Features of process of development and functioning of mechanisms of state publication in internal communications of the armed forces of Ukraine

Abstract

Problem setting. NATO focuses on strategic communications considering its security component. Strategic communications are one of the top priorities in the world security, thus it is highly important to consider NATO cooperation aspects for coordinated cooperation in strategic communications. One of the most important components of the NATO strategic communications is internal communications, especially work with personnel and internal interrelations.The paper is aimed at considering particular effective mechanisms of public administration in internal communications of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and providing proposals to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and AFU considering personal experience gained in the east of Ukraine. This experience could be implemented in security and defence sector of Ukraine to neutralize threats in hybrid warfare. Recent research and publications analysis. The theory and methods of strategic communications and internal communications are studied in papers of Yu. Bakaeyev, A. Barovska, S. Hutsal, I. Doronin, N. Drahomyretska, D. Dubov, V. Kniazev, L. Kompantseva, O. Kushnir, V. Lipkan, T. Popova, O. Salnikova, V. Semenenko, A. Ivaschenko, Ye. Nevalnyi etc. The Ukrainian scientists pay more attention to problems of strategic communications implementation.In November 2020, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine declared the transfer of administrative processes and principles of the AFU to new standards till the end of 2022. Moreover, he underscored that a new style of military leadership, new philosophy of relations within the AFU.Highlighting previously unsettled parts of the general problem. Despite the permanent focus on the internal communications issue, it should be improved in view of current information environment and hybrid threats affecting the Ukrainian society conscience.Paper main body. Internal communications mean the process of information exchange among staffs and units; commanders and staffs (vertically) and among units (horizontally) based on effective relations among subordinates and commanders. According to the NATO standards, the internal communications are aimed at aligning the large-scale tasks, plans, and strategies defined by the commanders and personnel. The internal communications contribute to the organization (ministry) image. The example of the effective internal communications system is the project implemented in the anti-terror operation (ATO) region in the east of Ukraine in March 2015. It consisted of formation of high mobile groups of internal communications which worked in ATO region and resolved service related problems. This project was aimed at hearing people, supporting them, teaching them to act in difficult situations, providing appropriate answers to their questions.Groups dealt with moral and psychological, social and legal support issues. They consisted of representatives of clergy, public organizations, and artists to support commanders in establishing the personnel communication and appropriate psychological support. Their activities were focused on establishment of internal communications as a component of the effective administrative activity and leadership in order to achieve personnel motivation and loyalty. Generally, there were five groups responsible for administration issues of all groups involved, for moral support, for psychological support, for social and legal support, for cultural support.Groups used methods, questionnaires, and tests approved by instruction of the AFU General Staff and scientific research institutions.Conclusions of the research and prospects for further studies. The current challenges force the scientists to search solutions in the interests of national security and defence, meanwhile, there is no comprehensive approach to the improvement of the internal communications system. The current system of internal communications should be thoroughly revised based on the experience gained in the east of Ukraine and NATO nations.