Efficiency of Food System Operation in Combat Conditions: an Analytical Approach
Abstract
Purpose. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the elements of a multi-level food supply system, as well as the logistical, technical, sanitary-epidemiological, and personnel-related risks affecting the functioning of the nutrition system of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under conditions of active hostilities and the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and to identify directions for enhancing its resilience and operational efficiency.
Method. The study employed both general scientific and specialized methods, including analysis and synthesis, systemic and structural-functional approaches, comparative analysis, generalization of scientific sources and regulatory legal acts, as well as logical modeling.
Findings. Key risks negatively affecting the organization of food provision for military personnel in combat positions were identified, including disruptions and complications in supply logistics, technical constraints on food preparation due to the risk of detection and targeting, instability of energy supply, personnel shortages, and psychophysiological exhaustion of staff. It is substantiated that the cumulative impact of these risks leads to a decline in the quality and regularity of nutrition, an increase in non-combat losses, and a deterioration in the moral and psychological condition of personnel.
Theoretical implications. The study expands the scientific understanding of the nutrition system as a component of combat support in contemporary warfare and systematizes the risks affecting its functioning, taking into account the impact of UAVs and the high intensity of combat operations.
Practical implications. The findings may be used to improve regulatory and organizational approaches to military food provision, to develop recommendations for unit commanders and logistics services, and to support the professional training of specialists in the field of military supply and support.
Originality. The originality of the study lies in its comprehensive approach to analyzing the military nutrition system specifically under conditions characterized by the widespread use of UAVs and the persistent risk of detection and targeting—an aspect that has received limited attention in domestic academic research.
Limitations / Future Research. The study is limited by the predominant use of open-source information and the inability to incorporate restricted-access empirical data. Future research should focus on the development of practical models for autonomous unit-level nutrition systems, the assessment of innovative technical solutions, and the examination of the relationship between nutritional quality and the combat endurance of military personnel
Papertype. Theoretical.
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References
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