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Czech Military Review

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Results 181 to 210 of 2357:

Security Preconditions and Threats (Economy, Religious and Cybernetic Menaces)

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2011, Vol. XX. (LII.): 38-52

One of main task while preparing new security documents is to identify, analyze and evaluate newly emerging, self-generating security threats. They menace cybernetic, economy, bank, and religious security. The special menace, as for inner security it is lobbyism. Cybernetic threat is today regarded as more dangerous than nuclear strike. The American lived through those experiences in Iraq. Another example is cyber attacks on Estonia in 2007 that swamped websites of Estonian organizations, including Estonian parliament, banks, ministries, newspapers and broadcasters.The attacks triggered a number of military organisations around the world (including NATO) to reconsider the importance of network security to modern military doctrine. There is a paradigm: the more modern country, the more risks are opened. The situation is complicated by the fact that in sophisticated society there is hard to identify attacking enemy. The author underlines that we are the last member nation in the EU that has no official CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team) to react cyber /terrorist attracts.

Specialized Units of Military Police (Oddziaty specjalneŽandarmerii Wojskowej)

Informational pages

Genmjr. Boguslaw Pacek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 152-156

The Polish Military Police, among others, includes a specialized force. It is made up of three specialized units which are trained and prepared to operate in small diversified teams even in high risk environment. Each member is a professional in the field of special operations. They undergo arduous training in first aid, rescue operations, parachuting and diving. All members attend English courses, so that they could be easily integrated into a higher multinational force. Functions and tasks of the those specialized units also consist in ensuring observance of military discipline; protection of life, health and property; VIP protection; protection of public security and order, detection of crimes and misdemeanours, pursuit of perpetrators; enforcing observance of law and order and administrative regulations. The concept of Specialized Units covers operational engagement outside Polish territory, in peace and stabilization operations. In the nearest future, one of the most significant challenges facing this formation will be the necessity to undertake effective measures against terrorism, biological, chemical or nuclear terrorist attacks.

European Gendarmerie Force: The Future of Military and Police Activities in Missions and Operations Abroad

Informational pages

Genmjr. Bogustaw Pacek, mjr. Piotr Ptonka

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 132-134

Operation Artemis (A Reference Model for the Development of Battle Groups)

Informational pages

Pplk. Ing. Jaroslav Kulíšek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 95-105

EU Battle Group CZE/SVK was formed as the part of a long-term strategy to turn the Czech Army from static defence, garrison force, to mobile, expeditionary formations capable to participate in EU common security and defence policy operations. In June 2003, the first EU autonomous military crisis management operation Artermis was launched. It successfully demonstrated EU ability to operate with quite a small Interim Emergency Multinational Force (IEMF) in a highly hostile environment. The IEMF, dispatched 6,500 km from Brussels, operated under the UNSC mandate, in cooperation with UN forces (MONUC) in the Ituri District, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Operation Artermis demonstrated the need for further development of rapid response capabilities. Subsequently, it has become a reference model for the development of Battle Groups, with rapid response capability. Lessons learned are valuable for Czech army planners being involved in force planning, or building the first EU Battle Group CZE/SVK. All information and sources for this paper were drawn from unclassified sources.

The Soldier and Normative Systems

Informational pages

Mgr. Gabriela Mužíková

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 140-147

The behaviour of an individual is (apart from mental elements) influenced by plenty of social events. Within the process of institutionalization of behaviour, normative orders are being established. The normative orders are defined as sets of rules, i.e. rules prescribing a certain ways of behaviour. There are legal, moral, religious, political, courtesy and aesthetic rules. The legal rules are the principal and integral rules for the soldier. The legal rules are defined as binding, specifically expressed and by state power enforceable rules of behaviour. The obligation to adhere to the legal rules is prescribed by constitution as well as by laws. In spite of the fact that laws do not expressly prescribe the obligation to adhere to the moral rules, these are indispensable for the soldier. The laws directly solve potential conflict between duties of soldier with religious and political rules. The laws also prescribe the commitment to adhere to the courtesy and aesthetic rules. The purpose of the all above mentioned regulations is to assure that soldiers will carry out their legal duties; they will behave morally, and respect laws and courtesy rules.

Some Present-day Knowledge in Military Transport

Nonreviewed - Other

Pplk. Ing. Jaromír Mareš, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. ZC/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 84-92

The paper deals with present state of military transportation and theoretical solutions of transportation problem. Author cites some existing tasks in the branch of military transportation and transportation in the field of supplies of technical material, foodstuff and groceries. The article is accompanied by two graphs and several tables with examples of variants military transportation. This field of study is planned for both Bc, MA, and Ph.D. levels at Defence University Brno.

Why to Start the Process of Revision of Military Strategy of the Czech Republic

Opinions, controversy

Ing. Vladimír Krulík

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 74-89

We are aware of new and still increasing risks in the world, particularly in connection with the increase in terrorist activities. Broadly speaking, in building our professional army we enforce quality and efficiency, even with restricted means and sources, respecting our potential and on the basis of evaluation of interests of the Czech Republic, engagement in peace, stabilisation and other missions organised by NATO, the EU, or the UN. The author recapitulates all legislative acts, documents and papers, dealing with Czech military strategy, namely the Czech Republic's Military Strategy approved by the governmental resolution No. 578, June 9, 2004, that details principles of our defence policy. Now the author proposes to revise our military strategy in the year 2007, for-first: we successfully completed a phase called Initial Operating Capability; second, from this standard we can unroll further activities: operational engagement of brigade task force; third, in this very year we are evaluating transformation objectives for 2007-2011 (2012). Based upon this level of knowledge, we shall be able to draft new concepts of military strategy, e.g. to substitute current military strategy by defence strategy. The topic is open to discussion.

Alliance's New Strategic Concept (Discussion Continues)

Reviewed

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 3-15

The NATO's New Strategic Concept is only starting point to open discussion on a wide range of security problems. At the beginning there is a description of Czech home politics, attitudes of Czech political parties toward NATO alliance. The author explores the history of NATO's identity crisis. In recent years, different security optics of the members splintered NATO. The US wants an expeditionary alliance with a global reach, the Western Europeans hold to a vision of a regional club of liberal democracies, the Central Europeans have a wish so that Washington would stand by them when they will find themselves pressured by Russia. NATO is divided on how to reform its decision-making processes and how to fund and resource its home and away missions. In Afghanistan, the Alliance faces the most difficult operational challenge to date, with a real possibility of strategic failure. The overarching problem is how to define the core business of NATO: cyber defence, energy security, WMD proliferation, stability and reconstruction missions, out-of-area missions, territorial security, enlargement, partnership-building. The discussion over the New Strategic Concept needs to reorder the question how to define NATO's appropriate roles and go from there.

The Development of Security Policy and Strategy of the Czech Republic 1990-2009

Reviewed

Ing. Vladimír Karaffa, CSc., PhDr. Miloš Balabán Ph.D., PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 5-22

This study is based on a paper presented at the conference with the same heading taking place on January 8, 2009. First, the authors enumerate starting points of Czech defence and security polity together with key factors influencing their developments. The whole scale of new threats-from WMD and ballistic proliferation to cyber attack and even non intentional threats like climate change and pandemia-are to be addressed not only in NATO but also in the EU. Existing states of affairs are gradually reflected by Czech security and defence documents: Security Strategy 1999, 2001, 2003; Military Strategy 1999, 2002, 2004, 2008. In this historical context we joined NATO defence alliance and took part in peacekeeping missions abroad. Previous twenty years when we lived in peace could be regarded as a challenge to build Czech statehood. There is no time like a present. Only the future will show us whether we mastered it as much as we could.

Changes of U.S. National Security at the Beginning of 21st Century

Military art

Doc. PhDr. Jan Eichler, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 38-48

The new American doctrinal document called National Security Strategy (NSS 2010) was released in May 2010. Generally, NSS documents outline major national security concerns and plans. The NSS 2010 lays out a strategic approach for advancing American interests, including the security of the American people, growing U.S. economy, and international order that can address 21st century challenges. President Obama is stressing global leadership, dependent on strong and responsible American leadership directing it to ensure other nations follow. He urged Americans to revitalize their own economic, moral and innovative strength to continue to lead the world. The essay by Mr. Eichler is divided into two parts: first one deals with Bush's security policy, and second one deals with documents issued during Obama's presidency. There is a departure from Bush's security strategy that had led to two asymmetric wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. There are interesting nuances. The NSS 2010 for example declares the intention to build deeper and more effective partnerships with key centres of influence-including China, India, which represents among others Obama's retreat from policy of unilateralism.

The Current Reality of Nuclear Threat

Reviewed

Mgr. Jan Ludvík

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 16-23

This article addresses vital issues of possible threat of nuclear weapons in contemporary world. First, the general nuclear order-particularly the NPT regime-is briefly examined. Analysis proceeds to a critical exploration of the prospective use of nuclear weapons by small nuclear states and the so-called rogue states. Some attention is also paid to the conflict between India and Pakistan, since these two states are often considered as the most dangerous from perspective of possible use of nuclear weapons. The author considers the threat of nuclear war between great powers and then the threat of nuclear terrorism. His analysis suggests that deterrence between great powers is reliably working. The threat from rogue states is limited by technological difficulties in process of development and production of nuclear weapons and limits of small nuclear arsenals. Even though threat of nuclear terrorism should not be underestimated, this paper argues that technical obstacles and availability of other comparatively cheap methods effectively reduce the terrorists' desire to acquire nuclear weapons.

NATO and Russia at the End of First Decade of 21st Century: Mistrust, Common Interests, Co-operation?

Informational pages

PhDr. Miloš Balabán, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 89-99

Relations between NATO and the Russian Federation are one of key factors influencing overall policy of the whole North Atlantic Alliance. They are complicated and sophisticated questions still predisposed by the heritage of the Cold War.But there are mutual fears, common security problems they both have to counter. NATO policy must be established upon present-day reality. It is self-evident that there are common fields of common interests in which mutual balance must be reached. There are among others: armament, preventing arms proliferation, halting proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical agents, antimissiles defence, counter-terrorism, drugs smuggling, open sea security, common peace operations. After two years the Russian-Georgia war started, military cooperation between Russia and NATO was re-established. Separate problem in midterm prospects presents the solving of conflict in Afghanistan.

The Political Economy of Conflict: A New Direction of Research on Internal Conflicts?

Informational pages

Mgr. Vladimír Vaďura, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 138-154

The key term in this article is "war economy" It is used to describe the contingencies undertaken by the state to mobilise its economy for war production. Often confused term "resource conflicts" needs explaining. First, there are raw materials, mineral resources (diamonds, precious metals). Another group of resources are critical items, water supplies, and fertile lands. This article concentrates on conflicts provoked by the abundance of natural sources, not by their insufficiency. Their driving motive is "greed-based" model (the effort to take over the control over lands, crude oils). Another model is "grievance-based" model, based upon the feeling of hate, having its roots in e.g. underprivileged position of certain part of population) tied with worsening economy). "War economy" got a new meaning. It moved far away from Clauzewitz's paradigm, the sense of such war is in itself, the war is protracted, it is war for war's sake.

NATO Response Force

Military art

Ing. Jaroslav Kulíšek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 46-71

This article illustrates the troubles encountered with development of the NRF. The NATO Response Force is a highly ready and technologically advanced force made up of land, air, sea and special operations forces components that the Alliance can deploy quickly wherever needed. The NRF is intended to be a transformational force that will not only be able to meet the security needs of NATO in 21st century but also serve as an agent of change whereby all the member nations of NATO will be able to bring capabilities, and concepts of operations into their national forces. Undoubtedly, the NRF will not provide a basis for solving all of complex challenges. But it does offer an opportunity for experimentation and testing-the essence of military transformation-and the forging of creative solutions. The views expressed in this assessment are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of NATO or EU.

Afghanistan: True Reality

Informational pages

Podpraporčík Jan Smetana

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 100-107

The deteriorating situation in the Afghanistan region poses a security threat not just to the United States, but to every single nation. It was from that remote area of the world that Al Qai'da plotted 9/11 and subsequent attacks in Europe and elsewhere. Reading news about Afghanistan today gives rise to the question why the situation in this country is such as now really is. Ordinary mass media depict the country often in a confusing manner: Afghanistan as "a country, full of terrorists and uneducated barbarians, longing to destroy western civilization and kill". The author describes bad security situation which presents problem for both coalition soldiers and local Afghanistan population. At the same time we must realize that involved soldiers are exposed every day to asymmetric enemy forces, they stand face to face to mortar danger that could be hidden in for example in every car passing by.

The Animals and Terrorism

Informational pages

Ing. Hana Vlachová

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 155-163

Animals have been used for military purposes from the ancient world to nowadays. Horses, elephants, mules and camels were carrying supplies and took part in battles. Dogs were trained for securing livestock and military camps. Soviet army used them as live mines during World War II. The U.S. Army explored the possibility of using bats as live incendive devices. Even the terrorists could use animals for destroying chosen targets in the same way armies used to do. The deployment of animals would be advantageous for any terrorist group because security forces would not expect this kind of attack. Up to now, there have been just a few cases of abusing animals by terrorists, e.g. for bomb laden mules or dogs carcasses which hide explosive devices. But animals could also help with the fight against terrorism, for example dogs or bluegill fish.

A Look at Our Army Ten Years Ago

History pages

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 173-184

At that time, the base for plural societies in Eastern Europe was founded. Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary joined NATO defence alliance. Serious global threats of economic, military, ecology, social, ethnic, religious, criminal characters were lasting. The important question of proliferation of mass destruction weapons was raised. The analyses of security situations in Europe and the World respectively proved that armed conflicts were mostly internal, in a form of civic wars, but demographically endangering bordering countries. Those threats were only discussed, namely nobody fully realized the threat of terrorism. Defence budgets were reduced, all people wanted to profit from the so-called peace dividends. Czech army was loyal to the state; it was not misused in inner political conflicts, which was regarded as something normal by the majority of Czech public. But there were many problems left, especially the role and engagement of the ACR in the following century.

Leadership Styles and Mistakes of Junior Commanders-Managers When Entering their Profession

Military professional

Podplukovník Ing. Miroslav Mašlej, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 135-140

The author summarises most common and repeated mistakes of graduated officers after leaving military schools. Junior officers are practically in the same position as young manager in civil life, so we can find some analogies in civil managerial leadership. Civil manager face practically the same problems and situations. There are various mistakes that junior officers ought to be warned. Such educational instructions and leadership should be implemented into military schools' curricula. Backed by a vast amount of studied literature, the author offers his own solution. He makes use of five myths by Linda Hill, professor at Harvard Business School. The problem is to avoid extreme leadership styles: dictatorlike and benevolent ones.

Organizational Culture within Armed Forces

Military sociology

Mgr. Nataša Ballová

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 150-162

The article summarizes the results of sociological research into organizational culture in the ACR. It should create the picture of military organization, perhaps point at potential dysfunctions and thus to help to their correction. Respondents's opinions on remunerations were detected, in respondents places of work, in combination with their expectancy, anticipations what military service might bring to them. Two thirds professional soldiers have positive attitudes towards interpersonal relations at their working places. The worst position on the scale had the chance to work with the latest technologies and to start a professional career, i.e. to reach important positions. The culture of sustenance, sports facilities were evaluated positively. The lowest rating was allocated to arms equipment, furnishing and quality of garrison quarters. Respondents were also unsatisfied with high level of bureaucratic procedures and formalization.

The Deployment of Capacities and Means of Czech Engineer Troops in Non-combat Operations

Military professional

Doc. Ing. Jaroslav Zelený, CSc., Ing. Jan Mazal, CSc., pplk. Ing. Lubomír Kroupa, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 164-178

The Engineers are specialist soldiers trained in the construction and demolition of bridges, field fortifications, obstacles, roads, etc. Their major task is to support Czech missions abroad, as a part of multinational peacekeeping forces. This article is a preliminary study into the current state of applying the Czech Engineer units in operations other than war as a part of Joint Forces Peace Support Operations. There are mentioned some aspects, for example basic engineer support tasks, possible demanded future capabilities of the Czech Engineer Troops, engineer support to movement and force protection engineering. The purpose of this article is to initiate a debate about the topic and to start the brainstorming process in a broad military environment.

Evaluation and Certification CZE/SVK Battle Group EU

Military art

Ing. Jaroslav Kulíšek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 11-40

To fulfil Czech obligation as an EU Battle Group Framework Nation according to the regulating document EU BG Training and Certification, the Czech Army is to certify that the CZE/SVK Battle Group EU meet the standards and criteria stated in Standards and Criteria for EU BG. It is recommended that the CZE/SVK Battle Group EU certification process should be analogous with NATO Response Force (NRF) certification procedure and practical methods. Further it is suggested that the CZE/SVK Battle Group EU certification procedure is divided into several evaluation procedures: preparation planning evaluation, war-fighting evaluation, and technical evaluation. Each procedure will be developed by specialized teams with representatives in the sub-working group to ensure that the different procedures harmonize. 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 Ministry of Defence. All information and data for this paper were drawn from unclassified sources. The written sources are listed in the matrix above.

NATO's Strategic Concept: An Important Step Towards Military and Political Qualification of Alliance

Reviewed

Kpt. Mgr. Karel Zetocha, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 3-14

The main Alliance mission is to "safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries" and to "deter and defend against any threat of aggression against any of them". Those general tasks are tailored today to changed international security surroundings. In May this year, a report by the experts group was released, forming the basis for further negotiations over the new strategical concept of NATO. The experts produced a document of first-rate quality identifying main tasks NATO is facing today. At the same time this document redefines prospective directions the Alliance should follow in the years to come. Without a broad popular support NATO's engagements namely off European territory couldn't be vindicated and justified. The same is true as far allocation of sources for NATO missions and developing military capabilities are concerned. So, the communication with public thus becomes a further dimension of this highest strategic document.

The Czechs in Afghanistan

Informational pages

RNDr. Nikola Hynek, M.A., doc. PhDr. Jan Eichler, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 88-100

The Provincial Reconstruction Team of Czech Republic operates in very complicated conditions and environment that are in fact hostile. It can't be excluded that growing scepticism, today common among Afghanistan security experts, more or less could affects even Czech members of ISAF missions. This study deals with existing knowledge end experiences of Czech PRT in Afghanistan. It is divided into two parts. The fi rst one concerns with outside and inside factors infl uencing ISAF missions. It brings in details characteristics of geographical, historic ambiances in which ISAF mission are performed. The second part concentrates on tangible experiences of Czech PRT members, both in political and military spheres. Here the authors summarize conclusions and upon them they outline challenges for the future.

Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions Adopting Another Distinct Emblem (The Red Crystal)

Military law

Ing. Mgr. Rostislav Richter

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 3/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 181-190

There are three protective emblems in use: the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and the Red Crystal. As protection symbols, they are used in armed conflicts to mark persons and objects (buildings, vehicles, etc.) which are working in compliance with the rules of the Geneva Conventions. The cross, crescent or crystal must be used alone for what is termed "protective" use, to safeguard relief workers. The article predominantly deals with the third protocol emblem also known as the Red Crystal. In short it summarizes its history. Because of the controversy over Israel's national society Magen David Adom and a number of other disputes, the introduction of an additional neutral protection symbol had been under discussion for a number of years. In fact, this symbol is quite unknown in our country.

Security System Reforms: Support to Comprehensive Approaches of EU Crisis Management is also Czech Cause

Military art

Plk. gšt. Ing. Jaromír Zůna, MSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 87-100

In spite of the fact that it is a new concept, it presents one of key methods of international engagement in crisis areas the EU prefers. Its main components are crises prevention and securing stabilization. Security tasks are composite problems solving one of main state functions: to guard external and internal security together with principles of civil control. This essay among others aims to explain practicability of the EU's concept of preventive engagement as a tool of implementation of the European Security Strategy, further it describes European concept for crisis management missions in the field of civilian administration supporting security and justice. At the end there are some recommendations for the Czech Republic how to form capacities for EU missions and for the transformation of Czech security sectors.

EU Battle Groups' Deployability in ESDP Operations

Military art

Ing. Jaroslav Kulíšek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2009, Vol. XVIII. (L.): 31-58

Factors such as distance, destination, deployment demands, duration, represent key elements to determine logistics requirements. The EU BG concept necessitates considerable strategic air/sea lift and combat support capabilities, since EU battle groups are to be able to be deployed almost anywhere in the world, primarily in Africa. They have to deploy both troops and materiel simultaneously to its mission areas. Strategic airlift is the fastest way of deploying troops over long distance. The main challenge for the EU is therefore availability giant airplanes. A lack of suitable European transport crafts in EBalabáuropean airlift fleet is the Achilles heel to the EU BG Concept. The problem is that all aircraft available have only limited payload capacities and flying range. Although deploying by sea is more time consuming than deploying by air, EU member states have more ships available for strategic sea transport. The strict deployment deadline set down in the EU BG Concept means that ships and crews will have to be held at very high readiness.

Homage to Eightieth Birthday of Miroslav Purkrábek

Personal data

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 197-201

Had PhDr. Miroslav Purkrábek, CSc. was still alive today, he would be 80 years old. It was on September 8, 2005, that Miroslav Purkrábek, suffered a stroke. This year it has been fi ve years since he died. He was a person who contributed to social sciences on three distinctive fi elds: military sociology, sociology of military health, and sociology of public policy. As a gifted scholar he expected that alongside with disarmament talks and preparing collective defence, especially after the fall of world?s socialist system, that task of the army would shift towards preventive, threatening role. But he even lived to see the moments when military professionals were engaged in real combat, in preemptive conflicts, against non-traditional, assymetric forces of guerrilla character. At the same time he could see that another hypothesis of transition to all professional forces was going be fulfi lled. Unfortunately, the Czech Army was not prepared for this important process, as political and MoD leaders at were occupied by this theme of professionalization only marginally.

The Report by Madeleine Albright's Team and Its Wide-ranging Contexts ("Council of Wise Men" and Drawing up the Alliance's New Strategic Concept)

Reviewed

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 15-30

This concept has been preparing since the early 2009. In short, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation must be increasingly prepared to intervene far beyond its borders. In the coming decade, NATO will have four central inter-related military missions. The first requirement is to "deter, prevent and defend" against aggression, so as to ensure the political independence and territorial integrity of NATO member states. The report insists on the need to send out military missions beyond the treaty area "when required to prevent an attack on the treaty area or to protect the legal rights and other vital interests of Alliance members". Any expeditionary mission must be based on the principles of the UN charter. Another key item is to cooperate better with those partners, and others worldwide, in order to tackle the new threats posed by cyber attacks, piracy, arms proliferation and energy supply insecurity and climate change. However, in order to achieve the new goals, NATO "must halt the precipitous decline in national defence spending", and to introduce reforms to make spending more efficient.

Specialities in Geospatial Support with Respect to Changes in KFOR Mission

Informational pages

Pplk. Ing. Vladimír Kovařík, MSc., Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 109-113

The definitions of the geospatial support used in different NATO missions and at command levels are very similar. However, the real content varies and it is affected by particular command level and the territory supported. The article describes the structure and manning of the Geographic Section at the HQ KFOR Pristina, Kosovo, and the Geographic Cells of all KFOR Multinational Task Forces. The author discusses the changes on both the customer and request sides and their changes caused by a recent transition of KFOR to the "Deterrent Presence" operations. Our soldiers work in leading positions and specialist occupations. Since 2003 the Geographical Service (GeoSl) has been regularly occupying geographical posts at KFOR Command Pristina. Those positions are prestigious, recognized by all NATO geographical community.

NATO is Preparing a New Strategical Concept

Nonreviewed

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2010, Vol. XIX. (LI.): 3-21

The primary purpose for NATO enlargement, covering first three countries of the so-called Visegrad Four and later Slovakia, was the necessity to fulfil "security vacuum" in Central and subsequently in Eastern Europe which came into existence after the fall of Soviet empire. Membership of those countries helped to fix criteria for admission of other states to the Alliance. Today, the NATO alliance stands in front of new important challenge: to work out a New Strategic Concept agreement in late 2010, based upon the idea saying that the security of Euro-Atlantic region is tied with and depends on the safety of the whole world. This safety concept will able to be realized only by means of global strategical governance. More then predicting expected security and defence ideas, the author reopens a broader discussion about the real meaning of NATO membership. He also repeats and enumerates risks and threats we are facing today.

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