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21. Increasing the information superiority on the modern battlefield through the use of virtual reality systems

Author:
Łukasz Rybak and Janusz Dudczyk
Publication Date:
09-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
In the article, the authors describe the potential of using virtual reality systems in the aspect of increasing information superiority on the modern battlefield. The purpose of the article is to identify virtual reality systems as a tool to support this process. At the beginning, the authors present the genesis of virtual environments and they make a critical analysis of several virtual reality simulators, which have been the subject of scientific research in the last few years. In this way, the authors emphasise the dynamic development of the ICT sector and the possibility of using its technical innovations to support military operations. Next, the authors discuss data processing, which was correlated with the cycle of strategic thinking. Presentation of the hierarchy of information in information systems was the result of these analyses. In addition, the authors refer to the implementation of the communication process in the context of maximising the information superiority. They point to the relationship between the process of designing interactive virtual reality systems and communication theory. Finally, they highlight the advantages and disadvantages of virtual reality simulators in the context of increasing information superiority on the modern battlefield.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Communications, Innovation, Military, and Virtual Reality
Political Geography:
Global Focus

22. Combating destabilising forces in modern operations. Research report

Author:
Wojciech Robert Więcek
Publication Date:
09-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
Undertaking to determine scientifically substantiated conditions for the functioning of destabilising forces and methods for countering them in contemporary operations fits in the broad scope of security. This paper reports the results of the study that employed survey methodology to investigate the matter of destabilising forces in order to provide the contribution to the current body of literature in the field. Recently published scientific and non-scientific studies in Polish and English on destabilising forces, despite the semantic differences, refer to a large extent to the problem of acting and combating such groups. The paper puts forward a series of conclusions and proposals with the intention of inspiring the critical evaluation and to encourage substantive polemics in the pages of specialist scientific periodicals. This material may serve as the basis for further detailed research into destabilising forces – the subject that is not only a pressing current issue, but above all a prospective area for research as part of the security sciences.
Topic:
Security, Science and Technology, Research, Destabilization, and Military
Political Geography:
Global Focus

23. Concerns on the issue of defence expenditure in the post-crisis Greece

Author:
Odysseus Katsaitis, Konstantine Kondylis, and George Andrew Zombanakis
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
The paper aims to tackle a controversial issue, namely the anticipated developments regarding defence expenditure once the Greek economy returns to growth. Such a comeback is expected to occur following a prolonged recessionary period during which defence spending cuts were a top priority, as recommended by the IMF, the ECB and the EC, members of the so-called “Troika”. The paper uses both conventional econometrics as well as neural networks to consider and evaluate the hierarchy’s ordering of the determinants used in such a demand for defence expenditure based on their explanatory power. While the role of property resources is certainly pronounced, as expected, human resources variables also seem to be able to explain defence spending developments, especially in the recent past. A forecasting investigation based on this background points to a number of interesting conclusions on the anticipated developments concerning defence spending in the future as well as on the determinants of such developments which might represent a threat to NATO cohesion.
Topic:
Security, Crisis Management, Economic Security, Arms Race, Defense Spending, and Military
Political Geography:
Europe and Greece

24. Effectiveness of training: The conceptual framework and methodological strategy of a longitudinal study in the Portuguese armed forces

Author:
Nuno Alberto Rodrigues Santos Loureiro and Mariana Gaio Alves
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
Considering that this research is still ongoing, this paper focuses on the presentation of the conceptual framework and its interconnection with the methodological strategy for the empirical study that aims to study the learning transfer to the workplace of professional military education in the context of the Portuguese Armed Forces. Factors related to the trainees’ individual characteristics, the organisational context, the courses design, the organisational learning culture, the organisational commitment and the expectations of career development, as well as the relationships established between these factors and the intention to transfer, throughout the lifelong learning process, will be discussed. The empirical study will be carried out at three junctures - before the training, at the end of the training and three to six months after the training. The study is conceptually based on Holton’s Holistic HRD Research and Evaluation (1996), Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour (1991), Watkins and Marsick’s model of learning organisations (1993, 1996) and Meyer and Allen’s (1991) concept of organisational commitment. The study will be developed using a mixed strategy (quantitative/qualitative), applying a hypothetical-deductive and inductive reasoning, in which a longitudinal research design with a transversal component will be followed. The data collection for the empirical study will be done through a questionnaire, individual semi-structured interviews and discussion groups about the results.
Topic:
Armed Forces, Training, Military, and Adult Education
Political Geography:
Europe and Portugal

25. Military higher education teaching and learning methodologies: An approach to the introduction of technologies in the classroom

Author:
Lúcio Agostinho Barreiros dos Santos, Nuno Alberto Rodrigues Santos Loureiro, Joaquim Manuel Martins do Vale Lima, José Augusto de Sousa Silveira, and Rui José da Silva Grilo
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
The study focuses on the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Military Higher Education, delimited to the present moment and to the current professors and students of the Military University Institute. This study aims to analyse the relationship between ICT and teaching and learning methodologies in the context of professional military education, with emphasis on the concept of innovation in the classroom, on teaching and learning styles and on the role of ICTs in learning. The study is based on a mixed research strategy combining deductive and inductive approaches, materialized in a case study, with data collected through questionnaires, interviews and documentary analysis. This article focuses on the conceptual framework and its interconnection with the methodological strategy for the empirical study. The results presented refer to the pilot validation test of the data collection instruments and indicate that, in general, students and teachers share the same teaching-learning styles and both students and teachers show a good propensity to use ICT in the classroom.
Topic:
Education, Science and Technology, Communications, Teaching, and Military
Political Geography:
Global Focus

26. Preparing for future security challenges with practitioner research

Author:
David Last, Travis Morris, and Bernadette Dececchi
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
Mid-sized countries face a changing security environment, and cannot be certain that the knowledge and practices of the past will serve the future. The officers, professors, and researchers in defence universities are the custodians of military sciences that must adapt to these changing situations. Practitioner research should be modelled and encouraged in defence universities as a vehicle for advancing military sciences to meet new challenges. Previous practitioner research in higher and adult education has highlighted the need for experiential learning in other professions. The authors report on practitioner research by professors at pre-commission military academies to improve cadets’ understanding of peace and conflict. Military and police education is often experience-based, but there are few reports of practitioner research on its effectiveness, nor of combining peace and conflict education with out-of-classroom experiences. Legitimation Code Theory provides tools for understanding different teaching approaches. Comparing four cases of practitioner research on experiential learning the authors present models for practitioner research on teaching peace and conflict through out-of-classroom experiences, and conclude with means of evaluating learning experiences by pre-commission cadets, drawing on legitimation code theory. This is increasingly important for military academies striving to meet academic standards, but also to preserve professional values and young officer motivation to confront new challenges.
Topic:
Security, Education, Armed Forces, Research, Future, and Military
Political Geography:
Global Focus

27. The royal military college of Canada: Responding to the call for change

Author:
Harry J. Kowal
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
The Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) has a very proud history of producing quality officers for over 140 years, delivering excellence in education, research and military training that is responsive to the needs of Canada, the Defence community and the ever-changing global security environment. RMC is unique as it is a military unit that is also a recognized university. The primary mission of RMC is to support the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) by educating, developing and inspiring bilingual and fit, ethical leaders to serve the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Canada with distinction. Since RMC opened its doors in 1876 to the fi rst 18 cadets, there have been a number of studies that have examined the RMC program and that have been the catalyst for positive change. T ese pivotal moments in history have been indispensable for RMC to remain relevant and continually improve. Of late, there has been a significant amount of attention placed on RMC again, defi ning another pivotal moment in RMC’s history that has become the catalyst for change once again. In October 2016, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), General Jonathan Vance, initiated a Special Staff Assistance Visit (SSAV) to ensure the high standards expected of RMC are upheld and the Auditor General (AG) of Canada, Mr. Michael Ferguson, completed an audit of the ROTP at RMC, the results of which were presented to Parliament in November 2017. Many changes are already in place, but there is more work to do. With a look at governance, the four-pillar program and the call for change, this paper outlines what steps RMC has and will be taken to posture this ‘university with a difference’ for success for years to come.
Topic:
Security, Education, Armed Forces, Training, and Military
Political Geography:
Canada and North America

28. Military capabilities and the strategic planning conundrum

Author:
João Correia
Publication Date:
06-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
This paper aims to question the military capability concept, as a core element of the strategic military planning process, in order to determine its validity or need for expansion. Thus, based on a deductive approach and qualitative research, we argue that the strategic planning process is a conundrum so dependent on capabilities that it is necessary to analyse this concept per se and, if necessary, expand it on a time and threat basis. Otherwise, the more ambiguous the concept, the more subjective the planning process output and, consequently, the greater likelihood of the Armed Forces not being prepared to face the wide range of future challenges. It concludes by suggesting that the military capability concept should be expanded and more integrated and the strategic defence planning process adapted accordingly.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Strategic Planning, and Military
Political Geography:
Global Focus

29. Hybridity – a ‘new’ method to accomplish dominance

Author:
Leszek Elak and Zdzislaw Sliwa
Publication Date:
03-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
The term ‘hybrid warfare’ proved to be very popular among academics, military thinkers and professionals leading to a variety of definitions and approaches. It was linked with the new generation concept popularised by Russian military thought. The essence of the hybridity is not new, as using a combination of military and non-military instruments is as old as mankind and is recognised but interpreted differently. The paper examines both the concept and its implementation based on case studies and theoretical considerations. It debates possible ways of using it to confront targeted nations by a combination of a variety of tools and approaches.
Topic:
International Relations, Security, Hybrid Warfare, and Military
Political Geography:
Russia and Eurasia

30. On the variable of strategic culture: Modus operandi of military interventions in the Middle East

Author:
Andrius Bivainis
Publication Date:
03-2019
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Security and Defence Quarterly
Institution:
War Studies University
Abstract:
The research subject of this article is the variable of strategic culture that has been subjected to some academic inertia since the Cold War period. The aim of this article is to define practical implications of the strategic culture through the prism of the neoclassical realist theory. It supports the argument that military interventional precedents in the Middle East since 2011 have been revealing adaptive considerations of the strategic culture as an intervening variable that implies interventional military decisions by the U.S. and its coalition partners. The first part of the article defines the precise role of this intervening variable as military interventional precedents are researched. This task is conducted by defining the general understanding of interventional initiatives, revealing structured assumptions of the neoclassical realist theory, and reconsidering the role of the strategic culture within that theoretical framework. The second part of the article shifts the attention to supportive empirical considerations regarding the strategic culture and perception of operational ideas – two specifi cally highlighted neoclassical realist assumptions. The article discloses that Western strategic culture is a changing intervening variable with a different level of permissiveness. A changing continuum of permissiveness is implied by interventional experiences that shape perception of the structural environment and dictate preferences for the power scale of interventional decisions. From this, the level of the structural environment’s permissiveness is defined. This permissiveness is associated with capabilities for implementing political objectives without further escalations of military power. Once the systemic environment becomes more permissive, the possibility of activating military intervention of various force-escalation becomes more conceivable.
Topic:
Military Intervention, Strategic Culture, and Military
Political Geography:
Middle East