The country modernizes its Armed Forces based on the demands of regional stability
PROFESSOR MURAD IBRAGIMOV, HEAD OF MILITARY SECURITY DEPARTMENT, ACADEMY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UZBEKISTAN
In the current globalization and transformation of the system of international relations, the world’s military-political situation is characterized by expanding challenges and threats to international and regional security. We can observe an intensification of geopolitical confrontation; a predominance of the power approach to the resolution of conflicts and crises; a lowering of the threshold for the use of force, including certain weapons of mass destruction; militarization; an intensification of international terrorism and extremism; and an increase in antagonism regarding data and cyberspace.
Universally recognized principles and norms of international law are increasingly subject to a loose interpretation and selective application.
Analyses of modern military conflicts reveal similarities in how they begin. Although modern armed conflicts differ from in their content, composition and duration, they share characteristics that fall into consistent patterns. The Defense Doctrine of the Republic of Uzbekistan, approved as part of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan of January 9, 2018, defines the main characteristics of modern military conflicts as follows:
Advanced information-psychological propaganda to generate political motives and manipulate international public opinion to justify the use of military force to resolve conflicts.
Active use, along with military force, of nonmilitary measures (political, economic, informational, psychological, etc.).
Use of high-precision weapons, electronic warfare facilities, unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic systems, and automated network control systems.
Ability to hit targets throughout the territory of the fighting parties.
High mobility and self-sufficiency of troops.
Active participation of unconventional forces, illegal armed groups, private military companies and other hired personnel, some of which use subversive and terroristic methods of warfare.
Broad involvement and high vulnerability of the local population.
Purposeful destruction (disruption of function) of important state infrastructure, demolition of which can provoke large-scale emergencies, including cross-border ones.
High probability of rapid transformation of one form of military conflict into another.
The restructuring of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces takes into account the social structure of society and the political, economic, scientific, technical and military capabilities of the country, as well as the main characteristics of modern military conflicts.
As with any complex, multifaceted process that encompasses virtually all aspects of social life, restructuring the Armed Forces is impossible without resolving problems that arise daily among state and top military authorities.
In accordance with scientific ideas, reform of the Armed Forces is an interrelated process requiring careful preparation. During 2017 and 2018, Uzbekistan achieved substantial results and developed a strategic approach to restructuring the country’s Armed Forces.
First, the defense doctrine of the country was qualitatively updated based on a flexible foreign policy and the principles of openness. Most important, the doctrine is based on the development of friendly and constructive relationships with neighboring states, placing a priority on the preservation of the motherland’s sovereignty and independence. For the first time, this doctrine has been publicized, which demonstrates the transparency of Uzbekistan’s defense policy. The doctrine defines the principal approach of Uzbekistan’s policy in regard to defense, outlines basic principles for the use of the Armed Forces, and identifies the direction of reform and further development of the national Army.
Second, the structure and tasks of military districts have been radically revised based on the provisions of the defense doctrine and the geostrategic location of the country. In particular, the structure and composition of the Uzbekistan Ministry of Defense’s military units have been completely reshaped and updated.
High-readiness forces have been formed on a contractual and joint basis. Exercises to improve combat readiness, as well as combat and specialized training, are carried out among modular tactical groups of different levels.
Thus, a set of organizational measures was carried out that made it possible to move away from a structure that prevented units from fully engaging in combat training, from strengthening professional skills and from being ready to perform their intended tasks.
In this context, the supreme commander in chief of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces paid special attention to the physical and psychological fitness of service members.
As shown by the recent armed conflicts in the world, military personnel suffer significantly from psychological stress during combat, the consequences of which can be difficult to overcome even in peacetime.
Third, the most important step in the restructuring of the nation’s defense industrial complex was the inception of the National Committee for the Defense Industry, which merged the country’s core enterprises. The inception of a full-fledged defense sector in Uzbekistan in the near future will not only provide the national Army with modern weapons and military equipment but will also create jobs and contribute to the diversification of the country’s economy.
Fourth, Uzbekistan has boosted the role of local public authorities in strengthening the country’s defense capacity. Based on the slogan, “The National Army — our Honor and Pride,” regional military-administrative sectors have been created to pursue a unified state policy in the area of defense, ensuring the unity of the Army and the people.
In this context, it should be noted that Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally supervises the ongoing reform in training professional military personnel at all levels.
The first step was made in 2017 with the creation of a completely new Academy of the Armed Forces, which, while embodying the glorious military traditions of the Tashkent Higher All-Arms Command School and the accumulated experience of the leading scientific and educational institutions of the country, has taken a central place in the unified system of military education. It is making every effort to become the true center of military science.
In particular, it should be noted that the personal involvement of the country’s president and his review of military educational and training systems revealed long-term problems, the eradication of which entails a complex series of reforms. They include the creation of intergenerational continuity and mentoring systems and modernization of the academy and other educational institutions for cadets.
Some of this will entail seeking the most advanced, innovative knowledge and skills by training military instructors abroad. “Professional training of our servicemen and equipping the Army with modern weapons is one of our key tasks,” President Mirziyoyev announced in a speech before the country’s security council.
Fifth, social protection of servicemen, their families and veterans has become more effective. Over 2017-2018, 128 residential homes and several cottage communities were built in the country. More than 3,000 Soldiers were provided with modern, spacious, sunny apartments. From January to April, 2019, 720 families celebrated house warmings. This work will continue, and about 1,500 families of servicemen will receive housing every year.
It should be noted that provisions are made for the reform of the national Army in the Development Strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2017-2021.
The unique characteristics of a state are reflected in its Armed Forces. The geopolitical situation of the world and the region and trends in the development of a state’s internal policy also play important roles. More than 90 percent of the citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan support their president, and the active and sincere desire of the personnel of the Armed Forces to participate in reforming the national Army gives us confidence that we will reach the stated objectives.
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