If War Comes Tomorrow? by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780714648019
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 1998-05-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 4

PROSPECTS FOR MILITARY CONSTRUCTION

The defense of a country is equated to the value a nation puts on its sovereignty.

(old but not obsolete saying)

During the Cold War, the whole system of arms and structure of armies and navies were created for use under conditions different from today, namely, for global war with the application of nuclear and conventional weapons. But now, and in the long term, the armed forces are intended for the solution of other problems, which have already been considered in previous chapters. In particular, strategic nuclear forces, as the most destabilizing component of the armed forces, are necessary only in the amount and composition sufficient for ensuring strategic deterrence. The role of air and naval forces has acquired new significance. For continental powers (for example Russia and China) the importance of ground forces will be preserved, although modified to fit new conditions and fulfill new objectives. Generally, among the composition of the armed forces, there is an increased need for a greater proportion of mobile forces, consisting of rapid reaction forces (assault forces with the necessary air and sea trans-portation means), and rapid deployment forces (forward units of ground forces, the air force and navy). Units intended for fulfillment of peacekeeping objectives and conduct of special operations are becoming more essential.

The structure of peacekeeping forces should be determined not only by the goals and needs of national defense, but also by the number of peacekeeping tasks entered on in the interests of international community. In view of the new requirements to the armed forces, methods of their manning, command and control, their organizational structure and direction of training of armies and navies will be improved.

1 PROFESSIONAL ARMIES OR CONSCRIPTION? (METHODS OF RECRUITMENT OF ARMED FORCES ON A MIXED COMBINED PRINCIPLE)

A significant influence on the character of armed struggle has always been exerted by ‘the human factor’ which in many respects depends on the method of recruitment of the army and navy. Much depended on the national homogeneity of standing armies. One could mention here, for instance, how much Russia profited from conscription which created an army firmly rooted in its country and tied to the interests of the homeland. This was very different from the mercenary armies of Western European states, manned by foreign soldiers.

Armies, both professional and recruited on the basis of conscription, have a long history of their own. In the Middle Ages, for example, princely and royal armies were the prototype of professional armies, and quite suited for the settlement of internal problems. But in the case of a threat of foreign invasion, it was necessary to recruit a volunteer corps. Later on, with the appearance of centralized states, the creation of national armies began.

Increasing numbers of wars using massive armies required the transition to general conscription in all large states, with comparatively reduced terms of military service for soldiers and junior commanders. Such a method of recruitment made for a closer connection of the army with the people, and the opportunity to accumulate mobilization resources trained in military arts, for deployment in case of war.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.