STRATEGIC ASSESSMENTS AS A FACTOR OF STRATEGIC THINKING

Abstract

The paper does not deal with a detailed consideration of strategic assessments, strategic thinking and officer training as procedures and processes, but rather focuses on considering their mutual connection and conditionality with the aim of recognizing and, to a certain extent, defining the framework for future strategic action, primarily in the field of officer education, and consequently their career development and adequate use in duties in the Serbian Armed Forces. The military education system, and in the specific case of officer education and training, is a relatively regulated system in terms of regulations and law, but it is not built on the basis of clear visions and long-term goals that should be defined by a specific development strategy for this area or at least by certain strategic guidelines. There are works and reflections on this topic in the field of teaching and scientific work, but insufficient attention is paid to the institutional definition of specific future requirements and goals, so it is often very difficult to specify and regulate the area of officer training.
The aim of this paper is to point out the need and importance of the existence of strategic assessments in the field of military education, and to highlight their significance and influence on the formation of strategic thinking and action, through an analysis of the current and future training of officers of the Serbian Armed Forces in special training programs (Basic Command and Staff Course, Command and Staff Training, General Staff Training and Advanced Studies in Security and Defense).