THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF DEVELOPING THE U.S. ARMED FORCES OFFICERS’ LEADERSHIP COMPETENCE

Abstract

It is determined that a study on the formation and development of officers’ leadership competence and its essential components based on the experience of leading NATO countries is critically important for scholars and practitioners to realize and for the implementation of effective military leadership and command in the current global security challenges.

It is proved that the USA’s experience is valuable for implementing innovative approaches and methods of leadership training in the military structures of other countries. In particular, it is essential for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the perspective of joining NATO, defeating the violent aggression of the russian federation, and enhancing the national security of our country.

The theoretical and methodological fundamentals of the leadership competence formation and development of operational level officers in the US Armed Forces are generalized and specified.

It is found that the US Armed Forces actively use modern pedagogical approaches, technologies, methods and techniques to ensure their effectiveness and to form and continuously develop a phenomenon of military leadership among the personnel.

The article proves that the organizational structure of military higher education institutions and doctrinal documents serve as a powerful incentive for the leadership competence and all its components to be formed and developed among officers. This contributes to the immediate implementation of the best practices of leadership development in the curricula, increases the effectiveness of leadership training and ensures the adaptation of the military education system to modern challenges and global security changes.

The article highlights that one of the key aspects of the officer corps formation as an effective leadership group in the US Armed Forces is the officers’ recognition of the leadership importance for enhancing cooperation among NATO member states, which is critical for ensuring stability and security within the Alliance.