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Czech Military Review

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Results 631 to 660 of 5331:

The First and the Second Russian's Military Campaign in Chechnya: An Attempt to Compare

Informational pages

Jan Jindřich

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 106-116

This work consists of analysis of differences in chain of command, tactics, weaponry and equipment used by Russian Army during the first and the second Chechen war. Main theme is searching for the answer to what degree were Russian generals able to learn from their own tragic mistakes, being done in the first war, and what are the main reasons of Russian relative success in the second. In simplification, the key factors are as follows: new joint command, at the beginning delegated to the Ministry of Defence; detailed planning of combat operations; and respect to enemy combat abilities. In addition: increased effectiveness of Russian ground forces, artillery and air force cooperation, massive deployment of new weapon systems such as Precisely Guided Ammunition and ammunition with Thermobaric effect, last but not least rather unusual effort of the Russian Army to minimize human casualties of its own forces. The reasons mentioned above with many others lead us to the conclusion that Russia is bound for a military victory in Chechnya, nevertheless a long journey remains to be covered.

The State Cartographic Support of Crisis Management

Informational pages

Prof. Ing. František Miklošík, DrSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 119-127

Crisis management in the Czech Republic is organized at several levels. Every level of crisis management places emphasis on different matters and has different demands on cartographic support. At the level of government they ask synoptic maps; at the level of the Czech National Security Council those are maps 1:520,000 and 1:500,000. High demands for maps are prescribed by the Central Crisis Staff that is actually the working executive body of the mentioned National Security Council. It also depends on the stage of crisis situation, e.g. in the phase of preparation they use classical analogue or digital maps and charts, including data sets for Geographic Information System, however during a phase of mere practice they use only analogue maps. We have not a single system of cartographic sources, which makes harder to update respective maps and charts and makes this process even more expensive. This is underlined by the fact that we have functionally similar vector maps, but quite different as far as technological solutions is concerned: DMÚ 25 and ZABAGED.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some New Outlooks on Collective Protection of Personnel

Military professional

Ing. Oldřich Fojtík, Ing. Zdeněk Nešpor

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 160-168

The forces are intended to fulfil combat missions and therefore even the deployment of WMD can't prevent the units from accomplishing combat tasks. They can't stop fighting and leave contaminated areas. The article deals with collective protection of persons in combat vehicles and mobile logistic means of ground forces against effects of chemical, biological and radioactive warfare agents. Optimal solution of vehicle air supply regulation is continuous measuring of CO2 level in the protected space air and simultaneously optimalization of overpressure in vehicle. Needless overpressure eventuates in higher filtered air supply, which shorten service lifetime of collective filter. Newly ratified Czech State Norm ČOS 414001 contains new standardization requirements. For specific situations, this standard allows in the air supplied to the vehicle interior certain levels of CO2 volume. Maximum value of 2,5 % ± 0,5 % is acceptable only for emergency situations, when crew survival concerns. The article describes NBC filter FVZ98M, i.e. filtration and ventilation device, intended for combat vehicle crew protection. Correctness of the principles was proved true by computer simulations.

Small Arms Shooting Practice

Military professional

Mjr. Ing. Jaromír Pitaš, Ing. Hubert Štofko, PaedDr. Libuše Mazánková, Dr., prof. Ing. František Mazánek, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 118-124

The article presents the results of pedagogical experiment in shooting from smallarms at training on shooting trainers, as indispensable instruments for the preparation of military professionals in indoor and outdoor shooting. Computer-generated simulators enable to experience the practice of shooting both for beginners training, as well as for marksmen, and sharpshooters. The trainers we we've developed in our army are as follows: shooting trainer EVJ-91 (optical, infrared), EVJ-94 (advanced, computer aided), EVJ-94/M (five targets), UNIST-94 (screen 2x3 m, VCR, UNIST-97/L
(laser emitter, live shooting), optical shooting range OS-1, OS-3 (small arms practice, up to 50 m, computer-aided,
laser emitter), optical target range TOS-1 (combat fire arms practice, computer-aided evaluation), optical range POS-1 (target devices are replaced by a film screen, VCR), Minitos Duo (tested), combat video-system Dicrosec PSC (interactive), or SOT-1 (rotary targets). Even though those trainers save time and money, we must still bear in mind that live shooting can't be replaced by any trainer.

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.

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.

Value Management of Economic Processes, Functions and Activities in the ACR

Nonreviewed - Research

Ing. Svatopluk Kunc

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 22-31

The concept of development of professional army and mobilization of armed forces of the CR in conditions of a new framework source frame presupposes to introduce "process management" with the Ministry of Defence. Although this tendency is not new, mentioned concept is not generally known, so the author would like to make clearer its roots and reasons its introduction. The success of economic management lies in managing time, quality tied with costs of running processes, evaluating indicators of accountancy, activity-based costing and activity-based management. Our goal is not to evaluate costs, effectivity, but our objective is to constitute departmental economy system with the aspiration to guarantee continually economical rationality (overall economy, effectivity, usefulness) of its processes, activities and performances.

NATO Summit and Energy Security (Riga, September 29-29, 2005)

Informational pages

Prof. PhDr. Vladimír Šefčík, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 118-127

The heads of state and government of the member countries of the North Atlantic Alliance met this date in Riga to face the security challenges ofthe 21st century. The summit provided a platform for interaction between the security and defence community in order to discuss the global threats, challenges to the integrity of the world's energy system. It provided a focus on the pragmatic responses to the challenges to global energy supply and system integrity, enhancing energy security across the Euro-Atlantic area. Part of the discussion focused on defining NATO's role in the field of energy security, as part of state economy security. The Czech legislation doesn't know the term of "criticalinfrastructure". But now, the basic predispositions are being laid down for creating relevant regulations in the field of crisis management. It is gratifying to see that newly approved Czech State Energy Concept is not only in harmony with the so-called the Green Paper, "A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy" of 2006, but it its visions of security, independence, and sustainable development of energetics even exceeds the limits set down by the Green Paper.

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.

Extended Security Concept and Czech Security Practice

Research

PhDr. Miloš Balabán, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 3-11

Since the 90's of the last century we have witnessed the discussions over extended concept of security, under which no national state is the only privileged security subject. The classical military concept is extended both "above", towards international, global and regional problems covering economy, social, environmental or humane issues and "down", in the direction of local communities, NGOs, private subjects and even individual citizens. Even though several important constitutional laws reflecting EU criteria were adopted, we still miss constituting and complete overall concept Czech security system. Of course, we have a document "Optimalization of Security System of the Czech Republic", but it is not the genuine concept, but a mere summary of practical measures dealing with temporary problems, namely after the Floods 2002. The author dares the public to open debate about priorities and goals of security politics of our country, in order to lay down, under general consensus, realistic security system, able to face the whole range of security threats and risks, explicitly in the broad international frame of NATO and EU.

China: Grand Strategy (Taiwan Problem and the Development ofArmed Forces)

Informational pages

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 88-94

The China's impact on world affairs is growing and will grow further in decades to come. Those years will be critical for Taiwan, and for its relationship with other states. Three related factors determine the texture of this interaction: the policies evolving in Beijing, internal developments on Taiwan, and the international environment. Beijing has offered Taipei several proposals for reunification. The proposals, including the recent "one state, two systems" proposal, allow Taipei to maintain its social and economic system, its armed forces and its unofficial ties with foreign countries. China's grand strategy is to make war while avoiding the battle. Therefore, Taiwan is to be persuaded that the acceptance of "One China" principle is vitally important for preventing the Taiwanese independence. Otherwise, People's Armed Forces will open an invasion to Taiwan by three successive attacks: (1) high precise medium-range ballistic missiles DF-21C with the aim to suppress air defence; (2) the second stroke would be massive attack with short-range precise missiles; (3) the last stroke ought to be done by cruise missiles. This essay is adapted from articles by Mary C. Fitzgerald and Eric A. McVadon, Armed Forces Journal 11/2005.

1st Part: Economy Theory and Effective Management in the Army Some Economy Comments on Conditioned Participation of External Sources in Defence Environment

Nonreviewed - Other

Prof. PhDr. Miroslav Krč, CSc.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. ZC/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 3-21

Defence system is effective as far as economy is concerned only when target function is met with the minimal overall costs. It is the opening motto to the study by university economy teacher Mr. Krč, Defence University Brno. He concentrates on the so-called outsourcing, both its strong points and drawbacks, audited account, managerial transaction costs, controlling. The outsourcing is a combination of economic, technological, organizational and humane aspects.

Deep Fight during Counterinsurgency Operations (Adaptation of Warden's Rings)

Military art

Ing. Josef Nastoupil

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 70-74

This article examines depth in the nonlinear battlefield and how planners might develop operational effects to defeat insurgencies. The former field manual stated that depth was the extension of operations in time, space and resources. This is a decidedly linear construction of the battlefield based on industrialized warfare between conventional enemies. The Global War on Terrorism operating environment is both nonlinear and non-contiguous. The enemy has no national borders or traditional infrastructure. If we understand cognitive depth, we can develop ways to paralyze the insurgent system or produce operational shock. Colonel John A. Warden III, an architect of the Persian Gulf War air campaign, introduced Five Rings Model as a methodology for successfully attacking and paralyzing a conventional enemy system in depth. An adaptation of this model depicts tangible targets that together constitute depth in the insurgent battle space. Source: Is There a Deep Fight in a Counterinsurgency by Lee K. Grubbs and Michael J. Forsyth, Military Review, July-August 2005.

The Systems of POL Support of Combat Units in French Army and in the ACR

Informational pages

Ing. Vladislav Vincenec, plk. gšt. Ing. Jaroslav Linhart

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 134-142

ACR by Ing. Vladislav Vincenec, Col. GSO Ing. Jaroslav Linhart. All military units can hardly do without the POL (which stands for Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants), rations, maintenance support and services, controlled in field conditions by Logistics. The authors depict logistic system in the French Army and compare it with that in the ACR. The Fuel Service of the French Army (SEA-Service des essences des armées) represents independent branch of the French Army. They explain its role, purpose and functions. Several charts and tablets comparing data of French tank trucks accompany the description of the SEA. The authors divide POL services in the ACR in several categories: introducing new POLs (Czech Defence Standard 051625); POL technological equipment, cars, vehicles; and finally stationary installations, built in according to long-term planes. Since 2004, the POL in the Czech Army has been supplied via the civilian Administration of the State Material Reserves, the deliveries of POL are carried out by civilian hauliers as it is more economic. The Czech POL logistics system at the tactical level is organized along French SEA lines.

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.

Location of Antiballistic Base as a Strategic Choice

Opinions, controversy

PhDr. Antonín Rašek

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 48-54

Antiballistic defence systems could be defined as a secondary defensive response to ballistic threats, against existing, projected or planned ballistic military hardware. In a way, it is a sort of deterrence weapon, because such defence discourages opponents form the development of offensive missiles. The author of this article, the former deputy defence minister, Maj-Gen. (ret), specifies three relevant antimissiles system: ALTBM-NATO Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence; NATO MD-NATO Missile Defence; and USA MD-USA Missile Defence. The purpose of American antiballistic defence is to counterbalance potential strokes by limited numbers of ballistic missiles, blasted off from both enemy and rogue states and those launched by accident. Allegedly, the Iranians are developing ballistic missiles with the range of 4,000 km. With the reference to the fact that the distance Prague-Teheran is about 3,400 km, and such missiles could constitute an eminent danger even for the Czech Republic, not only for the continental United States, this issue is widely discussed in Czech mass media.

Logistics' Perspectives in the Professional Army of the CR

Military professional

Plk. prof. Ing. Petr Hajna, CSc., Ing. Vladislav Vincenec

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2006, Vol. XV. (XLVII.): 139-146

At present, the current reform of our armed forces is oriented towards qualitative changes. The Brigade of Logistics Support is going to be the unit designated for transportation, maintenance and repair, technological control of arms and vehicles, it must be capable of fluent supplying advances positions, namely by propellants, ammunitions, and further dozens of tasks in frame of joint task groups (National Support Element) or as a HNS (Host National Support). All units will be connected by multifunctional logistics informational system. Logistics system must fulfill its tasks even in time of peace, and thus be prepared for time of crises. The operational engagement in the early 21st century will require light expeditional forces capable of easy and rapid deployment. The logistics support ought to be more mobile, more integrated, more compatible and more precise, with the quick accession to spare parts and maintenance support.

Selected Problems of "Soldier of 21st Century" Project and its Economy Aspects

Nonreviewed - Other

Pplk. doc. Ing. Bedřich Rýznar, CSc., kpt. Ing. Jan Mazal, Ph.D.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. ZC/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 93-102

Main focus of this article is laid on the digitalization of battlefield, command and control, Network-Enabled Capability (NEC) implementation, organization structures transformation brought about by the 21st Century Soldier concept and its economic implications. Based on this topic, the authors present mobile sensor system as a result of research being done in the Military Management and Tactics Department, University of Defence Brno.

Full Professionalization has becoming a problem (A Book by B. Pernica "Professionalization ofArmed Forces")

Book review

PhDr. Antonín Rašek.

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 229-232

The professionalization of modern forces is an upcoming trend in all advanced democratic countries. It is demanded by complexity of current armed fight, advanced sophisticated weapons systems, antipathy of young people to serve in forces; established selective service was not solution, as it was more or less tied with bribery. In our country, compulsory military service was abolished after 135 years of its existence, in 2005. Mr. Pernica, the author of a book "Professionalization of Armed Forces: Trends, Theory, Experience", published by Czech Military Agency of Information and Services, treats military service as a sort of public enterprise in market of labour force. He introduces two models of armed forces: conscript service and volunteer service. At the end of this review Mr. Rašek points out that under the condition prevailing security risks and wide-spread interventionist policy, there is a possibility that we shall have to return to conscription system.

A Long Way towards the Implementation of Managerial Economics in the Army of the Czech Republic

Nonreviewed - Other

Ing. Svatopluk Kunc

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. ZC/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 22-29

Managerial economics is a branch of economy science which constitutes the introduction of economy theories and methods into the practice of management control. The principles of managerial economics can be applied even to non-business and nonprofit organizations. The author introduces recently released "Managerial Economics in the Army of the Czech Republic" (Defence University Brno). Proposed issues of economic control and functionality of system offer both immediate and long-term economical effects

Topical Problems of Security and the Czech Republic

Nonreviewed - Other

Pplk. Bc. Štefan Živčák

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 2/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 29-40

At present, when we are at the height of prosperity and affluence, at the same time we face the most impending perils. There are both global risks, cultural, civilizational, military as well as military-political, which may be enumerated as follows: terrorism, proliferation, regional conflicts, states collapse, illegal migration, ecological threats, organized crime, epidemic, pandemic, international armed conflicts. The Czech Republic, as a small state with rather limited resources and military potential, could solve security risks and threats only in the frame of NATO alliance, with the member states of the EU. Our country has been participating in international crises since December 11, 1990, when our federal parliament approved sending 200 volunteers in Saudi Arabia. Czech involvement covers both military and non-military deployments abroad. The new concept of security system of the Czech Republic should harmonize cooperation of all elements of this system and make it more effective and flexible.

The Space Warfare

Informational pages

Ing. Josef Nastoupil

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 4/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 146-150

Space warfare is combat that takes place in outer space. Technically as a distinct classification, it refers to battles where the targets themselves are in space. Space warfare therefore includes ground-to-space warfare, such as attacking satellites from the Earth, as well as space-tospace warfare, such as satellites attacking satellites. It does not include space-to-ground warfare, where orbital objects attack ground, sea or air targets directly, or the use of satellites for espionage, surveillance, or military communications. Both the Soviets and the United States developed antisatellite weaponry designed to shoot down satellites. While early efforts paralleled other space-to-space warfare concepts, the United States was able in the 1980s to develop ground-to-space laser antisatellite weapons. China tested a ballistic missilelaunched antisatellite weapon in January 2007. So, the US has to evaluate its defensive options in outer space as strategic stakes are higher than ever, as the vulnerability of commercial and military satellites of the US and its allies is now on display after China destroyed an old Chinese weather satellite using an antisatellite weapon.

Lessons from the War of Israel with Hezbollah

Military art

Ing. Josef Nastoupil

Vojenské rozhledy / Czech Military Review Nr. 1/2007, Vol. XVI. (XLVIII.): 59-64

Israeli Defence Forces currently evaluates information collected during recent fighting in Lebanon. Although the war was assessed as successful, there are some deficiencies that are to be improved. (a) Aviation and air defence systems. Israel is prepared against ballistic missiles, it was not prepared against short distance ones. Attack helicopters AH-64 were for the first time deployed for tactical (close) combat support of ground forces. One of them crashed down, other two collided in the air; (b) Armour. Also Israel's Merkava Mk4 was used for the first time in combat. More than 50 of the 350 Merkava Mk2, 3 and 4 tanks used in the military operations in Lebanon were damaged by Hezbollah, resulting in the death of 23 crewmen. During the last year the IDF was constantly engaged in high-intensity urban counterterrorist warfare. The regular forces, including tank crews, were retrained for small unit infantry policing activities. As a result, among others, several tanks lost tracks due to driver's inexperience. The article widely drew from several reputable magazines and reviews: Aviation Week, No. 12/2006, Jane's Defence Weekly, No. 41/2006, Defense News, No. 38, 39/2006.

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