Challenges to National Defence in Contemporary Geopolitical Situation
CHALLENGES TO NATIONAL DEFENCE IN CONTEMPORARY GEOPOLITICAL SITUATION contain selected papers of topics: Defence Technologies and Aviation, Cyber Threats and Security Issues, Democracy, Contemporary Threats and Warfare, Modern Technologies and Social Sciences, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making, Sustainable Defence Solutions, The Impact of New Defence Technologies on Humans, Education and Physical Training for National Defence, Environmental Issues and Modern Technologies, and Challenges to Face New Defence Technologies.
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Statistical Analysis of Youth Physical Fitness as an Important Factor for the Defence of the Czech Republic
Physical fitness is an important part of military service and significantly affects the successful performance of combat tasks. The aim of the study is to determine the current state of physical fitness of adolescents so that the recruitment and training system of the Czech Army is prepared for the expectations of future participants and can be updated and supplemented with new elements. For this purpose, physical fitness testing of 1,135 (699 males and 436 females) Czech secondary school students aged 15-18 was carried out in the period 2021-2023. The testing was conducted in the area of strength and endurance disciplines in 16 different secondary schools. The percentage of total body fat in relation to body weight was measured as an indicator of the morphological component of physical fitness. Respondents were categorically rated according to their physical performance and the amount of total body fat. The age and gender of the respondent were considered. The method and form of assessment was designed in accordance with European standards. The findings will be used to develop adequate recruitment conditions, including the content and limits of relevant tests, and to modernize the overall recruitment policy.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Enhancing Tactical Readiness in Law Enforcement: Analysis of psychophysiological response in close quarter engagements
This study aims to elucidate the autonomic and psychophysiological responses of professional soldiers subjected to high-stress, close-quarter combat simulations facilitated by the Redman system. The research enlisted a cohort of 67 male professional soldiers with extensive experience in international conflict zones including Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. Through a detailed examination, this study tracked the participants' heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) before, during, and after engaging in a series of controlled combat scenarios that alternated between periods of rest and active confrontation with both male and female adversaries. This methodical approach enabled a nuanced analysis of the autonomic nervous system's reactions under varied stress levels. Results showed pronounced alterations in physiological markers post-simulation, notably a substantial increase in heart rate and a significant decrease in heart rate variability parameters such as the Average of the RR intervals, the RMSSD, and the PNN50. These changes underscore the heightened autonomic arousal and reduced heart rate variability associated with the stress of close-quarter engagements, reflecting the body's acute stress response. Thus, present research contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between physiological stress responses and tactical readiness. By providing empirical evidence on how simulated combat impacts the autonomic nervous system, the study underscores the importance of integrating psychophysiological insights into training protocols to enhance the tactical efficacy and resilience of military personnel in high-stress environments.
Applications in Engineer and Artillery Support: Mathematical Modeling of Symphatetic Detonation
The work deals with the symphatetic detonation from active to passive charge, which is an area in both engineer and artillery support. The aim of the work is to mathematically model the effect of the active charge on the passive charge due to the variable mass of the active charge and the distance from the active to the passive charge. This modelling is then applicable in all engineer support tasks where explosives are involved. The contribution of the work lies in suggestions for the reduction of firing mechanism and also in suggestions for the establishment of passage lines in obstacles. The calculations become the basis for determining proposals for establishing passage lines in minefields by artillery.
The Role of Mathematics and Physics as Essential Foundations for Future Armed Forces Officers
The aim of this paper is to get acquainted with the form of teaching physics at the Department of Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Military Technology, University of Defence. A good knowledge of mathematics and physics is a prerequisite for coping with the demands placed on future officers of the armed forces. Further, the article presents conclusions that show that mentoring, updating textbooks to a form close to the current generation, and targeted practice of more demanding physics topics together with modernized classroom and laboratory equipment, including extensive use of e-learning, gradually leads to better learning results. This contribution also presents the analysis of students results and the form of teaching physics.
Copyright (c) 2024 CNDCGS https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Some Problems with the CBRN Risk Quantification in Terms of Stochastic and Deterministic Effects Taking into Account the Health Impact of Individual Agents
The total risk of Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense (CBRN) has to be expressed using relevant quantities and units introduced for each of their components, t.e., chemical (C), biological (B), radiological (R) and nuclear (N). Their specific properties characterise their ability to move in the environment and inflict harm on persons affected. While in the case of R and N components, the danger is induced by radiation, the assessment of the hazards from C and B agents is much more complicated. The paper discusses the quantification of CBRN risk as a whole, paying attention to two possible consequences of exposure-initiating harms: stochastic (late) and deterministic effects (tissue reactions). The main aim of the paper was to point out the inconsistencies between the concept of risk assessment of the group of agents C and B and the group R and N of the CBRN family including the lack of the rigorous evaluation of deterministic and stochastic health effects of chemical and biological substances.
Advancements in Additive Manufacturing Technologies for Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Military Logistics Operations
This research aims to present a well-rounded analysis of additive manufacturing technologies in the context of military logistics by systematically identifying their potential applications, examining the barriers to adoption, and providing actionable solutions. By highlighting the transformative potential of additive manufacturing tec hnologies in military logistics, this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of how emerging technologies can be connected to improve the efficiency, flexibility, and resilience of military supply chains in the 21st century. The conducted study highlights that overcoming these challenges requires strategic managerial interventions, including aligning the perceived and actual benefits of additive manufacturing, fostering inter-organizational cooperation, and addressing legal and technological limitations. Through targeted decision-making strategies, organizations can mitigate the negative impacts of these issues and leverage the disruptive potential of additive manufacturing to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational resilience. By doing so, they can enhance overall performance and position themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Specific consequences of using WMD: Radioactive contamination of foodstuffs and its potential health effects
The excessive presence of radionuclides in foodstuffs can potentially pose health risks. Under normal conditions, the content of radioactive substances in food is very low, resulting in only a small fraction of the total dose caused by natural radiation. This may be substantially different in the case of radiological accidents or terrorist attacks, resulting in increased levels of radioactivity in the environment, which may contribute significantly to the radioactivity of food. The situation must be monitored to assess the contribution of internal exposure coming from ingesting contaminated food. The paper discusses the occurrence of radioactivity in various foods, including its origin and effect on the total population exposure due to radioactive contamination of the environment following the use of WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction). To minimise the potentially harmful consequences of such events, the radioactivity in food has to be controlled. The probability of threats of possible radiological attacks in the contemporary geopolitical situation has recently increased.
Exploring the Defence Industry´s Macroeconomic and Microeconomic Perspectives under New Security Conditions
The purpose of this paper is to explore the economic aspects of the defense industry under new security conditions. The paper utilizes data from SIPRI. To address the impact of the defense industry, descriptive and comparative analysis methods were employed. From statistical methods, regression analysis was applied to selected countries for the years 2014 and 2022. GDP per capita, military expenditures, arms exports, and the granting of military licen ses are interconnected. Arms exports, along with issued arms export licenses, can be considered a driving force for gross domestic product growth.
Understanding and Awareness Among the Czech Public Regarding the Potential Deployment of Biological Weapons on their Territory
This study, conducted in the Czech Republic, undertakes a multidisciplinary examination of public perceptions regarding biological weapons, identifying significant gaps in educational and preventative measures. Although general awareness of biological weapons is relatively high, there is a significant lack of in-depth understanding and knowledge about the specific aspects and consequences of their use. The analysis included a quantitative survey that illuminated the insufficient public knowledge about specific biological agents and strategies for defense and response to biological threats. The study also identified a significant gap in media coverage of this topic, resulting in a low level of public discussion and perceived urgency. Furthermore, the role of educational programs and information campaigns that could significantly contribute to increasing awareness and preparedness for potential bioterrorist attacks was explored. The study recommends intensifying educational activities and integrating the topic of biological weapons into broader security and health education programs. Emphasizing the significance of a holistic strategy toward public enlightenment and bolstering national readiness against biological hazards, this research lays a foundation for con tinued dialogue and measures. It aims to evaluate the level of awareness and preparedness among Czech Republic citizens for potential incidents involving biological weapons, amidst growing attention to biological risks fuelled by geopolitical tensions and advancements in biotechnology. The conclusions of this work highlight the urgent need for deepening national and international cooperation in monitoring, prevention, and response to threats associated with biological weapons, to increase society's resilience against these invisible, yet devastating, threats.
Reliability Analysis of the GEOSL2000 Soil Passability Prediction Model and its Implications for Military Use
The objective of this study was to validate a geoprocess model devised to predict soil passability based on in-situ measurements of soil bearing capacity. The bearing capacity of the soils was gauged using a conical penetrometer, and the measured values were juxtaposed with the Vehicle Coin Index (VCI) value for typical vehicles deployed in the Czech Armed Forces. Field measurements were conducted across nine distinct locations over a span of several years. The measured values were compared with the modelled passability, which was in line with the actual meteorological conditions on the individual days of measurement. The results clearly indicate that the model, created for the needs of the Army of the Czech Republic, exhibits significant inaccuracies. In mo st instances, it considerably overestimates the real situation. The primary recommendation of the research is the implementation of major modifications or the development of a new geoprocess model.
Mathematical Modelling of Segmentation Synthetic Aperture Radar Data for Military Purposes
Digital image processing is the use of algorithms and mathematical models to process and analyze digital images. The goal of digital image processing is to enhance the quality of images, extract meaningful information from images, and automate image-based tasks. In this contribution we discuss and use mathematical modelling for segmentation of image data. We focus on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, which plays an important role in military area. Our own approach brings our own software for segmentation of SAR images. We use discrete mathematical models, graph cut, grab cut and random walker. Our own approach is in implementation of these algorithms and their implementation in programming languages as C, C++, and Python. We provide segmentation of noise images, and we focus on segmentation of paths, roads, objects, rivers etc. We provide segmentation of SAR images. We do preprocess and post processing of data based on requirements of authors. The advantage of our methods is in the better and clearer segmentations with better boundaries. Our solution can also proceed noise data, what is the big problem by SAR data analyses. We deal with SAR data, and we try to segment objects. There are some limitations for processing real image data. We cannot deal with data which has too many lines, or too big distances in shadow colors. Another limitation brings scaling of images and too big and too noisy data.
Conceptual Mapping in the System of Population Protection Education
Mind and concept mapping represents a progressive approach to the implementation of education. Within the framework of the general approach to the creation of concept maps, it is possible to start from the fact that concept mapping represents a comprehensive system of working with information based on data and enabling the strengthening of a personal and systematic approach to the implementation of educational activities regarding modern technologies in the educational process. The individual elements of the system, thus concepts, represent sub-problems that in their interrelations and contexts represent the potential of systems thinking in dealing with complex problems in the field of education. Mind and concept mapping achieved high utility especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, teachers at all educational levels were faced with new challenges that were often not easy to overcome. Applications based on mind mapping and concept mapping became very important aids and tools for distance and sub sequently face-to-face teaching. They are very effective in transforming linear text, which is often accompanied by supporting explanatory information and often ballast and relatively unnecessary information, into concepts, ideas and relationships between them. The aim of this article is to present the possibilities of using mind and concept mapping in educational practice focused on the issue of population protection. Furthermore, the main advantages and disadvantages of concept mapping are discussed. Several examples are used to show the possibilities of converting linear text into conceptual maps. The paper discusses some of the software products, tools and applications, with the focus on the application of ContextMinds and its use in teaching and learning in population protection. Several examples are used to show the practical possibilities of its use in practice.
Specific Activities in the Electromagnetic Spectrum and their Relevance in Future Military Operations
This article examines specific activities in the electromagnetic spectrum that are discussed in the context of electromagnetic operations of which these activities may be a part. The subject of discussion is the impact of the operational environment on ongoing military operations conducted in accordance with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization principles, with emphasis on the importance of the electromagnetic environment. The operational environment is presented in terms of physical and non-physical battlespaces. It formulates and explains what the categories of military forces in terms of their utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum and their dependence on its use are.
Analysis of the Possibilities of Developing the Resilience of Employees and Members of the Integrated Rescue System in the Czech Republic as Part of Lifelong Education
As part of their professional activities, members and employees of the individual components of the integrated rescue system are involved in solving a wide range of very mentally and physically demanding tasks related not only to saving human lives, but also property. During long-term activities related to dealing with the consequences of emergencies and crisis situations, they are exposed to extreme physical and psychological strain, the long -term influence of which may affect the psychosomatic state and well-being of the intervening personnel. The article deals with some aspects of traumatization, psychological first aid, post-traumatic care, crisis communication, crisis intervention and aspects that are directly related to it. A research investigation was conducted to determine the current state of implementation of intervention activities, the findings of which are the main part of this scientific communication. The article also includes a comprehensive overview of the use of post-traumatic care, crisis intervention and psychosocial assistance to affected persons by individual components of the integrated rescue system over the last ten years. Through the implementation of an anonymous non-standardized research survey, where the respondents were members and employees of individual components of the integrated rescue system, information regarding the provision of post -traumatic care to affected persons, as well as to the intervening professionals, was collected. Including the identi fication of motivational factors serving as salutoprotective factors. The findings of the investigation will be incorporated into the undergraduate and continuing education system.
Risk Analysis of Strategic Commodities in Customs Procedures in Relation to Global Security Threats
The paper analyses the impact of technological innovation on the risks associated with strategic commodities, means of control of the international trade with strategic commoditites and the need to adapt security measures to current needs. The paper analyses the risks of strategic commodities in customs management in the context of global security threats as a key element of the security and protection of national borders and the Union space in the context of national economic interests. The first step is to identify commodities that are key to the functioning of the national economy and the security of the country. The paper identifies and assesses potential threats and risks associated with strategic commodities, analyses the activities and activities of key suppliers of strategic commodities to the Czech Republic and their vulnerabilities. The paper identifies the geographical areas where these commodities are exported and the imbalance of exports due to political changes. The paper substantively identifies vulnerabilities in customs management and puts forward feasible measures to improve the situation in this area and looks at strategic commodities from two an economic and a security perspective. The second step, is interpretation of the results of export of the strategic commodities within third countries. The results shows that changes in the regulatory environment and legislative requirements have a significant impact on trade in strategic commodities. The last step - risk analysis presented in this area includes an assessment of the potential impact of changes in security and trade regulations and policies.
Codes of Ethics and their Place in the New Security Environment as an Important Part of Human Resource Management
The research problem was determined whether the new socio-economic and security environment needs a code of ethics. The values of the code of ethics of a military professional were analyzed by students of the University of Defence of the Czech Republic and military professionals from practice in the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany. The research included quantitative and qualitative research. The results show that the existence of a code of ethics is becoming unprecedentedly important in the new security environment and furthermore that it should be specified according to the specific focus of the workplace, type of forces. The hypothesis confirmed that the importance of moral values is increasing in the military education system.
Virtual War Medicine - A Key Element of Modern Warfare
The article deals with the impact of wars on the evolution of war medicine. The methodology includes an analysis of current approaches to the integration of new technologies, processes, and artificial intelligence in the treatment of wounded soldier s. In particular, the findings point to the lack of preparedness of medical information systems for intense conflict and highlight t he need for rapid change in war medicine processes. Current studies point to the need for a multidisciplinary approach to its moder nization, including its virtualization and legislative adaptation.
The Impact of the Deteriorated Political and Security Situation on the Financial Stability of Arms Companies Operating in an Oligopolistic Market Environment
Economic measures, stability, efficiency, and effectiveness of arms expenditure are among the sources of national defense. The technological level of the industry, the ability of firms to carry out their development and innovation, together with the state's ability to specify and acquire requirements for new technologies promptly, in the short and long term, form the structure of factors that significantly determine success in a potential war conflict. This paper, conducted by a team of experienced researchers, aims to assess whether and to what extent the current deteriorated international and security situation impacts the employment and revenues of selected arms companies in the Czech Republic. The paper presents the results of the first research phase on 18 technological a rms companies, commercial firms or manufacturers of technologically advanced products, which have been operating on the market of special military and security equipment for a long time. In the case study, we present a qualitative analysis of the impact of government demand and human and material capital on the level of potential products.
Design of Web GIS Application for Planning of Military River Crossing
Successful ground military operations necessitate thorough comprehension of the operational environment, particularly terrain and water features. This article advocates for the utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to develop a dynamic web application aimed at analyzing and planning watercourse crossings. By harnessing the capabilities of ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, the proposed application integrates hydrological and terrain data to provide comprehensive insights into the feasibility of crossing specific water obstacles under varying conditions. Key considerations include terrain characteristics, river channel profiles, and the tactical specifications of military vehicles. While the application is currently in the conceptual phase and awaits verification, its potential in enhancing operational planning for the Czech Armed Forces is underscored. This GIS-based approach promises to enhance decision-making processes by offering real-time, interactive support for evaluating and strategizing water obstacle crossings within military operations.
Stress Coping Strategies of Young Soldiers in the Context of the Deteriorating Security Situation
The aim of the paper is to investigate how military students perceive and feel about the deteriorating security situation within the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, it aims to identify their coping responses and strategies associated with the conflict. The quantitative research design was employed, specifically utilizing a standardized Brief COPE inventory. The data for this study was collected in 2024. The sample consists of 178 military students from the Faculty of Military Leadership of the University of Defence in the Czech Republic. The results indicate that young military students perceive the security situation as serious and believe it will affect their future careers. However, the security situation does not cause them significant stress, and they do not report significantly high levels of any of the coping strategies offered. To the highest extent, the students declare especially the application of the following strategies – Acceptance, Planning, and Humor.
Analysis of Traffic Accidents with the Deployment of the Fire Rescue Service in the Regions of the Czech Republic
Traffic accidents are an ongoing safety issue. The aim of this paper is to use a statistical apparatus to describe and model the random variable that is the daily number of accidents. The data on traffic accidents come from the database of the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic from 2012–2021 and are described by time and location data. Analysis of variance for a random variable with a Poisson probability distribution was used in the modelling. The resulting analyses describe the evolution of the daily number of accidents with the deployment of firefighters in each region of the Czech Republic. The work that deals with the modelling of the number of traffic accidents, as a random variable with a Poisson probability distribution, using GLM methods is unique in the Czech Republic.
The Complexity of Military Force Readiness to Respond to Changes in the Electromagnetic Environment
This article examines changes in the electromagnetic environment and their implications for the operational environment and the military forces. The first part defines the context with operating environment and how electromagnetic energy shapes it. It then presents the research results in the form of consolidated text and visualizations using a futures wheel and images illustrating the approaches to military force capabilities proposed by the authors applicable in the future electromagnetic environment. Finally, it discusses the development of military capabilities applicable to future operations and generalized recommendations in response to the challenges for military forces in the electromagnetic environment.
Analysis of Trends in Defence Funding in the Member States of the North Atlantic Alliance
The aim of the article is to analyse the impact of the development of security threats on the financing of the defence capabilities of NATO states. The author is based on the theory of defence financing as a public good and the analysis of empirical data on the development of defence spending and the negative impact of the “free rider”. In the first part, attention is paid to the theoretical definition of defence from the point of view of economic theory, and in the second part to the analysis of defence expenditures in NATO member countries. The author draws on the works of renowned authors such as [2, 6, 14,15]. In the first and second parts of the article, the author chose a positive approach. The author of the article conducted a literature search of theoretical literature and relevant political and legal documents of NATO, EU, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. For the purpose of analysing the impact of security threats on military spending, the author analysed trends in NATO member states’ defence spending in the context of the “free rider” impact on the state's defence capability.
The Impact of Military Expenditures on the Indebtedness of the Czech Republic and Lithuania
While several studies have examined the relationship between military expenditures and economic growth, only few studies have focused on the nexus between these expenditures and indebtedness. The authors have been focused on the analysis of the impact of military expenditures on the indebtedness of the Czech Republic and Lithuania over the period 1999-2022. The aim of the paper is to investigate whether the increase in military expenditures has an impact on the countries' indebtedness. The authors have used nine variables characterizing the economic development to identify the relationship between the trends in military expenditures and economic indebtedness based on the results of the estimated models. The results of the correlation analysis showed the expected effect only in the case of Lithuania. The results of the estimated ARDL model did not show the effect of military expenditures on the countries´ indebtedness.
Temporal Discontinuity of Defence Investment and Implementation in the Bucharest Nine Countries
This study analyses the timing of acquisitions in B9 countries and shows the time lag that exists between investment and the ability to live up to the technology ordered. Delays in defence acquisitions are observed in the government decision-making and contract execution phases, highlighting the complexity of the procurement process. Despite significant investments, not all countries show an increase in defence capabilities. Acquisition of sophisticated systems appears to be the most time consuming, with significantly greater delays than for simpler systems.
Intensity Model and Traffic Quality Assessment of the Selected Section of the D1 Highway
This study focuses on analysing the traffic indicators on selected sections of the D1 highway in the direction from Humpolec to Rančířov, with a particular emphasis on the Pávov transportation hub. Data from the nationwide traffic census of 2020 were utilized for calculations, including average daily traffic intensity, average daily load, and transport performance on each section. The capacity of each section was determined and compared to the overall traffic intensity, revealing potential congestion points. The analysis covers sections 5-8019, 6-8609, 6-1131, 6-1133, 6-1146, 6-1147, and 6-1020, demonstrating a high level of traffic intensity, particularly in terms of heavy motor vehicle traffic volume. The distribution of traffic flow before exit 104 in Větrný Jeníkov into sections 6-1131 and 6-1133 could significantly alleviate temporary traffic congestion. Considering a Mechanized Infantry Brigade comprising 1 320 vehicles, the calculated convoy length would be approximately 70.562 meters, assuming a simple distance of 50 meters between vehicles. This study provides valuable insights for military convoy movement planning and highlights the importance of considering highway traffic conditions for strategic deployments. The aim of the article is to propose a commercial solution for securing the onward movement of alliance units based on the analysis of traffic intensity in the selected sector of the D1 highway.
Predictive Estimates in Population Models with Variable Dynamics Under Uncertainties
In this paper, we investigate the predictive estimates of the model which at the initial time interval describes a slower population growth, and later turns into a model with a rapid growth of such a population. For considered problem, with unknown initial conditions and parameters of differential equations, however for a known number of persons in the population at certain moments of time, we obtain the predictive sets at a given time under certain conditions and substantiate the formulas for calculating the minimum and maximum number of persons in the population.
Multicriterial Analysis and Comparison of Air-to-Air Fighter Jets
Fighter aircraft are the dominant tools for gaining the desired level of air control. As the crisis over Ukraine since 2022 showed, air superiority in congested airspace plays a crucial role. The aim of this article is to present the methodological approach to compare different aircraft dedicated to air-to-air roles. For this purpose, the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method, based on the analytical hierarchy process, was used to identify the most suitable military fighter aircraft for air-to-air operations. To demonstrate the method, four operational representatives of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries were selected to compare specific aircraft types.
Geographical Distribution Analysis of Field Hospitals Along the Frontline: 2SFCA method-based approach
The purpose of this article is to develop mathematical-geographical model to study the accessibility of fields hospitals along a frontline based on 2SFCA methodology. Invented P2SFCA model compares destinations proportionally and customizes the distance decay function for the needs of wounded soldiers. It is empirically shown that P2SFCA model distributes the same amount of accessibility as 2SFCA model but allocates it differently. Obtained model could be further used in decision making processes to better ensure the safety of wounded soldiers.
Evaluation of Modern Approaches to Crisis Management
Decision-making is an important function of crisis management as a resolution technique for the negative impacts of crisis phenomena. There are several models and concepts of crisis management in the world, which were compared in the study and an evaluation table of crisis management models was developed. The main objective of the study was to evaluate modern approaches to crisis management (crisis management models) with the intention of providing recommendations on the practical application of these models in crisis management for the development of the crisis management system within government agencies. The comparative analysis was carried out using the rules, relationships and regularities that apply in complex management models.