Vojenské Rozhledy

Czech Military Review

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Results 631 to 660 of 5324:

Creation of the Foundations of Security Science

Nonreviewed - Other

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 21-31

Both in our country and the world the wider concept of security is on its way. It influences wide variety of various subjects and objects that create national and coalition strategies. There are many academic branches dealing with various individual aspects of security, but the present day calls for more complex and sophisticated access to security problems. The author proposes to establish a new academy discipline, the so-called security science or securitology, to respond adequately to current security challenges. It would be an interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, problems oriented "meta-science", associating history, philosophy, social sciences, international politics, axiology, the Arts, law studies, psychology (namely military psychology), demographics, criminology, ethics, environmentalism, geography and so on. To tell the truth, in practice, complex security system is accepted. The author enumerated all relevant institutions in our society, civilian or armed, bodies, authorities, legislative and executive powers that are being involved in predictions, analyses, assessments and responses to possible threats, dangers or perils.

The Analysis of Economic Indicators of Manning in the Armed Forces

Nonreviewed - Other

Prap. Martina Chemišincová, Ing. Rudolf Rak, dr. Luboš Štancl, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. ZC/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 30-37

The problem of allocation of defence sources and their effective spending during recruiting is analyzed by means of modelling and simulation of economic indicators to support of decisional processes of defence planning and arising effectiveness of defence sources in Czech environment. The authors present an example that illustrates the monitoring costs in recruiting. At present, we have no accomplished internally tied system of economic indicators, the article therefore proposes such indicators which could describe continuance in recruiting process, by means of which we shall be able to calculate its financial costs.

Autonomy and Self-instruction in Learning Foreign Languages

Language preparation

Kpt. Ing. Petra Vráblíková, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 159-165

There are many methods/ways how to master foreign languages. Dickinson (1987) stresses that self-access learning is using materials in a self-instructed way to facilitate learning. This term is "neutral on how self-directed or other-directed the learners are". Students could choose to be either self-directed or tutor-directed learners. Seen in this light, tutor-guided schemes might be considered to be an appropriate device for students who opt for tutor-directed learning in the self-access learning centre. Among others, Benson (2001) describes selfaccess learning as dealing with the relationship between the self-access system and autonomy in learning which means learners organising the self-access learning resources and environments to interact with the process of their own learning. Despite the variations in defining self-access learning, all educators mentioned by Capt. Vráblíková acknowledge the important role that a learner plays in the language acquisition process in the self-access approach of learning and emphasise the promotion of autonomous learning in each individual through taking responsibility for his/her own learning.

The Post-Conflict Stabilization: Iraqi Example

Book review

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 193-196

The reviewed book analyses the local wars of the last decades and demonstrates that the problem number one is not their military solutions, but consequent peace arrangement. It is not only a case of Iraq, the authors mention the role of France/US in Vietnam, Russian activities in Chechnya and Afghanistan, Israel in Lebanon, Allied forces in Kosovo. For that reason we can welcome this publication, written and published by the team of authors from the Institute for Strategic Studies, University of Defence, Brno. The book summarizes the experiences from conflicts above, namely the lessons from Iraq. The end of armed conflict in 2003 meant simply the transition to another conflict. A very serious and open problem is the question, whether the system of democracy is suitable for Muslim world. The situation in this country could be openly labelled as a civil war. The authors predict even the desintegration of Iraq into three independent countries. Iraqi conflict is an example of asymmetric warfare, in which more soldiers died in time of "peace" (to this date 3,600 soldiers) than during military operations (139 American soldiers).

Colonel in memoriam Jakub Koutný

Personal data

PhDr. Zdeněk Vališ

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 163-171

Mr. Koutný belonged among those who went through the fire of World War II and lately became victims of despotism of the so-called "class laws". In fact, Col. Koutný was not a soldier, but the journalist. At the beginning of war, Mr. Koutný was sent to Poland to inform about Polish practices to return Czechoslovak refugees back to the "Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia". At Poland he joined the Czechoslovak Military Group; lately he experienced Soviet labour camps. In a small city of Buzuluk, where the first Czechoslovak Field Battalion was formed, he became the chief of recruiting commission. There he met people returning from the NKVD's camps (i.e. Soviet Secret Police's detention camps). Many his reports to the Chief of Czechoslovak Military Mission Heliodor Pika were preserved in archives. Nowadays they bear witness on those fearful camps. As a press officer he laid down the foundation of the Czech army daily "Our Army in the USSR". He worked at the Czechoslovak Headquarters in Russia, as a liaison officer at the Command of the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps in the USSR, as a political and military advisor to the commander of armour brigade Lt.Col. Janko. In his liberated country he helped to establish the military publishing house Our Army (Naše vojsko). Shortly after the communist coup d'etat, in 1949, he was imprisoned. He died in a communist jail in 1960.

Systems Approach in Economic Practice of the ACR

Nonreviewed - Other

Ing. Svatopluk Kunc

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 45-51

The proposals of systems approach are sometimes met with a negative acceptance. While solving difficult problems, army members exploit mere practical approaches and they proved to be successful. For that reason the author offers a short glimpse into systems thinking, as necessary starting point for pinpointing the cause of current difficulties. The system is any collection of component elements that work together to perform a task. In economic science, system is used in a variety of contexts. Military cost-effective system can be an essential programme that manage Planning Programming and Budgeting System, flexibly reacting to emerging military challenges resulting from new budget rules (based upon NATO doctrines). One of possible causes of disproportionate and undesirable reactions are wrongly set systems rules, e.g. in market systems manifested by the so-called risks factors. In the forces, the same position ought to be held by unified systems rules, taking into account individual economic subsystems (billing systems, spending elements, etc.), harmonizing them in terms of general independent economic principles.

Controlling Still Alive (Predispositions for its Successful Implementation)

Nonreviewed - Other

Npor. Ing. Blanka Jiráňová

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. ZC/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 38-43

This article deals with controlling and its importance for the management within any army organization. It describes the relationship between controlling and accounting in the present establishment. There are defined all transformation steps of accounting converted into managerial accounting, as the best way of controlling process. At the end, there are some notices to the accounting system, costs/outputs; especially, the accounting of costs and outputs that could be applied in the near future.

Unmanned Aircraft

Military professional

Ing. Josef Nastoupil

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 213-217

The article deals with the question of unmanned aircraft generally, it doesn't discuss their individual types. Unmanned aircraft (UAVs) are designed to fly without a pilot (that is by remote control), their combat engagements are less risky and potentially less costly. Army officials say that UAVs will serve better, as they will carry more weapons and sturdier avionics, use the same fuel as other service aircraft, and could be operated by soldiers in theatre. Avionics and weapons might be controlled even by a conventional link with ground control stations. One "land pilot" can control several UAVs simultaneously. The running programmes will produce mature technologies and stable designs, making use of critical technologies, control abilities. The other critical technologies are: an engine that uses heavy fuel and an automatic take-off and landing system. As a part of coalition forces, the UAVs had proved their usefulness and serviceability in the Middle East.

Inflation in Defence Expenses: Opening Discussion

Research

Mjr. Ing. Vladan Holcner, Ph.D., por. Ing. Gamil Al-Madhagi

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 47-55

Developing Czech national defence system is based on long-term predictions of potential security threatsandplanningofresourcesavailablefordefence, including defence spending plans. This paper analyses the issue of current value of defence expenditures. It attempts to give an answer to the question whether defence requires a specific price index or if common civilian indicators like GDP deflator or consumer price index can be used in defence.

Programme Structure for "State Defence" Concept and its Importance for Expediency, Economy and Effectivity of Public Funds

Opinions, controversy

Mjr. Ing. Bohuslav Pernica, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 80-85

This article deals with the problem of pursuing 3E policy in Czech MoD. The article shows how helpful it can be for the management of MoD to systemize activities under MoD control to shape the defence programmes as a 3Eprogram. In our forces, even though we have introduced PPBS (Planning, Programming and Budgeting System), still we need other means to shape effectively state defence. The author recommends to organize activities and related elements into seven groups in order that we can judge the impact of functionality of those programmes and its respective 3E, taking into account specific activities realized e.g. by outsourcing or by some other kind of personal substitution. He underlines the importance of proper defence programmes for decisionmaking process in MoD.

Identification FoF in Ground Forces

Military professional

Ing. Josef Nastoupil

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 154-158

It is an age-old problem, how to identify someone or something, to prevent from incidents, in which friendly forces fire on their own troops or vehicles by mistake, because of tiredness, exhaustion, psychological stress, technological defects, unforeseen circumstances, etc. Although there exists a technology carried specifically in an aircraft, combat vehicles, that utilizes coded radio signals to identify other friendly units, adopted measures are not always successful. In NATO, we have standardized systems for such identification: BTID-Battlefield Target Identification Device (for identification of vehicles and helicopters, STANAG 4579); and DSID-Dismounted Soldier Identification Device (for identification soldiers, STANAG 4630). At present, Germany (together with the United States) is in the lead of development system IFF. Systems are conceptually, technologically and tactically synthesized into ZEFF (ZielErkennung Freund-Feind), common for vehicles, helicopters, soldiers, as well as vehicles beyond the area of forces deployment. Source: Europäische Sicherheit magazine, 4/2006.

Ones More About Conscription (A Paper about the Issue ofSystemizing of Citizens' Defence Liabilities)

Informational pages

Mjr. Ing. Bohuslav Pernica, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 106-113

The conscription is a system of compulsory enrolment of men and women into the armed forces. Conscripts may be called to serve in time of peace in order to train for war; they may be called into uniform in time of emergency. Conscripts are distinguished from volunteers and professionals, as well as from mercenaries, who offer their service to any government solely for pay. Recent general discussion regarding reducing duties to perform military service in the Czech Republic between 2000 and 2005 has indicated that the sense of citizens' responsibility for the defence their country is limited, in public eyes, to the conscription only. In reality, the sphere of citizens' defence liabilities is much broader. The comprehensiveness of this issue comes to light particularly when we compare the practice in this area in different NATO nations. In this particular case, the article indicates one of possible solutions to these efforts, i.e. a systemizing approach.

The Transition from the State of Peace to War

Military art

Pplk. Ing. Ivan Němec, Ph.D., mjr. Ing. Milan Žilínek, Ing. Jaroslav Lužný

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 59-66

Military Mobilization is activation of military forces for imminent threats, and redirection of economic and social activities to support a military effort. As the ACR does not use conscription (forced military service-the draft); instead, everyone in the Czech Army enrols voluntarily. The regular service is accompanied by the Reserves (voluntary and regular). Those interested in joining the ACR or Voluntary Reserve Force must complete an application, take an aptitude test, and undergo a physical fitness examination. Recruitment personnel use the results from the application process to determine whether an applicant qualifies to serve. Army reservists are trained to reinforce the regular force and to perform active duty during the state of was and selected peacetime operations, natural disasters, and industrial hazards. By means of several charts the authors explains details on ACR war deployment, recruiting process, scheme of preparation and execution of mobilization. The present system is flexible, it enables to react to security threats and fulfil the objectives resulting from vital interests of the Czech Republic.

Intelligence Analysis in Asymmetric Operations

Military art

Doc. Ing. Oldřich Horák, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 52-58

Asymmetric operations lack some linear qualifications at operational levels and split themselves into dozens of tactical warfares. This type of warfare demands quick analytical thinking tied with intelligence preparation of the battlefield, formulating specific information requirement to fill in the missing elements in information requests. As to technological potential, military intelligence is developing very fast. So, the intelligence analysts transfer the main information burden on various information systems, e.g. JSTARS (Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System), AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System), ASAS (All Source Analysis System), or JDISS (Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System). But large capacities of those systems gave rise to another logical judgement that leads to different interpretation of intelligence data, i.e. the judgements corresponding to higher levels (operational and above) of analytical thinking. Nevertheless, tactical warfare represents operations of small tactical units and this fact puts the main burden on an intelligence analyst who must very quickly cover the gaps in intelligence reports and adopt appropriate decisions.

Basic Perspectives of Process Measuring

Nonreviewed - Research

Ing. Monika Grasseová, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 140-147

The article characterises process measuring, the base of which is a system of metrics. They, or indicators come out from principal requirements laid down: process efficiency, process stability, embrace of processes by an organization, qualif ication of processes f or ar r angements of outputs and chances for their permanent innovation. Stated qualities are described above all in relation with process performances. The authoress uses the definitions introduced by the EFQM.

The Place and Mission of Defence Industrial Complex in Economy and Politics of the Russian Federation

Informational pages

Prof. PhDr. Miroslav Krč, CSc., dr. Luboš Štancl, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 74-87

90s introduced the new beginning of international and economical relations. The former USSR used to be overmilitarized state that is now transforming into a democratic republic. After 2000, the RF adopted many arrangements to stabilize the fall of Russian defence industry. The poor results of Russian economy motivated the federal government towards forming five defence agencies (in 1999): Russian Aeronautic and Space Agency (aeronautics and rocket industry), Russian Agency for Command and Control Systems (avionics, electronic industry), Russian Agency for Conventional Weaponry (arms and armament industry), Russian Agency for Ordnance and Munitions, Russian Agency for Shipbuilding. Nevertheless, the ageing of redundant and unnecessary military industries demands horizontal integration that might facilitate cooperation among individual enterprises. This process could help to unify military products and concentrate on modern weaponry, to improve applied technologies, corresponding to demands of 21st century forces.

Teaching Listening Comprehension: Its Implications for Foreign Languages Acquisition

Language preparation

Kpt. Ing. Petra Vráblíková, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 90-100

The authoress surveys recent research into how people acquire languages and considers its relevance for language teaching. She describes the most important studies and ideas about language acquisition. The method mentioned above is element. If we compare it with other language skills, i.e. reading, writing, speaking, it is above all listening that is used most. But to acquire sufficient proficiency, learners must cover a long way. Language teaches should do it for students the most pleasant as possible. Listening in language classrooms is being assessed, according to levels of students' understanding contents. The authoress familiarizes readers with several ways of teaching by principles that are in fact interactive approaches to learning foreign languages. We may use forecasts, news, listen radios, watch films in target language, be in touch with native speakers. It is reccomended to write down new word power, according to set context.

Reflections over the Transformation of Czech Army

Nonreviewed

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 29-37

The basic question of Army transformation was the fact that it was not constituted upon the statehood principle that gives precedence to politicking individual parties. The ultimate goal of this transformation was to build forces loyal to democratic republic, but during the last ten years the top personnel at the Ministry of Defence changed several times, leaving the Army with restricted means, without precise laid down tasks and goals. Uncontrolled interventions into forces structure, reducing numbers of military personnel, lead to balance on the verge of collapse. The basic goal to develop Czech national security and defence policies did not fell short. Army was transforming itself, initially under the management of former generals and later under civilian control, especially after 1991. The division of the armed forces after the split-up of the state at the turn of 1992 went very smoothly, with good discipline. The transformation has been influenced above all by the newly adopted legislation, accession to NATO and to the European Union, participation in missions abroad and professionalization of the Czech armed forces. The whole process has been facilitated by the acceptance and implementation of a broader concept of security.

Military Judiciary in the CR

Informational pages

Doc. JUDr. Zdeněk Koudelka, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 79-84

Abolishing military courts at the end of 1993 could evoke the idea that there is no such thing as military judicature in our country. In fact, the Defence Act sets that in time of military preparedness, higher and lower field tribunals and courts come into existence. But present legal norms do not know the legal term "state of military preparedness", only "mobilization". There are many other legal gaps, concerning e.g. declaration war, defining state of war, proclaiming martial law. There are not firmly set statutes of field military courts, their subordination, dependence of field judges and their assistants, or how shall we handle offences of our soldiers abroad, its connections with international laws and agreements. This state of affairs for quick remedy.

NEC-IV Conference Report

Informational pages

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2008, Vol. XVII. (XLIX.): 129-130

In November 2007, under the auspices of Lieutenant-General Vlastimil Picek, Chief of the General Staff ACR, there was the 4th international conference held in Prague, dealing with command, control in Network Enabled Capability environment: NEC-IV. The conference was organized by the Institute for Strategical Studies, Defence University Brno, in cooperation with the Department Communications and Information Systems, DoD, and the Department of the Development of Forces-Operational Department, DoD, last but not least with a civilian Carolina Agency, as NEC principles could be utilized even in civil sector. The conference is regarded as a step from theory to practice, both in the field of education, preparation and practical exercises supported by simulators and trainers. In the immediate future, we must develop the integrated environment for EU Battle Groups, brigade task force, covering the whole operational spectrum, so that we could reach a synergy effect in education, pedagogy, science and research.

Military Grade Structure During 1989-2009: How Many Officers Are Enough? (20 Years of Rank Structure Transformation)

Opinions, controversy

Pplk. Ing. Bohuslav Pernica, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 114-123

The important part of the forces transformation deals with the problem reducing in numbers of officers, namely field officers and general corps in the Czechoslovak Armed Forces and lately the Army of the Czech Republic. The main cause of this reduction was new concept of military career, as before the transformation it used to be a lifelong profession. The downsizing started in 1990 and it ought to have been finished by the end of the first period of the Czech Armed Forces Reform, as of 2008/12/31/, but it appears that downsizing is endless. The author quotes figures concerning numbers of officers; several rank charts and tablets with corresponding NATO and Czech grades respectively are used to demonstrate veracity of his statements. According to Lt.Col. Pernica, the downsizing is going to continue but no one knows how many officers for the all-volunteer Czech armed forces will be enough.

Testing and Validation in VTÚPV Vyškov, VOP-026 Šternberk, s.p

Military professional

Ing. Lubomír Přikryl

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 121-134

The Military Technical Institute of Ground Forces (VTÚPV) Vyškov was established in 1978 as a research authority and its activities have covered both requirements of the Army of the Czech Republic as well as the civilian sector. The VTÚPV Vyškov Division specializes in equipment, material and technologies of the ground forces. It solves tasks ranging from theoretical analyses and applied research and development to the prototype production phase, testing and validation, and small series production. It is an accredited testing laboratory for testing products and systems; it operates as an accredited certifying body for a large number of products. Since 2003 it is a part of the military repair shop VOP-026 Šternberk, s.p. (state enterprise) founded by the Ministry of Defence. The article enumerates its activities, namely just finishing semi-anechoic hall EMC (electromagnetic compatibility), the most important and most expensive investment project since the late 80s.

Operation EUFOR RD CONGO (Preparation, Planning, and Forming Forces for Operation)

Military art

Pplk. Ing. Jaroslav Kulíšek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2008, Vol. XVII. (XLIX.): 35-56

This article covers the EUFOR RD Congo operation preparation phase and provides information on Military Strategic Planning Process, Military Operational Planning, Collaborative Planning, EU OHQ Potsdam activation and Force Generation Process. It describes planning period to highlight a pivotal role of training and education. Operation EUFOR RD CONGO was the EU second military intervention in the RDC, following Operation Artemis in 2003. The EUFOR RD CONGO mission was to support MONUC during running election process, in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 1671, authorizing the temporary deployment of an EU force in the RDC. The views expressed in this assessment are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of EU Military Structure or the Czech MoD. All information and data for this paper were drawn from unclassified sources.

Cash Fulfilment of State Budget, Expense Section, Defence Ministry Chapter, 2004 till 2007

Opinions, controversy

Pplk. Ing. Bohuslav Pernica, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 49-53

An article in the Vojenské rozhledy magazine triggered an argument over the importance cash-flow planning for the application of 3E-methodology at the Czech MoD in 2004. Today's study re-opens this argument again, but on the background of the modernization of Czech state finance management and the implementation of a modern cash-flow management into the Czech public finance, under the authority of Finance Ministry. Those processes profoundly affected the economic policy of the MoD, granting more responsibility and economic independence. MoD is allowed to formulate, administer and control its own financial policy to reach higher cost-effectiveness. But does the ministry really become a better financial manager? This article deals with fiscal years 2004-2007.

A European Way of "Humane Security"

Reviewed

Ing. Vladimír Karaffa, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 3-10

Many people in the world lead intolerably insecure lives. In many cases insecurity is the consequence of armed conflicts in which civilians are deliberately targeted, sometimes, their insecurity has natural causes, like earthquakes, hurricane, tsunami or disease, they suffer from famine. Security is a broader term, covering not only military threats. Human rather than nation-state security should be at the heart of European policy. Instead of defeating enemies or pacifying warring parties, EU missions should focus on protecting civilians, through law enforcement with the occasional use of force. EU member states ought to support a new framework for the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). The following seven principles are underlined: (i) the primacy of Human Rights, (ii) clear political authority, (iii) multilateralism, (iv) a bottom-approach, (v) regional focus; (vi) the use of legal instruments, (vii) the appropriate use of force. In fact, underlines Mr. Karaffa, humane security concept forms the very base of common European culture and identity.

Army and Public 2008 (Public Opinion Poll)

Military sociology

Mgr. Nataša Ballová, Mgr. Jiří Hodný, Radomír Saliger, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 162-174

Under the auspices of Defence University Brno, for the third time, the social researchers executed the investigation of opinions and attitudes of Czech citizens towards the Army of the Czech Republic. It is a continual, systematic monitoring of long-run attitudes, perspectives, and preferences of Czech population, their stability or variability, preferences and priorities. It was measured by the sample survey (quota sampling). A total of 1,050 adult respondents (with a representative sample of 1,005 respondents) were polled by 62 interviewers. The first place among Army tasks took the help of the forces in time of natural disasters and ecology catastrophes (96.4 %); the second came the defence of Czech territory (85,2 %); and the third fight against terrorism (82,7 %). As less important is regarded the deployment of the Czech army abroad (55,4 %). All gathered data are presented on several graphs and schemes.

The Expanding Role of China and India in Word Security Prognosis (Prognostic Scenarios)

Informational pages

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 54-64

The theme of this study is a prognostic reply to the anticipated rise of mentioned two Asian powers from the point of international relations. Their growing power will precipitate consecutive results-the end of American leading role and coming multiple world. Will it produce world's stability or security threats? The author presents several scenarios. All take note of 9/11 attacks and a possible crash of two form of capitalism, democratic in the West and authoritarian in China and Russia. India has a special position. The economic success of those systems is a great chance for humane rights and civil liberties. World's dominance will be divided among the U.S., China, partly the EU, with strong position of regional powers, India, Japan, Indonesia, Iran, South African Union, Egypt, Brazil, Mexico and others. Russia will lose his superpower position, its internal economic and ethnical problems make it weak, and therefore Russia will attempt to form military coalition with China, which will lead to new world's bipolarity.

Contemplations over Obama's Security Policy

Reviewed

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 3-11

It is evident that Barack Obama diverges from Bush's pre-emptive strategy. There are changes in style and contents. Obama begins to direct American policy more towards diplomatic negotiations instead underlining military strength. It is evident namely in proposed negotiations with Iran and in case of Russia, where he wants to overcome cooling down after Russia-Georgia clashes and gas crisis. He insists on avoiding unnecessary conflicts and puts stress on good relations with allies and building new partnerships. He is going to withdraw soldiers from Iraq and in spite of problems in Afghanistan to reduce U.S. military budget. Even though Obama wants to maintain American world's leadership, there are some signs of partial changes in American foreign policy, e.g. his orientation towards Asia suggests first signs of multilateral approach of post-American era. The author also mentions the question of "American radar" in the Czech Republic, the fate of which depends on Iran's nuclear power programme.

The Transformation of Bundeswehr's Logistics

Military professional

Ing. Vladislav Vincenec, doc. Ing. Miroslav Cempírek, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 111-120

In recent history, German armed forces have been transformed into a modern, international recognized force, so has its logistics. Readiness became a major issue and soldiers suddenly had to be prepared for a broad variety of international missions, predictably supported by military logistics that newly cooperates with a private sector. The main logistics control and management centre is situated in the port city Wilhelmshaven. The Centre is responsible for planning logistics operations, their coordination both home and abroad. The newly created department for supply chain management is going to streamline supplies, to increase efficiency of the whole supply process. By means of several schemes the authors explain flows of materiel and supply routes tied with civilian companies (e.g. HIL GmbH).

Professional, or Professionalized NCO Corps?

Military professional

Dušan Rovenský

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2008, Vol. XVII. (XLIX.): 136-156

Professional, or Professionalized NCO Corps by CSM Dušan Rovenský. This article covers the process of transition from conscript army to entirely professional, allvolunteer force (AVF). It deals with the role and responsibilities of NCOs generally, rank and grade structure, career rules, NCOs' training and education. The author identifies the problems of a rapid professionalization, discusses the possibilities for improvement and finally suggests the possible solutions to those problems. Among others, there is some sort of misunderstanding as far as Other Ranks/Enlisted corps is concerned. The Czech translations of those ranks do not always correspond to their general positions, ranks, responsibilities, command authority, the length of service of individual non-commissioned officers (NCOs), sergeants, or warrant officers (WOs). The author, Command Sergeant Major, Support and Training Forces Command (a graduate of U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Fort Bliss) puts forward several proposals to make those translations more precise.

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