The Bugle BALTDEFCOL NEWSLETTER

May ‘09 Nr. 2 AICSC 2009 graduation

Special points of interest:

• SWEDEX p. 3

• BALTDEFCOL song p. 3

• AICSC Graduation p. 4

• Farewell from France p. 5

• Student interview p. 6-7

• Academic writing special p. 9-12

Mr Villu Varjas by the presence and Minister of National De- speeches of Col Aivar fence). ON May 20th graduated Salekešin (EDF Chief of J1), More detailed overview the 3rd fleet of the Army Col Igors Rajevs (Latvian of the AICSC graduation can Intermediate Command and TRADOC Commander) and be found in Course Director Staff Course (AICSC). MajGen (ret.) Jonas Kron- Col Olle Ljung´s article on The event was honoured kaitis (advisor to Lithuanian page 4.

Editor’s introduction The Bugle Mr Villu Varjas pages 9-12, where we have five months in Tartu, and of Est. 2008 published a student essay and course the news section, IN the 2nd number of an article based on the PhD where among other news is Chief Editor: The Bugle we have tried to dissertation of Dr. Eric Sibul. covered the birth of the Mr Villu Varjas keep all the best parts of the Another page that might BALTDEFCOL anthem and [email protected] first number, but at the same arise interest is page 8 where AICSC exercise in Sweden. +372 717 6068 time have fine-tuned some can be seen some moments Without any doubt all Language Editor: robust aspects and launched of the BALTDEFCOL 10th readers should find some- Ms Kaja Võsu some innovations. Anniversary celebration. thing interesting to read The most noticeable of Page 6 with an interview with from the current edition. All Baltic Defence College these is the addition of aca- two AICSC 2009 students suggestions and critique is Riia 12, Tartu demic writing section in the talking about their experi- highly welcomed and should Estonia end of the newsletter on ence gained during the last be forwarded to the editor. Page 2 NEWS BALTDEFCOL

Appreciation for a good job done and farewell to leavers ing and challenging environment for had a remarkable role in developing the students and made their learn- the BALTDEFCOL into a widely ing experience as rich as possible. respected international military edu- Without your devotion and dedica- cational institution. On behalf of the BG Gundars Abols tion the AICSC 2009 would not BALTDEFCOL community I take the Commandant have been as successful as it was. honour to wish you every success in Let’s keep up the same good job your future careers as well as per- DEAR BALTDEFCOL staff! with the JCGSC 2009/2010 and sonal lives. I hope that you will re- Please accept my sincere words of HCSC 2009 starting in August. member the time spent in the gratitude for the maximum effort I would also like to thank all the BALTDEFCOL as the time of new you have all put in organizing and leaving Staff members for their ex- opportunities, innovations and ex- conducting the newly graduated cellent service and input in educat- perience. We will always be glad to AICSC 2009. Without any doubt ing officers from Baltic and non- see you coming back! your hard work created a stimulat- Baltic states. Every one of you has

On the influence of BALTDEFCOL in other regions

mind the tortured relations be- stitution towards a multinational tween Bosnian Serbs, Croats and college took longer than the BALT- Muslims, this is welcome news, and DEFCOL. Since the Dayton Accords BALTDEFCOL can take a part of were signed, the creation of a peace- the credit for this development. keeping training centre was a matter Mr Frederic Labarre The example given by the world’s of common sense, but it is the grad- first multinational staff college is ual familiarity between the members IT seems that the BALTDEF- yielding results even where regional of the security sector of the three COL is the example to follow in relations seemed to forbid it. nations (and two entities) in peace- multinational military training and The curriculum is composed of keeping training that has led to the education. In a discussion with much the same courses and topics, creation, last January, of the multina- BALTDEFCOL adjunct professor but some topics are a novelty in tional college (yet to be named). and occasional guest lecturer Brig- that area of the world, and could be It is not the only region where Gen (ret.) Dr. Heinz Vetshera, I considered in the future elaboration the Baltic example is felt. Since 2006, learned that the Peacekeeping Op- of the curriculum at BALTDEFCOL. rumours of a possible “Greater erations Training Centre (Camp For example, military psychology is Black Sea” defence college keep sur- Butmir) in Sarajevo has begun an prominently featured (although not facing in conferences and discus- unlikely transformation; that of a part of the leadership and ethics sions. tri-national staff college. Bearing in program). The evolution of the in-

Bibliographic database “Baltic Security and Defence” Since 2008 the BALTDEFCOL can be searched by author, title, Library is responsible for develop- keywords or sources. ing the sub-database called “Baltic The idea of the online database Security and Defence”. The aim is came in respond to the continuous to register into one searchable da- information requests of our readers tabase every kind of literature on and the initial solution – different Ms Eve Vahtra security and defence policies of bibliographies – was not very user- Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, pub- friendly. So far the feedback has SINCE 2007 the Library of Es- lished in English since 1990 to pre- been very positive. tonian General Staff of EDF to- sent. You can find the database at the gether with BALTDEFCOL library The database contains biblio- BALTDEFCOL web-page under the have compiled the Estonian Military graphic references to books, peri- Library information or at Bibliographic Database (ESBA). The odical articles and collections on http://www.biblioserver.com/kaitse/ aim of the database is to register all security and defence policies of the index.php?language=english. material about the military matters Baltic States. All records are in- published in Estonia. dexed with subject headings and NEWS Page 3

BALTDEFCOL participated in a multinational exercise in Sweden the tactical levels. AICSC students acted in the exercise as brigade staff officers of two Multina- LtCol Aare Tuvike tional brigades together with students 20-28 April AICSC 09 students from Finnish Na- participated in Command Post Ex- tional Defence Uni- ercise CJSE 09 in Sweden, con- versity and Swedish ducted by Swedish Armed Forces. National Defence For Baltic Defence College person- College. It was great nel, this exercise is mainly known as opportunity to our SWEDEX. Like previous years, the students compare exercise was conducted in and merge obtained Enköping, small and nice town East skills and proce- of Stockholm. dures with officers Exercise was conducted in a friendly international SWEDEX exercise series is mul- with different train- atmosphere tinational and strongly supported by ing and background. participation from the Baltic De- The cooperation ran smoothly and bers of exercise Observation and fence College, the Finnish National all students could study from each Training Team. Defence University, the Norwegian other. After the exercise BDCOL stu- Defence Staff College and the Swiss Together with students, number dents got an opportunity to visit Armed Forces Headquarters. of Baltic Defence College staff Swedish National Defence College SWEDEX focuses on staff work members was participating exercise and famous Vasa museum in Stock- in an operational framework of a as members of Land and Air Com- holm, and spend time in beautiful Peace Support/Enforcement Opera- mand Component staffs, and also in capital of Swedish Kingdom. tion on the operational as well on exercise control branch as mem-

“Banners together”—the new song of BALTDEFCOL

Mr Villu Varjas ration or as he puts it – “it either gether” should actually be called, comes, or doesn’t come, it is not thinks the author. ONE of the highlights of the like mathematics” –, but still The meaning of the song lays in the BALTDEFCOL 10th Anniversary agreed to give a try. idea of what the BALTDEFCOL does. celebrations was the first presenta- To the question how did he As the text says the hope of the future tion of the BALTDEFCOL song find inspiration, LtCol Šerelis gives lives in the college and the BALTDEF- “Banners Together” arranged by a philosophical answer that “you COL is like a light in the end of the Ms. Valli Ilvik and performed by the can’t find it, inspiration finds you”. tunnel. “What we are doing is injecting Tartu Students’ Mixed Choir. The Usually inspiration catches him the light” concludes LtCol Šerelis. author of both the music and the while driving between Estonia and lyrics is the BALTDEFCOL’s own Lithuania or just before falling directing staff member LtCol Va- asleep. For the latter cases he has lerijus Šerelis. The Bugle inter- a paper and pen ready by the bed, Banners Together V. Šerelis/V. Šerelis viewed him to find out more about in order not to lose valuable ideas the birth of the song. by the morning. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania It is no secret that LtCol Šerelis Composing the music was three sisters of the Baltic Sea has had a collection of poems pub- more complicated, because the like fingers in the fist lished and therefore it was a logical author was not particularly famil- united in the fight for peace step that the opportunity to write iar with the genre of the piece. In a song for the college was offered the end he decided to choose In the darkness light always finds the way to him. At first LtCol Šerelis hesi- instead of a typical anthem some- together banners never be alone tated as there could have been the thing more like a marching song, Hopes of the future lives in the college, change that he could not find inspi- and that is how “Banners To- in us and the brothers in arms Page 4 NEWS BALTDEFCOL

AICSC 2009 graduation be back in the BALTDEFCOL in August for the Joint Command and General Staff Course 2009/2010 and some will hopefully be given the chance to join future courses. From my perspective as Course Director, I can just confirm the Col Olle Ljung positive first impressions – this course had a good average level and AFTER 4 ½ months or 19 showed a mature and positive atti- weeks or 95 days or approximately tude as well as a high motivation 600 teaching hours, the students of during the education period. This is the AICSC 2009 finally graduated also proven by the fact that the Class leader Maj Edgars Allers on May 20th. Total of 38 army offi- AICSC 2009 is the first course giving a speech cers from 9 nations (Estonia – 8 since its establishment, which all students, Latvia – 7, Lithuania – 14, students graduate with a diploma. It Azerbaijan – 1, Georgia – 3, Mace- has been a pleasure to work to- this will be the last course that I donia – 1, Moldova – 1, Poland – 1 gether with the course participants directed in the BALTDEFCOL. and Ukraine – 2) received their – special thanks goes to the Class I wish the BALTDEFCOL and Diploma handed over by the Com- leader Major Edgars Allers who has its staff all the best for the future! mandant during the graduation done a great job serving as the ceremony. All graduates are now communication line between the qualified as staff officers. staff and the students. The second part of the Course A successful completion of a was busy with a lot of internal and course is definitely not a one man external activities – among other job but a collective effort from the with the participation in a two whole College. I would like to Preparations for the weeks multinational staff exercise in thank all of you who have been HCSC and CSC Sweden, a final written examination involved in the AICSC 2009 and the but also the verbal presentation of support given to me – the positive the Individual Study Paper to the outcome is the result of your pro- College - and the upcoming sum- fessionalism and dedicated work. mer break is certainly well de- The AICSC 2009 will remain a good served. Some of the students will memory for me personally, since LtCol Harri Ints

Civil Servants Course

Current status: The planning for the CSC 2009 is ongoing according to the schedule and the directing staff is currently finalizing the con- tents of modules in close cooperation with other departments.

Higher Command Studies Course

The draft Course Plan for HCSC 2009 is completed. Currently the staff is working with guest speakers and VSMs. HCSC 2009 will start on August 10th. So far the number of expected students is 14 from NATO and partner countries. Col Olle Ljung receiving a gift from the 3rd fleet of AICSC NEWS Page 5

Good Bye Tartu!

LtCol Michel Comas

TEN years ago, France em- barked into the BALTDEFCOL’s adventure. My country belonged to a small group of nations which decided to support an original and promising project: the creation of a Baltic military institution able to deliver a Western type general staff officer education. Four French officers succes- sively served in Tartu: LtCol Jean- François ORSETTI (1999-2003), LtCol Alain DUPONT (2003- 2005), LtCol Paul WALLNER (2005-2007) and the humble author of this short article (2007-2009). Army officers, we all came from the Transportation Corps (Train in French) and were naturally Subject Matter Experts (SME) for Logistics. But the main and most rewarding mission we got, I guess, was to be appointed as Syndicate Guiding Officers (SGO). I would warmly like to thank the students I had the honour to “guide” and all the officers I met whether in the JCGSC 2007/2008 or in the AICSC 2008 LtCol Michel Comas’ farewell with Commandant BG Gundars Abols and 2009. The best present I received from these gentlemen is their kind words when leaving the European Union and NATO deci- of the BALTDEFCOL and the Baltic course and their friendship: I really sion centres - you can be sure that States. learned from them, both humanly I will keep on promoting the image and professionally. On this February 27th the Col- lege celebrated its 10th Anniver- sary. It was time for France to bid BALTDEFCOL acknowledged leaving personnel farewell to an institution which has reached maturity. In summer 2009, Mr Villu Varjas COL Medal of Merit Bronze and there will be no more French in- with the BALTDEFCOL Service structors permanently posted in On the graduation ceremony of Cross. Col Bo Olof Laveson Ljung, Tartu but it will be still possible to the AICSC 2009 several leaving LtCol Michel Comas, LtCol Daniel get external support from France members of the BALTDEFCOL Lortie and Maj Pawel Dejniak were through our Defence Attaché re- staff were awarded with medals. awarded with the BALTDEFCOL siding in Helsinki. SSG Raitis Žaka and Mr Lauro Re- Service Cross for outstanding ser- Appointed to the French Rapid ino were awarded for their valu- vice as members of the college Reaction Corps Headquarters able service, excellent work and staff, especially for highly profes- (RRC-FR HQ) in Lille - close the commitment with the BALTDEF- sional and dedicated work. Page 6 STUDENTS’ PAGE BALTDEFCOL

Students’ impressions of AICSC 2009

ANOTHER school year is ending I know that with guys from our selves. And a lot of syndicate work and the students are heading back course I can go to every place in the which means that we are working in to their home countries. The Bugle world and I am sure we will be able a multinational environment. That is interviewed Maj Armands Veters to be successful. the difference really. and Cpt Mariusz Hasiuk in order to V: And in the Baltics for the military find out more about their experi- this is the highest school for military What has been the biggest chal- ence in the BALTDEFCOL. education. In our countries we lenge while your stay here? don’t have such a joint course level. H: Biggest challenge was the exams What are your general impres- That’s actually for what the BALT- as they had very high expectations sions of the time spent here in DEFCOL was established. To put of us to fulfil the task during the Tartu? together effort and prepare us, and exam. We had a time limit during Hasiuk: From my point-of-view I this course makes it possible to the exam and we had to fulfil very am really happy that I am here. I had serve abroad. It is good that such a hard tasks. a lot of doubts before my country course is organized in the Baltic V: I can add that the lectures were sent me to Estonia. It’s a foreign States. organized in a way that all the time country and I had doubts that we cannot cooperate together because we come from different countries, but now I am surprised – there is no difference. You are a soldier, you are a professional and you need another professionals from another countries, it is very easy to find the same platform, to be on the same level and cooperate very easily and get friends. Turning to the part of Estonia I am really happy here. It is a Euro- pean country but I had no idea what it will be like to stay here. Now I see it is a very modern country with very friendly people and very good atmosphere, especially in Tartu. It’s you had to pay attention to what a very good town to study here but What do you think are the great- you were doing and what products also good to spend free time. est strengths of the BALTDEF- you were preparing. There was no Veters: My general impression COL and its education? such thing that at one moment you about this course is that it has been H: I would say the directing staff were doing nothing and at another quite tough, that it has put you and the lecturers who are well pre- were under stress. We were on quite under the pressure. But we pared. They gave us a lot of infor- good level all the time. get a lot of knowledge. Social life mation. They have a practical back- H: We felt constant pressure. here in Tartu is quite good because ground, not only theoretical. A lot everything is well organized from of lecturers have experience from What was the best experience the Estonian side and we don’t have different missions in different coun- during the course? any problems. General impression is tries and it is very good for us. Not H: From my point-of-view the exer- quite good as we have had here a only to study theory but to see cise in Sweden because we were properly organized course. from practical point-of-view how to able to see how staff on different solve some problems and how were levels can work together and coop- Why do you think it is necessary these problems solved in different erate. It gave us the big picture of to go to such courses? missions. how our work will look like in the H: First of all, we are soldiers. In V: I have attended courses in other future in the multinational staff. future we will probably be sent to countries as well, and the difference V: I absolutely agree as the trip to multinational missions somewhere is that in the BALTDEFCOL we are Sweden was a really nice adventure in the world and this course gives all the time under pressure. Here is and on SWEDEX itself we worked an opportunity to share our experi- paid attention on working ourselves together with Swedish and Finnish ence, try to work together and now and preparing the products by our- officers in the brigades. It worked

Continues on page 7 FUN & INFO Page 7

quite well actually. In the SWEDEX BALTDEFCOL has been accom- Finland. we were in the same ‘cage’. plished? V: We can see that we can use H: We were learning here together H: Exactly! It’s something like the what we have learned here in multi- but when we went to Sweden we expressions from the outside. Inside national exercise or even in mission. were able to cooperate with Swed- we think that everything is good, We can use it in a multinational ish and Finnish students and there the higher level of studies here, as environment which means that the were no problems. Within one day everything works well. But when BALTDEFCOL is on the right way. we were able to create a very good you go to a mission or exercise staff and start together from scratch abroad then you recognize that the Interview was conducted by Mr Villu without any problems. situation and the level is the same as Varjas in other countries or in some cases It shows that the mission of the even higher than in Sweden or

Show— Queen—the doors of time. 15.-31.05. Where to go, what to do in May & June Theatre Vanemuine. The music by Queen and Freddy Mercury will be performed by Tony Vincent who is one Tartu Song Festival—13.06, 19:00. Ticket—à 50.-, of the brightest young Broadway stars. Tartu Song Festival Ground (Tähtvere). 140 years ago in 1869 started a still-lasting tradition of Tartu Town Day—29.06. Town Hall Square, Anto- song festivals in Estonia, and the main rehearsal was in nius Courtyard, Jaani Church, etc. the place where the Tartu Song Festival is held this year. From 2003, the Tartu Town Day is held on 29th of June, More information from laulupidu.tartu.ee. on the day of the patron saints of Tartu—St. Peter and St. Paul. Day offers concerts, excursions and other Tartu International Wind Band Festival—10.- events in various places all over Tartu. 14.06. Town Hall Square and Jaani Church. For a week Tartu will be filled with sounds performed Exhibition—”200 years of Old Anatomicum”. Old by best Estonian wind bands and big bands. Beside Esto- Anatomicum (on Toome hill), opened from Mon-Sat, nian bands can be heard also groups from neighbouring 11-17.00. countries. Exhibition gives an overview of scientists who have worked here and how the medical science has developed in 200 years. Plus several experiments can be tried by visitors themselves. Guidance in English should be asked beforehand. SuDoKu Estonian Cycling Weekend—29.-31.05. Including Tartu GP and Tartu Rattaralli the weekend offers cycling events from youngest members of family to serious practitioners. More information about events and participation fees from www.tartumaraton.ee.

Emumäe Run—30.05, 13:00. Emumägi (Emuhill). A good way to spend time in the middle of nature. 80 km from Tartu, around North Estonia’s highest “peak” takes place the 5th Hill Run (10 or 5,6 km). The profile of the track and more information can be found from www.emumae.ee/jooks.

Midsummer (St. John’s) Eve—An evening that cannot pass unnoticed. Celebrations often start already on 21st of June, but the main evening has been the 23rd, when bonfires are lit all over Estonia. At bigger bonfires are often Bands playing, games are organized and people are dancing around the fire. Information about locations and programmes can easily be found in the internet a few days prior to the event. Page 8 PHOTO-STORY

BALTDEFCOL 10th Anniversary Celebration

First presentation of the BALTDEFCOL Anthem “Banners Together”

Commandant of BALTDEFCOL with the heads of Baltic States—Estonian Presi- dent H.E. Mr Toomas-Hendrik Ilves and Latvian President H.E. Mr Valdis Zat-

Head of BALTDEFCOL greeting another head — the Rector of Ms Kaja Võsu from Support Staff with her husband Mr the University of Tartu Prof Alar Karis Enno Võsu were among those who used the chance to have a picture with BALTDEFCOL flag in the background Estonian President H.E . Mr Toomas-Hendrik Ilves giving a speech ACADEMIC WRITING Page 9 The Bugle ACADEMIC WRITING SPECIAL

Learning about Leadership

interactive one where main empha- and losing precious time and effort. sis is put on syndicate discussions As students are putting great and students’ individual assignments. effort into writing then it is becom- This is already the second ing more and more obvious that at AICSC, where the first task stu- least the best essays should become dents get after arriving to the col- publicly available. Therefore, start- lege is to write an essay about leading from this issue of The Bugle a Maj Maris Tutins ership. For majority of students this new tradition to publish the best is the first opportunity to sit down and most interesting essays is estab- WE often hear in various dis- and think more theoretically about lished. The first one is going to be cussions the following question this very important issue for at least Maj Edgars Einiks’ (LVA A) essay raised: what should we discuss dur- a few evenings. Such reading and entitled “Military Leaders’ Traits”. ing leadership modules and how analysing theoretical and historical In his essay Maj Einiks focused should we teach leadership in such aspects of leadership is one of the to a very interesting trait – loyalty – an institution as the BALTDEFCOL? most beneficial activities during the in its various manifestations. Al- How much time should be allocated whole course. We are educating ready since ancient times, this term for the teaching and can one learn future leaders and learning from the has caused a lot of debates, and Maj anything about leadership only by historical experience should be the Einiks is elaborating this topic in a listening? In order to deal with some core of a learning process. Without very interesting way thus providing of these concerns, during the last in depth reading and analyzing what real pleasure for readers to think years, the college has gradually such experience has to offer there together with him about this topic. moved away from purely lecturing is too often a temptation to rein- type of teaching towards a more vent a wheel for the second time

Military leader’s traits — Loyalty

this essay, I will present and discuss I will use the case study method only about one of the traits: loyalty. for the examination and analysis of Despite of the fact that loyalty is an the issue. The essay will consist of abstract subject, it does not reduce two chapters in the main body. In its value. The definition of loyalty the first chapter I will explain the Maj Edgars explains that “to be loyal is to be theoretical substance of the term Einiks unswerving in allegiance to the Con- “loyalty”. In the second chapter, stitution and completely faithful to using a historical example from Sec- THE ability for an excellent the lawful government” (Wade, ond World War (further – WW2), management and leading hinges on 2003:4-8). I will analyse the dilemma of loyalty. the leadership characteristics. There One of the common problems is In conclusion, according to gained are a lot of various leadership traits that, in a decisive event in the bat- findings, brief synthesis will be given. such as “loyalty, duty, respect, self- tlefield, loyalty and disloyalty could less service, honour, integrity and be a moral dilemma for a leader and The substance of loyalty personal courage” (Wade, 2003:4- give rise to conflicts of the values. 7), which are important not only for According to mentioned above, the Since times immemorial, loyalty a soldier, who has to be able to lead aim of this essay is to discuss about is widely regarded as being one of and to manage his unit successfully, one of the leader’s traits: loyalty as the most important values. Loyalty but also vital for his subordinates. a concept of moral value and its sometimes can be the cause for a Due to the limited volume of possible contradiction. considerable public debate and even Page 10 ACADEMIC WRITING concern. Due to this, the term loyalty is of wide comprehension and Country can be explained from at least three Government different angles. Superiors First, looking at the definition of loyalty given in the introduction, we can take notice that the second term after loyalty is the “allegiance”, which has a similar meaning. Indeed, when we look at various oaths of Citizens, allegiance from different countries, Citizens, Colleagues, we establish a fact, that the term Colleagues, Units, Units, “loyalty” has the central meaning in Troops, Troops, Team-mates, the oaths. For example, in the Oath Team-mates, Members of of Allegiance of the USA is written, Members of society, that “…I will bear true faith and society, Spouses, Spouses, Siblings allegiance…”. The term “loyalty” is Siblings clearly defined in The USA Commis- sioning Oath as “…I will bear true faith and allegiance…”. Equally, we Point of intersection – can find in German Military Oath, in conflict zone: which is that “…I swear that I will Area of the serve Germany faithfully…”. In addi- dilemma of tion, in Latvia, Military oath is a part loyalty and disloyalty of the Military Law as 4th paragraph, Citizens Nation which defines that “…I swear to be Subordinates loyal to Latvian Republic, its Consti- tution and lawful government”. These examples show that the oaths Outline of loyalty’s interconnection of allegiance are the act of binding oneself intellectually or emotionally either to a course of action or to tionships of loyalty among the chil- turns around German soldiers’ un- your country. dren and their parents in a family. conditional loyalty due to the exe- Second, people sometimes are Similarly, the line also includes the cution of the orders in WW2. I asked to give an answer, what loy- relationships of loyalty among sub- would say that it is some kind of alty means for them and how they ordinates and superiors in a military deep routed mistaken opinion. Ger- would it explain. Most of them bind unit, the citizens and the govern- man soldiers were stereotyped as loyalty with the faithfulness. Besides, ment in country, soldiers’ loyalty to being implicitly obedient. However, I the faithfulness is a feeling of being their country. will prove by a fact from the WW2 on safe ground that one can relay In contrast, second line is ori- history that this general impression on fellows in every situation. For ented horizontally. In this case, loy- is not true. In fact, during WW2, example, if a platoon leader can alty creates an area of the relation- there were a huge number of Ger- trust his subordinates in a battle- ships among members of society or man soldiers, who were awkwardly field, he is able to execute an order organization, horizontally. It means situated standing for the dilemma: successfully. that it is some kind a spirit of to execute the order or to disobey Essentially, loyalty is a matter of friendly familiarity and goodwill be- it. It was a moral dilemma for them. relations. Without reference, to the tween comrades, the same applies The definition of the term “moral kind of the organization and the for team-mates and soldiers as well. dilemma” explains that “…moral social structure of society, faithful- The point where lines intersect is dilemmas are dilemmas because of a ness is the ability to enjoy some- the conflict zone between loyalty certain kind of conflict between the body's confidence. and disloyalty. I would say that this rightness or wrongness of the ac- Finally, basing on my experience is a dilemma of loyalty. tions and the goodness or badness and my understanding I recognized of the consequences of the ac- that loyalty can be schematically The dilemma of loyalty tions”. outlined. For that reason, there are Indeed, on the one hand, the lives two main straight lines of loyalty. There is an incredible confor- of subordinates could be lost, when The vertical one includes the rela- mity of opinions, when a discussion an operational order is carried out, ACADEMIC WRITING Page 11 which is contradictious with moral lemma of loyalty for Guderian, be- must be able to understand the norms. On the other hand, the cause he put his life on the line and term “loyalty” and its strategic and unit’s leader could fall into disgrace, could get punished and be court- critical meaning, as well. He should when he refuses to execute the martialled for the disobedience. The think about and take care of his order. given example shows that in such subordinates in every situation. In other words, it is human be- situations, a military leader can of- ing’s infighting with himself to make ten be faced with the issue of moral Bibliography right decision in a decisive event. An dilemma. It matters for him to be excellent example for this is Gen- loyal to his subordinates or disloyal 1. Guderian, Heinz (1952), eral Heinz Guderian. He became to his superiors. Besides, it also is an “Panzer Leader”, reprinted 1996, famous and is known as excellent issue of moral obligation to the sub- (Da Capo Press edn.) theoretician and practitioner for his ordinates and high individual stan- 2. The Leader's SMARTbook, contribution to the modern warfare dards of the military leader. The Training Management, Leadership and Team Building, 2nd Revised worldwide. He also was an officer of welfare of subordinates which must Edition, 2003, The Lightning Press, brave spirit, who took care of his be safeguarded was a value of great Norman M. Wade, Lakeland subordinates till the lowest position importance for Guderian. Finally, 3. Germany’s Military Oath at in their ranks. In 1941, in the harsh according to discussed above, there http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/ winter by -30o C in Russia he under- is no doubt, that a military leader sg/__9.html accessed on 17 January stood that it is the very last time for with high moral traits is better in 2009. his dead tired armoured troops, decision making process than an 4. Latvia’s Military Oath at http:// which were “without winter cloth- officer with lower ones. www.likumi.lv/doc.php? id=63405&version_date=01.01.2009 ing” to withdraw to safer positions, &from=off accessed on 17 January where the soldiers can rest and get Conclusion 2009. shelter for them till spring. After 5. “Personality Profile: General WW2 Guderian wrote: In the first chapter I explained Heinz Wilhelm Guderian”, Pointer, …I can not sleep…, … I try to think the theoretical substance of the Journal of the Singapore Armed what more I can do to help my poor term “loyalty”. In the second chap- Forces, 2003, vol.29 no.3, at http:// soldiers who are out there without shelter, using a historical example from www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/ ter in this abominable cold. It is fright- WW2, I analyzed the dilemma of publications/pointer/journals/2003/ v29n3/personality_profile.html, ac- ful, unimaginable. the loyalty. cessed on 14 January 2009. Guderian, 1952:266 In summary, when we compare 6. Reichswehr’s (from 1935 – the definitions of loyalty from differ- Wehrmacht) Military Oath at http:// The troops were in a state of ent sources and how loyalty applies www.nationmaster.com/ emergence. He saw that it would to each member of society, I came encyclopedia/Reichswehreid ac- lead unavoidably towards total de- to a conclusion that they are of the cessed on 19 January 2009. struction of the army, what he had same kind with the same meaning. 7. The Oath of Allegiance of the created. Due to this, Guderian hav- Loyalty has a great moral value. It USA at http:// ing high moral standards and looking plays a significant role for the sol- immigration.findlaw.com/ articles/2947.html accessed on 17 danger in the eyes, immediately re- diers. At the same time, there are January 2009. ported to the Supreme Com- different loyalties and a conflict zone 8. http://www.friesian.com/ mander-in-Chief Adolf Hitler his created between loyalty and disloy- dilemma.htm accessed on 19 Janu- intent: withdrawal of armoured alty is an area for the dilemma of ary 2009. troops to the safer positions, loyalty. 9. The USA Commissioning Oath namely, to the rear area. Adolf Hit- The stereotype that German at http://www.militaryoath.us/ ac- ler rejected Guderian’s intent and soldiers were implicitly obedient in cessed on 17 January 2009. issued an order to dig in and to stay WW2 is wrong. There were high in the same positions. Despite the ranking officers among them, who Hitler’s order he made a decision to disobeyed orders risking with their withdraw the troops. After that H. lives and career. They kept in mind Guderian was removed and sent to their soldiers’ needs in even critical the Officers’ reserve pool. situations. I assume that Guderian as an In my opinion, Guderian made experienced officer checked all pos- one of the best examples of the sible solutions which he identified: leadership lessons, how should an to leave soldiers on the battlefield officer act in a critical situation. An or to pull out the troops to the officer, who has the willingness to safer positions. It was a moral di- become an excellent military leader, Page 12 ACADEMIC WRITING

Iron horses and iron men in Korea*

of overland transportation in Korea way cars were improvised to pro- for the Japanese was to move mili- tect railway lines. The war stale- tary materiel between ports on the mated on the original border be- straits of Tsushima to Manchuria, tween North and South Korea in which strategically, was the most middle of the peninsula. The Chi- important part of their Empire. As nese Communist tired to break the Dr. Eric Allan Sibul railways were the most efficient United Nations lines with mass in- means of strategic military move- fantry attacks. However, the out- WHEN Communist North Ko- ment, the Japanese developed a very numbered friendly forces were able rea attacked South Korea on 25 good railway system in Korea. Both counter the hordes of Communist June 1950, neither the South Kore- the United Nations and the Com- infantry with massive artillery bom- ans or the western world was ready munists were dependent on rail bardment. The ability to supply for or expecting a major war. The transport to support their forces. large amounts of artillery ammuni- South Korean army was lightly In South Korea, the Korean Na- tion to the front was largely due to armed being truly more of a con- tional Railroad (KNR) had the task the growing efficiency of the KNR. stabulary force. The North Korean rushing reinforcements and supplies In July 1953, the Communists Communists had a Soviet trained to the front and evacuating fright- agreed to an armistice ending fight- army equipped with hundreds of the ened refugees and wounded military ing. South Korea was able to main- T–34 tanks and heavy artillery personnel. As railways were an im- tain its freedom and eventually de- pieces supported by Yak fighter portant strategic asset, under Japa- veloped into a robust Asian eco- planes and medium bombers. Like nese rule they were tightly con- nomic giant. An important factor in Communist armies elsewhere, the trolled by the Japanese colonial gov- the stabilization and economic de- North Korean army had more that ernment. Nearly all management velopment of South Korea was an share of fanatics, looters and rapists, and technical positions were in efficient transportation system. This who were merciless in their treat- hands of ethnic Japanese. was addition positive effect of the ment of the South Korean civilian The KNR was formed in 1948 efforts of the reservist railroaders population. and young and inexperienced Kore- during the Korean War. Under the United Nations flag, ans replaced the Japanese in these A number of lessons on military America and other friendly coun- positions. In summer 1950, the assistance missions can be drawn tries rushed to troops and supplies young Korean railroaders were from the Korean War railway op- to Korea to help the beleaguered quickly overwhelmed by the gargan- erations experiences. For advisors South Koreans stem the Communist tuan movement task. This led to a and trainers, it is important to have aggression. desperate situation as the United a strong orientation on local socie- The Korean peninsula was a diffi- Nations war effort depended on tal and cultural issues and to de- cult place to fight a war as most efficient operation of the KNR. velop some basic skills in the lan- terrain was quite mountainous and What to do? The US Army Trans- guage of the host nation. When there were few good natural har- portation Corps quickly mobilized working with an indigenous work- bours where supplies could be off- army reservists who in civilian life force, practical diplomacy and re- loaded. The United Nations forces worked on American railroads. The spect native hierarchy are abso- were dependent mainly on the port army reservists helped the Koreans lutely necessary in accomplishing of Pusan which was best natural run the railroads while at the same tasks, even if military personnel harbour and had the best port facili- time they served as advisors and have the authority to issue orders ties on the peninsula. All type of trainers to the inexperienced Ko- to the locals. Many operational and supplies (weapons, ammunition, rean railroaders. administrative methods used in the food, medicine, engineering material, In winter 1950, the Communist United States and elsewhere cannot vehicles, fuel, etc.) had to be rushed China intervened in war on the side be directly transferred to the native through Pusan to the South Korean of the North Korea and the fighting workforce. Often, these methods and United Nations troops at the went back and forth up and down must be adapted to local conditions front. The Communists received the peninsula. Railway facilities were as much as possible. Above all, advi- their supplies overland from the blown up as friendly forces re- sors and trainers must be well ex- Soviet Union through Manchuria. treated and rapidly reconstructed as perienced in their field of expertise During Japanese rule of Korea they advanced. At times running the and have the patient character of a from 1910 to 1945, Korea’s trans- railroads was quite dangerous, as teacher and a mentor. portation system was developed for trains had to run through areas the strategic purposes of the Japa- where bypassed enemy troops re- *The article is based on Dr. Sibul’s nese Empire. The main importance mained. Armoured trains and rail- PhD dissertation