The Bulletin of National Defence University of Ukraine

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  • Vol. 21, No. 1, 2026

  • How to establish effective interaction in military units during the performance of their combat duties

  • Received 30.07.2025,
  • Revised 25.12.2025,
  • Accepted 27.01.2026
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Vol. 21, No. 1, 2026
  • cohesion; identity; conflict; cooperation; leadership; working team; facilitation
  • https://doi.org/10.33099/2617-6858-26-21-1-27-36
  • Pages 27-36

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to ensure systematically organised interaction between military personnel during the performance of combat duties as part of units, since its violation reduces the effectiveness of combat operations and increases the risk of personnel, weapons and military equipment losses, and contributes to the enemy seizing the initiative. The purpose of the study was to identify and analyse key ways to establish interaction in military units in the process of performing service and combat tasks. Based on theoretical analysis, socio-psychological factors influencing the organisation of interaction in social groups were determined. The method of information classification identified positive and negative factors influencing the behaviour of individuals in a group, systematised the stages of small group formation and indicators of their development effectiveness. Synthesis and generalisation of the findings determined the conditions for establishing effective interaction in newly created military units to successfully perform their service and combat tasks. To strengthen unit cohesion, it is proposed to develop and coordinate rules of conduct that strengthen mutual responsibility, and to form an awareness of the common goal of activity and their own role of military personnel in achieving it. For the effective operation of the group during the performance of service and combat tasks, it is recommended to organise and maintain a communication system within the unit (group). After completing the task, it is recommended to hold a briefing to clarify the results, discuss problematic aspects, encourage introspection of the actions of group members, and prevent or resolve possible conflicts. The requirements for the selection of military personnel and their appointment to positions are formulated based on their adequate perception of the tasks of the unit in which they will serve, feedback from unit commanders from the previous place of service (work), in order to better predict their behaviour and create trusting relationships in the newly formed group

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