Military Research Articles

Cancer incidence in male and female Canadian Armed Forces personnel and Veterans enrolled between 1976 and 2016: a retrospective population-based cohort study

ObjectivesTo describe rates of overall and type-specific primary cancers in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and Veterans with a first enrolment in the CAF between 1976 and 2016, with comparisons...

How Does Intergroup Contact Affect Reconciliation in Post‐Conflict Colombia? Examining the Role of Conflict Appraisals and Emotions

ABSTRACTTo better understand what facilitates reconciliation after violent conflict, we examined the relevance of intergroup contact, conflict appraisals and emotions for reconciliation in post‐conflict Colombia. The first study with Colombian students (N1 = 260) was run shortly after the peace treaty with the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), one of the biggest rebel groups in Colombia, was signed. The second study with members of the Colombian community (N2 = 346) was conducted 4 years after the peace treaty. We assessed the frequency of positive and negative direct and indirect contact experiences, conflict appraisals, intergroup emotions and reconciliation attitudes with a mixed‐method approach combining open and closed questions. Conflict appraisals and emotions did not mediate the association between intergroup contact and attitudes towards reconciliation. Instead, intergroup contact and conflict appraisals represented different sources of reconciliation, which can be targeted by interventions.

Study on Historic Urban Landscape Corridor Identification and an Evaluation of Their Centrality: The Case of the Dunhuang Oasis Area in China

With the development of international cultural heritage, the positive shift from historic environments to historic urban landscapes has been explored in China. At the same time, China is also trying to extend its heritage corridors to historic urban landscape corridors; thus, the spatial organization characteristics and themes of historic landscapes are being explored. This study took the Dunhuang Oasis area as an example and, based on regional, cultural, and natural heritage sites and man-made environmental characteristics, identified and evaluated historic urban landscape corridors. The least cumulative resistance model was applied to identify historic landscape corridors, and the multicenter evaluation model was used to classify the historic landscape corridors. From the perspective of corridor identification, the military defense and historic landscapes of the city ruins together reflect the human need for “city administration–border defense–ancient trade and commerce”. Grottoes and scenic landscapes are more dependent on the Gobi Desert, mountains, and other areas intertwined with the oasis. The drainage system and water conservancy landscape consists of four stable landscape corridors containing east, west, north, and south canals, which are the basic driving force for the growth of the town. From the corridor hierarchy, we studied layer formation from the Dunhuang urban area, the western and northern local oasis dry canal, Mingsha Mountain–Crecent Spring, etc., as interconnected trunk corridors. The periphery of the Dunhuang urban area encompasses the southern trunk canal, southeastern Mogao Grottoes–Sanwei Mountain road, and other branch corridors. This study determined the composition and level of importance of historic landscape corridors, while at the same time enhancing the visual representation and skyline organization, which can be used for territorial spatial planning and research in functional urban areas.

Women in Security and Defence Science in the Croatian Army

UN Security Council Resolution 1325 is the first official document on the position and role of women in armed conflicts, peace processes and activities related to peace and security. It marked a turning point in the direction of strengthening a comprehensive approach to security and opened the way for the realization of the specific contribution that women can and should make to world peace policy.The Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia are an example of a modern military organization in which women participate equally. According to data from the Annual Report on Defence for 2022, 14% of the Armed Forces are women, more than the average of NATO member countries. However, only a small number of women are in leadership positions. The military organization is known for its strict hierarchical structure and rules of behaviour and communication. Throughout history, the military was primarily intended for men. Nevertheless, women fought for equality and today, in most armies of developed democratic countries, they have become part of military organizations.The aim of this paper is to investigate how many women are represented in the educational work of the Croatian Army, how many of them participate in the teaching of the undergraduate and graduate university programmes in military leadership and management and military engineering. In addition to the above, the paper will investigate how they are accepted among their male colleagues and how much easier/harder it is for them, due to their private obligations (motherhood), compared to their male colleagues.

Shattering impact of the Sudan conflict on regional stability

ABSTRACT Sudan has been in conflict because of ethnic diversity mismanagement and colonial legacies that fostered tensions, particularly between the predominantly African south and the Arab-dominated north. Sudan is in a terrible conflict that erupted on 15 April 2023, primarily between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This study examines the wrecking effects of the Sudan conflict on regional Security. The study uses a qualitative research approach, collecting data from secondary sources. This study argues that the violent conflict between SAF and RSF in Sudan has resulted in severe humanitarian crises, displacement of civilians, and the need for aid. The Sudan conflict poses significant risks to regional stability, leading to humanitarian disasters and economic challenges for neighboring countries that face an influx of refugees. Despite attempts at peace talks, a resolution remains elusive as both sides remain entrenched in their demands, complicating efforts for a ceasefire and amicable negotiation. Moreover, the involvement of external actors to support the conflicting parties complicated the way to reach a ceasefire and negotiation. Thus, a country that is acceptable to the conflicting parties and has good relations with external actors in the conflict can better facilitate the negotiation process.

From Sun Tzu's Art of War to Modern Warfare: Innovative Applications of Genetic Algorithms in Military Strategic Modelling

This paper discusses how complexity theory may help in optimizing military strategy and planning in times of growing uncertainty and complexity. The research establishes a complexity theory-based framework enhanced by genetic algorithm-based strategic filtering to improve adaptability within military operations. While this approach offers valuable insights, its implementation within existing military structures faces practical challenges. These include organizational resistance to non-traditional decision-making processes, limited access to classified military data, and the tendency of commanders to rely on experiential decision-making rather than algorithmic recommendations.The study employs a hybrid approach that integrates logic modeling with genetic algorithm-based strategic filtering to identify key factors influencing military victory. Through a combination of literature review, data analysis, and computational modeling, the study systematically evaluates how adaptive strategies can enhance military effectiveness in complex and dynamic environments.Results indicate that a strong military force, sufficient material preparation, and flexible strategic planning are critical prerequisites for rapid and effective military victory. Statistical analysis confirms a significant positive correlation between strategic planning, tactical execution, and logistical support. Moreover, genetic algorithm-based strategic filtering effectively optimizes military strategies by identifying the most competitive strategic scenarios, reinforcing the foundational assumptions of logic modeling theory.By integrating complexity theory with genetic algorithms, this research introduces a novel framework for optimizing military strategy. The findings provide practical recommendations for military strategists and policymakers, offering new insights into flexible, adaptive, and data-driven decision-making. This study contributes to future military research by suggesting potential pathways for incorporating computational approaches into modern strategic planning.

The Al Jazeera’s visual stance on 30 June revolution: visual appraisal and intertextuality in dialogue

Abstract 30 June Revolution and the military support that followed on 3rd of July are seen as controversial events that have led to redefining the key actors in the Egyptian authorities at that time: Muslim Brotherhood and the Egyptian Military. As new photos play an important role in promoting certain political aspects, the current study examines the Al Jazeera’s feature stories photos on this event. In doing so, the study synthesizes Appraisal theory with intertextuality and visual social actor representation. It takes from the issue of an intertextual view of evaluative stance as its point of departure. The concept of intertextuality is then related to the visual and hypertextual properties of online feature stories. The study finds that the photos depicting the military and security forces resort to certain visual techniques that emphasize the condemnation and criticism of such institutions. On the other hand, the Al Jazeera online visually evaluates the Brotherhood Group and the supporters of Morsi positively.

Leveraging Analytics to Drive Human Performance

Recent audit reports by the Auditor General noted the potential impact to Canadian Armed Forces readiness due to sub optimal Defence Supply Chain performance. To identify the root cause of performance deficiencies and assess the adequacy of existing training, a systematic approach was employed to identify the knowledge and skills required by each Supply Chain role to perform their share of tasks across 39 Processes. Based on the Department of National Defence Supply Administration Manual (SAM), the project team mapped Processes and Tasks to all applicable Supply Chain Phases. Processes and Tasks were also mapped to each role and the training priority was determined based on Difficulty, Importance and Frequency (DIF) analysis. We then mapped topics/teaching points from relevant course to existing processes and Tasks; and generated a list of processes and Tasks with “adequate”, “limited” or “no” curriculum to support the acquisition of requisite knowledge and skills for each role. The analysis revealed: • All roles contribute heavily to the overall success of the Supply Chain in an integrated work environment – necessitating an understanding of the impact of their work on others. • Developing curriculum incrementally over the years based on specific, sometimes narrow needs/performance and without a comprehensive map as outlined above yielded inefficient learning solutions. • Developing role-based solutions in parallel with process-based curriculum resulted in gaps and duplication of effort. This paper reaffirms the need for “getting back to basics”. A thorough analysis and mapping of actual work/role requirements based on an authoritative reference, using a systematic process enabled by a leading-edge Training Management System, will provide a robust analysis framework. Training gaps and overlaps will become evident, and a blueprint for a comprehensive re-organization of the curriculum will naturally emerge.

Implementation of Pharmacogenomics Testing in Daily Clinical Practice: Perspectives of Prescribers from Two Canadian Armed Forces Medical Clinics

Background/Objectives: While there is mounting scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of PGx (pharmacogenomics)-guided medical treatment, its implementation into clinical care is still lagging. Stakeholder buy-in, in particular from prescribers, will be key in the implementation efforts. Previous implementation studies have primarily focused on prescriber attitudes or have used hypothetical scenario methodology in a variety of healthcare settings. Real-world studies provide better insight into prescriber experience and needs. In this prospective observational qualitative research study, we report the perspectives of prescribers working in military medical care after a one-year PGx implementation trial. Methods: At the end of the PGx implementation period, thirteen prescribers participated in a semi-structured interview. The interview was designed based on the Technology Acceptance Model and queried their perceptions of effectiveness and ease of use of the PGx innovation. Results: Three main themes emerged from the qualitative data: (1) the knowledge required for PGx testing, (2) the integration of the testing into the existing workflow and (3) the perceived clinical utility of the PGx results. Prescribers had educational and training opportunities prior to the study but still encountered difficulty with the interpretation of the test results. They generally managed well the workflow changes occasioned by the testing. They reported that the clinical value came primarily from an increased confidence in prescribing safe medications and improving the therapeutic alliance with their patients. There was uncertainty about which patient population would most benefit from the testing. Conclusions: Our results lend support to the general ongoing challenges identified in PGx implementation studies conducted in other clinical settings and using other methodologies. They also revealed specific factors that the prescribers found of value and areas that needed improvement to support future implementation efforts.

Complexities and Challenges of Compulsory Military Service for Generation Z: A Legal Review of Law No. 23 of 2019 on National Defense Resource Management

The complexity and challenges of military conscription for Generation Z in Indonesia are crucial topics in national defense discussions. This article analyzes the implementation of Law Number 23 of 2019 on National Resource Management for State Defense in enhancing Generation Z’s national defense awareness. According to Litbang Kompas data, 57.6% of Generation Z are uninterested in joining the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Factors such as generational differences, psychosocial challenges, and misalignment with career aspirations pose significant obstacles to implementing military conscription. Additionally, the multi-actor dynamics and complexities of defense policy coordination further complicate human resource management in the national defense system. This article recommends a more flexible approach to conscription, including a voluntary system, incentives for participants, and the integration of technology in training programs. Thus, the national defense program can be more adaptive and inclusive for Generation Z. This study highlights the importance of balancing national defense obligations with individual rights and strengthening technology-based defense strategies to address modern threats.

Avenging of Injuries. The Revival of Punishment as an Objective of War

In this essay, I question the modern meaning of punishment to justify the use of military force. First, I trace why and how the punitive doctrine of war appeared. Its authors and operators were Christian theologians who, for a long time, consolidated the punitive concept’s dominance. Punishment was aimed at interrupting and removing sin. This religious approach was revised in early Modern times against the backdrop of the modern state’s strengthening. Next, I consider the legalist approach to war relevant to this period. Its general approach was to recognize just war, which was a response to an offense. States used war as a means of protecting their rights. I note that this approach remains dominant today, but at the same time the idea of punishment is being restored. Finally, I give examples of how the concept of punishment and retribution, including those interpreted religiously, have been used during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. These examples allow us to draw some conclusions about the limitations of the modern primitive concept of war.

The Role of Organizational Culture Millitery in Improving Organizational Performance of the Indonesian Marine Corps

Organizational culture plays a crucial role in shaping the performance of military organizations, particularly in the Indonesian Marine Corps. In the era of globalization, a strong and adaptive organizational culture is essential for the Indonesian National Army of the Navy (TNI AL) to successfully accomplish its missions, maintain national security, and ensure effective administrative governance. This study aims to analyze the impact of organizational culture on the organizational performance of the Indonesian Marine Corps. Using a qualitative research method, this study explores how shared values, beliefs, and traditions influence interactions, decision-making processes, and responses to challenges within the organization. The findings indicate that a strong organizational culture positively influences organizational performance. Organizations with a positive culture oriented towards goals, innovation, and relationships tend to achieve higher performance than those with weaker or less supportive cultures. These results highlight the significant role of organizational culture in enhancing military efficiency and effectiveness. Future research should expand this model by incorporating additional exogenous variables to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing organizational performance.

Pilar Kekuasaan Turki Utsmani: Dinamika Administrasi dan Pemerintahan yang Cemerlang

Ottoman Turkiye was one of the strongest empires in history, which reached the peak of glory thanks to a brilliant system of government and administration. This article examines the dynamics of administration and governance of the Ottoman Turkish government which became the foundation of its power for more than six centuries. The main focus of this research is the analysis of bureaucratic structure, the central role of the Sultan, the function of the Imperial Council (Divan), and the integration of Islamic law in the political and social system. In addition, this article reviews the Jenissari-based military system and management of conquered territories that contributed to the stability of the empire. A multidisciplinary approach is used to highlight the relationship between government policies and the socio-economic dynamics of Ottoman Turkish society. The research results show that the success of the empire did not only lie in military strength, but also in administrative efficiency that was adaptive to the challenges of the times. By highlighting this administrative legacy, this article offers a new perspective for the study of modern governance, including the values of justice, sustainability and inclusiveness that are still relevant today. This study aims to enrich the literature on Islamic history and inspire governance approaches in the contemporary era.

Army Values of the Ukrainian Soldier: Its Contents and Its Assessment by Combatants

ABSTRACT Army values are the corporate values of the military organization, which guide military personnel, helping them fulfill their military duty to protect national interests, and maintain the security and defense of their state. This article explores ideas about army values and their content among Ukrainian combatants. The army values that ensure the unity of Ukrainian military personnel around their chosen profession and the performance of military duty are moral and physical courage, professionalism, self-discipline, honesty, loyalty, teamwork, dignity, and fortitude. Proponents of a “corporate” military ethics prefer army values that allow for consolidating military personnel around these values, ensuring a sense of belonging to their military organization and their value base. Proponents of an “individual” military ethics are guided by army values based on personal courage and responsibility. The results of our study about army values and their structure will allow us to form and improve the military culture of military personnel, as well as their professional competence and readiness to perform their duties both in peacetime and – at the time of writing – during combat operations.

Incidental Findings on MRI Brain Imaging in Pilots from the Canadian White Matter Hyperintensity Study.

Incidental neuroanatomical findings are commonly identified during brain MRI completed clinically, for research, or for other purposes, including aircrew screening. Such findings range from benign to pathological and some may be disqualifying for flight duties. We present a series of cases with incidental neuroanatomical findings identified in Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF) aircrew during the Canadian White Matter Hyperintensity research study, and the subsequent aeromedical evaluation undertaken to manage them. Our study group performed 48 brain MRI scans on 42 RCAF pilots and 6 aviation physiology technicians and parajumpers. Participants were men ages 25-70 with a mean age of 39. Incidental neuroanatomical findings were detected in four pilots, with six distinct findings (four vascular abnormalities, one arachnoid cyst, and one nonspecific nodule). All cases were asymptomatic. After evaluation of the findings of each case by a medical consortium, including an aeromedical neurologist, all pilots were cleared for ongoing duties with no restrictions. The rate and nature of incidental findings in RCAF members in the White Matter Hyperintensity Study is consistent with that found in both the general population and in other military pilot populations. There is no international standard for screening or management of incidental findings; therefore, we recommend an approach that involves a case-by-case evaluation of the findings by a multidisciplinary medical team, with careful identification and consideration for high-risk features. Danho S, Saary J. Incidental findings on MRI brain imaging in pilots from the Canadian White Matter Hyperintensity Study. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):255-259.

A Smart City Assisted Internet of Military Defense Things Architecture

A Smart City Assisted Internet of Military Defense Things Architecture

Guest Editorial: The Internet of Military Defense Things: State-of-the-Art Challenges, Future Evolution, and Revolutionary Applications

Guest Editorial: The Internet of Military Defense Things: State-of-the-Art Challenges, Future Evolution, and Revolutionary Applications

The challenges and opportunities for academics in professional military education

ABSTRACT Military forces have for centuries sought to improve the intellectual, and as a result operational, effectiveness of their forces through a rigorous curriculum of professional military education (PME). This has often been taught by current serving or retired military personnel but in recent decades there has been a trend towards PME being delivered by civilian academics. This trend of outsourcing the education of junior and senior officers has led to a clash of cultures between the military and academics and presents the academics who deliver these curricula with a number of challenges including education being placed alongside other elements of military training and the physical and mental exhaustion that results from the military training environment. There are also, however, many opportunities for civilian academics involved in PME including smaller classroom groups and a lower administrative burden. This article will explore both the challenges and opportunities that exist within the PME.

고종초기 신정왕후와 대원군의 정치적 연합과 견제 - 1873년 고종 친정의 맥락적 이해

The extremely biased perception that many of the reform measures led by Queen Sinjeong(神貞王后) in the early Gojong period(1863.12-1866.2) were all led by Heungseon Daewongun(興宣大院君, the king Gojong's blood father) and only sponsored and supported by the Queen does not match the reality of the political situation at that time, nor does it make it possible to properly explain the political background of King Gojong's declaration of direct supervision of affairs in 1873 by stopping the regency of his father, Daewongun. Queen Sinjeong, who took over the throne after King Cheoljong's(哲宗) death and implemented Ruling from behind the curtain(垂簾聽政), united with Daewongun from the time King Gojong(高宗) was crowned, and made Myeongbok(命福), the second legitimate son of Daewongun, to appoint as Ikseonggun(翼成君), who inherited the royal family of his husband, prince Hyomyung(namely King Ikjong), and let him inherit various reform policies of the King Ikjong(翼宗) and Jeongjo(正祖). King Gojong cultivated the Confucian theory of people oriented politics(爲民政治) through the Learning about Confucian scriptures and politics(經筵), and developed practical political power through the political participation with the king by the Queen sitting behind curtain(垂簾同聽政). In the early days of King Gojong, Daewongun could not easily stick to the government, which in principle prohibited the King's Relatives from participating in politics. As a result, owing to the Queen, Daewongun strengthened the authority of King's Relatives and she opened the way for Daewongun to participate in politics, but only exercised private power(私的 權力) over the tasks approved or partially delegated by the Queen and the King. Daewongun did not have to treat Gojong as an example of a servant, but volunteered to take the position of minister in order to participate in politics. In April 1865, he gained the reputation of being a national Grand Duke(國太公) by manipulating the inscription of the vessel ahead of the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace, but in January 1866, he failed to do so by connecting with the Catholics to prevent Russian forces from invading the border. As the Queen was rushing to suppress Catholicism, Daewongun also changed his Catholic friendly stance to join the oppression, and in February 1866, he succeeded to become a regent(攝政) handed down by the Queen and was able to start a full fledged regent acting on behalf of King Gojong. Gojong, who declared his direct supervision of affairs in 1873, partly succeeded his father Daewongun's policy of strengthening the wealthy and military force, but with the help of the Queen and Park Gyusoo, who was based on the Confucian ideology of the people's politics of King Jeongjo, and received preferential treatment by King Ikjong, King Gojong broke away from Daewongun's isolational diplomacy and pushed for an open door policy(開放政策) based on Dongdoseogi(東道西器, Eastern ethics and Western technics).

De-Radicalization Programs and their Impact on Inmate Behavior: A Pathway to Rehabilitation and Social Integration in Nigeria

Radicalization remains a major security challenge in Nigeria, particularly with the rise of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and other militant organizations. Many incarcerated individuals who were involved in terrorism or violent extremism continue to hold radical ideologies, making prison environments potential breeding grounds for further radicalization. In response, de-radicalization programs have been introduced in Nigerian correctional facilities to reform extremist inmates, alter their ideological beliefs, rehabilitate them psychologically, and prepare them for social reintegration. These programs involve religious reorientation, vocational training, psychological counseling, and community reintegration initiatives. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of de-radicalization programs remains a subject of debate due to several challenges. Key barriers include ideological resistance from inmates who refuse to abandon extremist beliefs, inadequate funding that limits the quality of rehabilitation services, lack of standardized monitoring mechanisms, and societal stigma that hinders reintegration efforts. The lack of proper post-release support further increases the risk of recidivism and re-engagement in violent extremism. This paper explores the impact of de-radicalization programs on inmate behavior, evaluating their role in reducing recidivism, fostering psychological transformation, and improving social cohesion. It also provides policy recommendations for strengthening these initiatives, including enhancing psychological and religious counseling, expanding vocational empowerment, increasing community involvement, and implementing post-release monitoring frameworks. Strengthening de-radicalization efforts will not only enhance national security but also contribute to long-term peacebuilding and social stability in Nigeria.