the interaction mostly took place in the economic and material spheres, and had fragmentary and episodic character that didn’t lead to cardinal changes in the life of Russian settlers’ community and native people.

Disruptive innovations and defence procurement: a study of the Brazilian Navy Case

ABSTRACT This paper deals with the study of the challenges that disruptive technologies represent for industrial defence strategies and procurement policies. It focuses on the incorporation of drones into military arsenals and will be based on a study of the Brazilian Navy case. Drones are a disruptive technology both for the defence industrial base and for their implications for military tactics and the organisational structure of the armed forces. The analysis addresses the main difficulties encountered in incorporating these technologies into traditional military structures and acquisition systems. We explore the ways in which defence procurement adapts (or fails to adapt) to the emergence of disruptive technologies: are traditional military organisations and procurement structures capable of introducing disruptive technologies and engaging in the organisational and operating practices required to do so? Some lessons are drawn from this experience: even when the military relevance of drone technology is widely acknowledged and even officially recognized, procurement strategies and practices have not been able to shift from their focus on incumbent suppliers and conventional systems.

Finite element approach for free vibration and transient response of bi-directional functionally graded sandwich porous skew-plates with variable thickness subjected to blast load

At the first time, the finite element method was used to model and analyze the free vibration and transient response of non-uniform thickness bi-directional functionally graded sandwich porous (BFGSP) skew plates. The whole BFGSP skew-plates is placed on a variable visco-elastic foundation (VEF) in the hygro-thermal environment and subjected to the blast load. The BFGSP skew-plate thickness is permitted to vary non-linearly over both the length and width of the skew-plate, thereby faithfully representing the real behavior of the structure itself. The analysis is based on a four-node planar quadrilateral element with eight degrees of freedom per node, which is approximated using Lagrange Q4 shape function and C1 level non-conforming Hermite shape function based on refined higher-order shear deformation plate theory. The forced vibration parameters of the non-uniform thickness BFGSP skew-plate are fully determined using Hamilton's principle and the Newmark-β direct integration technique. Accuracy of the calculation program is validated by comparing its numerical results with those from reputable sources. Furthermore, a thorough assessment is conducted to determine the impact of various parameters on the free and forced vibration responses of the non-uniform thickness BFGSP skew-plate. The findings of the paper may be used in the development of civil and military structures in situations that are prone to exceptional forces, such as explosions and impacts load.

Site Selection and Relocation of Ancient Cities from the Perspective of Regional Military and Political Strategies——A Case Study of Ganzhou

Ganzhou wasn’t setup on the contemporary site that seems to be “right” at Xihan Dynasty. It was relocated for four times, skimming over the “right site”. The thesis analyzes the relocations from the perspective of national relationship and political & military structure of the region, revealing the logic of the frequent relocations – complicated political & military situation. It still elucidates the military & political function and instrumentality of the early cities.

Archaeological analysis of the remains of Italian military structures from the period of World War II in Obrovac, Croatia

ABSTRACT Using landscape archaeology methods, field survey, remote sensing, and the analysis of historical aerial photographs, a distinct landscape has been documented in the town of Obrovac, Zadar County, Croatia. This landscape consists of material remains of various military structures from World War II, constituting the defence and occupation system of the town of Obrovac by the armed Italian. These material remains of military structures represent a highly significant material presence in the landscape. The research results presented in this study represent the types of fortifications used by the Italian army during World War II.

Managmet system of the Parthian State (250BC-224AD)

This research entitled (Managmet system of the Parthian State) (250BC-224AD) emphasizes on asoects of administration as well as various aspects of ruling the country. The current research consists of three main parts and a separate list of resources. The first part includes the system of governance and management and the military, which first examines the concept of management and the military, which first examines the concept of management and then explains the system of governance and how to manage the country, then examines the military structure of the Parthians. The second part explains the social and economic system, ehich means it tries to explain the social structure of that ear and then the economic management. Finally, the third part examines the judicial system and laws and how to issue judgments, and then the religious system and religions of the Parthians.

Cyber Social Disruption due to Cyber Attacks

We analyze the implications of cyber war actions directed at specific targets, such as critical infrastructures, for modern civil societies that are profoundly dependent on computer systems. These critical infrastructures, whether they are cyber-physical systems or computer systems can be paralyzed or even destroyed if the systems used to directly or remotely manage them are cyber-attacked. Cyber-attacks in the context of cyber war, can generate chaos, which combined with the domino effects caused by the impact on other computer systems, then those directly attacked but indirectly affected, can theoretically lead to major disruptions to the internal order, or even to civil war, due to the scope that such actions may reach. The disturbances caused in civil society as a whole, and in military structures and equipment can go far beyond the local effects on the targets attacked, as would happen in a conventional kinetic war action. The crisis and social disturbance caused may even put the sovereignty of the attacked state at risk. For this specific case of social disruption, which is caused by cyber war actions, we use a concept to describe the situation more adequately, which we call Cyber Social Disruption.

Psychological aspects of ensuring a positive public perception of the army

The study is dedicated to examining the psychological approaches to ensuring a positive image of the army by society, which is crucial in the context of contemporary socio-political changes and conflicts. Given the increasing importance of national security, forming a positive image of the Armed Forces is essential for maintaining the morale of the population and ensuring their support for military operations. In the course of the study, theoretical analysis of literature and content analysis of media materials were used to explore the psychological approaches to ensuring a positive perception of the military by society. The research showed that forming this image is a complex task that requires coordinated efforts from state institutions, military structures, and the media. The application of psychological technologies, such as information-psychological operations and PR campaigns, as well as the integration of the military into cultural and social projects, significantly enhances the effectiveness of these efforts. Developing communication strategies aimed at different social groups, including youth, the elderly, veterans, and the families of military personnel, allows for more accurate consideration of the psychological characteristics and needs of each group, contributing to more effective formation of a positive perception. Systematic research on public opinion and psychological reactions to various aspects of military service and the activities of the Armed Forces is necessary for timely identification of problem areas and adjustment of communication strategies. An important component is also the psychological training of military personnel, aimed at developing their communication skills, stress resilience, and ability to interact effectively with the civilian population. The use of modern information technologies and new media to disseminate information about the activities of the Armed Forces ensures broad audience coverage and increases trust in military structures. Therefore, ensuring a positive perception of the military by society is a multidimensional task that contributes to strengthening national security, boosting the morale of the population, and forming a stable social environment in the face of contemporary challenges.

The Soviet Army on the Territory of the Moldovian SSR in the Years 1944-1950 – the Model of an Army of Occupation

Abstract The purpose of the present study is to investigate the problems related to the behavior of the Soviet Army (Red Army) on the territory of the Moldavian SSR in the years 1944-1950. From an existential point of view, the appearance in 1944 of the Red Army on the territory of Moldova represented the third occupation of Bessarabia, in the series of conquests from 1812, 1940 and 1944. Based on some original documentary material taken from the archives of the Republic of Moldova, the author, on concrete examples, demonstrates the character of occupation, and not liberation, of the Red Army (Soviet Army), during the researched period. The character of occupation was manifested by multiple thefts, robberies, murders and other acts of a criminal nature committed by soldiers and officers of the Red Army against the local population. All the military structures of the USSR were involved in these acts - the army, security units and units of the Ministry of the Interior. Significant are the official statistical data, incomplete and incomplete, presented by the author, which confirm the respective conclusions, from which it appears that that during the period of 1944-1950, the units and soldiers of the USSR armed forces annually committed around 600 crimes per year on the territory of the SSR, a fact that once again demonstrates its character of occupation.

THE VALUE OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MILITARY LEADER CHARACTER AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS VECTORS FOR INCREASING ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

In this article, I wanted to conduct an exploratory study to demonstrate the importance of the military leader's character and how performance growth is achieved in the military organization. The study seeks to identify whether there is a significant relationship between the interconnections, implications and valences of military leader character related to increasing organizational effectiveness and organizational efficiency, organizational performance, and the significance by which character enhances the valences of the military leader's skills and the military of each military structure. The issue of character is becoming a major requirement and is considered essential to the professional performance of a military leader. Thus, the formation and development of those professionally valuable character traits in association with organisational culture, performance and professional competence is a complex, timely and comprehensive area of organisational concern.

Logistics and Crises: Understanding Roman Military Logistics and Procedures from the Unit Level and Upwards in 2nd to 4th Centuries CE Egypt Using the Surviving ‘Paperwork’

Summary The current article wishes to focus on receipts and reports from Roman Egypt in order to reconstruct the bureaucratic procedures in this region or, more precisely, the bureaucratic procedures of the Roman military logistical system, from the unit level and upwards. This examination will aid in understanding the complexity of the Roman system and the Roman mindset, while highlighting how the lack of modern technology was overcome to maintain a highly organised and vast Empire. This will strengthen and support the assumption that an office organising military supply and their records most probably existed at multiple levels; the nome, the province and Empire. Moreover, the article inspects whether the logistical system endured the many crises of the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. As there was no significant change during or after these events, this may indicate the resilience of the Roman system. It could also suggest that some of these crises were not deemed as such by the Romans, and/or that the military structure, especially its logistical-bureaucratic side, was not blamed for these military disasters.

Coastal Erosion and Military Heritage in Latvia

Water often needs protection, but heritage can also require protection from water. The remains of a military fortification complex in the Latvian city of Liepāja are slowly being swallowed by the sea, a case where military heritage meets water heritage. To what extent should these ruins be protected from water and is preservation still possible? Both the coastal defense structures and the sea have been considered symbols of the city, attracting locals and visitors. Yet, over time, the monumental structures have been threatened by environmental challenges triggered by rising sea levels and ongoing coastal erosion. This has led to the deterioration of the structures and the loss of their structural integrity. Although the effects of the natural processes cannot be prevented entirely, they could be delayed. However, the rapidly deteriorating state of the coastal military structures has not resulted in a sense of urgency among local authorities. The article highlights the importance of the military structures in the local context as military, cultural heritage and the water challenges faced by the coastal defense line. It also explores the potential for, and impediments to, the structures’ preservation.

Finland in a Geopolitical Perspective - From Finlandization to Integration with NATO

ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to analyse the determinants of changes in the foreign and security policy of the Republic of Finland and to answer the question of how this country's accession to NATO influenced the balance of power and the security environment in Northern Europe. The results of these analyses will allow us to understand how small states can shape the security environment at both the micro, meso, and macro scale.MethodsDue to Finland's geographical location and its experience in relations with Russia (later the USSR and again with Russia), the article uses a historical and polemological approach. The methodology was supplemented with systemic, quantitative and comparative research.ResultsFinland's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization finally ended its long-standing policy of military non-alignment. Not only the European, but the global security map has changed. There are no longer democratic countries on the map of Europe that border directly on Russia and do not belong to Western military structures. From the Alliance's point of view, Finland's accession is an added value, and this country's greatest advantage is its knowledge and experience in dealing with Russia.ConclusionsIn today's security environment, there is no longer room for either neutrality or military non-engagement. Future research on this issue should approach it in a holistic way, treating the security environment as the sum of military and digital security. Although these two aspects are intertwined, it should not be forgotten that activities in each of them can take place independently.