IUM - Revista de Ciências Miliares
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- Influence of non-financial rewards on multiple commitments in the Portuguese Armed ForcesPublication . Martins, Mónica Solange de Jesus Pereira Martins; Nascimento, José LuísFaced with recruitment difficulties and the continuous outflow of personnel from their ranks, military institutions are challenged to develop human resources policies that enhance motivation and personnel retention. This study analysed the influence of Non-Financial Rewards (NFR) on the multiple commitments of Portuguese Armed Forces personnel – specifically commitment to the supervisor, the military profession, and the organization – while considering the mediating role of organizational trust. The objective is to provide evidence that allows the Armed Forces to adjust their human resources policies in alignment with their strategic goals. To this end, an electronic questionnaire was administered to 24,058 personnel from the three branches of the Armed Forces, resulting in a final sample of 545 valid responses (a response rate of approximately 2.27%). The results confirm that NFR positively influence the different types of commitment, especially in their affective dimension, and that this influence is partially mediated by organizational trust. The tested structural model showed good fit indices and statistical stability; the calculative dimension of commitment was eliminated due to its weak statistical explanation and theoretical inadequacy within the military context.
- On the Scattered Islands and maritime delimitation in the Mozambique Channel: a legal and geostrategic perspectivePublication . Faria, Duarte Lynce de FariaThis article analyses the legal status and geostrategic relevance of the Scattered Islands in the Mozambique Channel, focusing on the effects on maritime delimitation and sovereignty disputes involving France, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Comoros. A qualitative and interdisciplinary methodology is adopted, combining geopolitical analysis with a doctrinal and jurisprudential assessment of relevant international legal sources, notably Article 121 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It adopts a qualitative approach combining geopolitical analysis with a comparative legal assessment of normative sources and international case law, focusing on Article 121 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and analogous cases (Selvagens and Chagos). The study frames the subject and the relevant literature, assesses the legal nature of the formations (islands/rocks), and applies the applicable criteria to regional scenarios. It concludes that, in the absence of permanent human habitation and of an autonomous economic life, the Scattered Islands tend to qualify as “rocks” within the meaning of Article 121(3). Consequently, they are not entitled to generate an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or a continental shelf, which limits the projection of maritime jurisdiction. The Chagos precedent further supports an interpretation of the dispute through the lens of territorial integrity and decolonisation.
- Military logistics deployment in disaster scenariosPublication . Barino, Raphael SepulvedaThe climate disaster that struck Rio Grande do Sul in 2024 stands as the most devastating ever recorded in Brazil, unprecedented in both magnitude and scope. The complexity of the crisis demanded an unprecedented relief operation from public authorities, underscoring the strategic role of logistics in mitigating the consequences of natural disasters. This article aims to outline and analyse the logistical capabilities mobilized and employed during this event in southern Brazil, through a case study structured on the DOTMLPF-P framework, with emphasis on the assessment of military logistical means. The analysis revealed a coordinated response by the State, involving multiple actors and resources, characterized by multidisciplinary and integrated actions, highlighting interagency cooperation and the structuring of operations under emergency conditions.
- Lone actor terrorism-patterns, trends and reflections on its impact on public perceptions of (in)securityPublication . Cruz, João Carlos Ribeiro; Tiago, Mélanie Basílio MesquitaThis theoretical-empirical study examines lone-actor terrorism, which is characterised by attacks carried out by individuals with no formal ties to organised groups, and reflects on its impact on public perceptions of insecurity. The methodology combines a critical review of existing literature with an analysis of data on unaffiliated attacks, focusing on frequency, modus operandi, lethality, targets and location. The data, which covers the period from 1997 to 2020, was obtained from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD). The analysis revealed that, while unaffiliated terrorist attacks represent only 0.5% of global terrorism incidents, their frequency has increased in recent years, particularly in Western nations. Despite being statistically infrequent, these attacks have a heightened psychological and social impact due to their unpredictability and widespread coverage in the media, which contribute to a perception of insecurity that far exceeds the actual level of threat. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive preventive strategies, including strengthening social cohesion, promoting media literacy and monitoring individual radicalisation processes. By enhancing our understanding of the role of decentralised terrorism in amplifying public perceptions of insecurity, this study offers valuable insights that may inform future research and contribute to the development of more effective public policies.
- Strategic-military measures that Portugal can adopt to enhance the relevance of its sovereign territory for Nato and the EUPublication . Escorrega, Luís Carlos FalcãoThis paper explores the strategic and military relevance of Portugal’s sovereign territory within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). The study employed the following tools and methods: a deductive approach, a qualitative methodology and a case study design. Data were collected from interviews and documentary sources, and subsequently processed using strategic analysis tools. The findings show that Portugal plays an important role in countering major threats to NATO and the EU within its sovereign territory by performing the following strategic functions: surveillance and control of the Atlantic; enhancing enablement and military mobility; providing strategic depth and national engagement; countering hybrid threats; building resilience; combating terrorism and organised crime, and; mitigating the effects of climate change. While the national military strategy in this area is suitable in terms of objectives and acceptable in terms of methods, gaps were identified in terms of feasibility, as the resources needed for full implementation are insufficient. To enhance the military and strategic relevance of its sovereign territory, Portugal must enhance and modernise its Armed Forces; strengthen its presence and surveillance in the Atlantic, develop and upgrade its strategic infrastructure; invest in cyber defence and resilience against hybrid threats, and; participate in international missions, projects and cooperation initiatives.
- Retention of military physicians in the portuguese armed forces: employer attractiveness, perceived organisational support and people managementPublication . Loureiro, Maria Inês Monteiro Godinho de Matos; Fachada, Cristina Paula de Almeida; Loureiro, Nuno Alberto Rodrigues SantosThe Armed Forces (AAFF) face significant challenges in retaining highly trained and specialised personnel, particularly military physicians. In Portugal, this issue has led to a growing shortage of these professionals, driven by a worrying turnover rate. This study, grounded in inductive reasoning and employing a mixed-methods research strategy, aimed to assess Portuguese military physicians’ perceptions of the attractiveness and support provided by the AAFF, their turnover intentions (TI) and the People Management Practices (PMP4.0) they most value. The goal was to identify strategic guidelines to retain these high-value assets. Based on a sample representing 60% of all military physicians, the research revealed that the AAFF are perceived as only marginally attractive, and particularly unattractive in terms of benefits and rewards. Perceived organizational support (POS) among these officers is low and their TI is, overall, low. The PMP4.0 they most value tend to address the areas that these officers consider to be most lacking in attractiveness and organizational support. The study proposed strategic guidelines, which, after validation and analysis, provided internal employer branding strategies to help retain military physicians.
- Military readiness: debates and definitionsPublication . Lima, Leonardo da Silva; Migon, Eduardo Xavier Ferreira GlaserThis article provides a literature review on the concept of “readiness,” examining its definition and connections to other defence-related themes. It identifies key issues and proposes an operational framework for readiness. A systematic bibliographic review was conducted using a qualitative and exploratory research approach. The main finding is a conceptual definition of readiness: the state in which a military force maintains all required capabilities to deploy within a specified timeframe, execute its designated activities and tasks and accomplish assigned missions using its own organic resources. Readiness is conceptualized here as a dynamic state, a temporary condition characterized by an unstable equilibrium that requires ongoing resource allocation to prevent degradation. The article is organized into the following sections: an introduction; methodology; theoretical and conceptual framework; a review of existing readiness concepts; and a results section, in which the proposed concept of readiness is detailed, along with its typologies, measurement approaches, and associated trade-offs. The article concludes with recommendations for further research.
- Shots in the dark: proportionality, distinction and legality of attacks in outer space, during armaed conflictPublication . Martins, Pedro GilThis study analyses how International Humanitarian Law is applicable to the conduct of hostilities in outer space in the absence of a body of legal norms specifically adapted to the conduct of hostilities in that domain. The key criteria are the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. The extension of hostilities between States to the space domain, in the event of open armed conflict, seems an inevitability, given the growing dependence of States’ military power on their space capabilities – especially for the most technologically advanced States. Methodologically, a legal-dogmatic, qualitative approach was adopted, based on a systematic analysis of the relevant sources of Law. The results of the study indicate that attacks on space objects, including dual-use ones, are in principle lawful as long as they fulfil the key criteria of International Humanitarian Law. The distinction between legitimate military targets faces particular challenges in outer space. The application of the principle of proportionality is especially complex, given the difficulty in predicting collateral damage, yet the rule requires foreseeability anchored in requirements of reasonableness and good faith. The adoption of precautions that are reasonable and feasible is indispensable to ensure compliance with the requirements of legality. The study, in the end and in systematic fashion, proposes interpretative guidelines to guide decision making in this new area of conflict.
- Integration of unmanned aircraft systems in general air traffic in PortugalPublication . Lourenço, João Paulo Ferreira; Páscoa, Carlos Jorge RamosThe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into General Air Traffic (GAT) presents complex regulatory, operational, and technological challenges. This study aims to design a conceptual ecosystem model to facilitate UAS integration into Portuguese airspace, ensuring alignment with international best practices. The research methodology combined documentary analysis of international and national literature and semi-structured interviews conducted with subject matter experts. The interviews focused on system, infrastructure, and airspace dimensions. This analysis identified significant gaps in Portugal’s current regulatory strategies, digital platforms, and airspace management, despite partial alignment with European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulations. Based on these findings, a phased ecosystem model is proposed, beginning with the implementation of test zones for U-Space implementation in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Funchal, and later expanding to support Urban Air Mobility services nationwide. The study concludes that the successful integration of UAS into GAT requires a centralized, automated coordination system, strategic infrastructure investment, and formal airspace designation. The proposed model offers a pragmatic and scalable roadmap to overcome existing barriers, contributing to academic knowledge and providing actionable recommendations for policymakers and aviation stakeholders.
- Integrating additive manufacturing to military maintenancePublication . Rautio, Samu; Valtonen, Ilari; Lehtonen, Juha-MattiThe aim of this study is to investigate what kind of conceptual model should form the core for simulation model studying Additive Manufacturing (AM) in the military logistics supply chain. The focus of the study is on the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles spare parts in the mechanized battalion. In the study, the conceptual model of the key functions of a mechanized battalion's two-level maintenance system with AM support was modeled. Polymeric printing was employed for field- and depot-level maintenance, and metal printing was utilized for depot-level maintenance. We found that the conceptual model is an important phase in the simulation when designing a system where the number of 3D printers at two maintenance levels supports military logistics. We found that system dynamics depend on the intensity of battles (spare part demand), maintenance concept, and the size of the parts to be 3D-printed. It is also clear that the original material of spare parts affects the ability of AM to support the maintenance system, which may change the inventory planning.