Draha I. Organizational and pedagogical foundations of higher military education in the Republic of Poland

The dissertation is a comprehensive study, within which the theoretical, conceptual, legal, content, and procedural foundations of higher military education in the Republic of Poland are clarified in order to determine the possibilities of using elements of progressive experience in the aspect of the investigated problem in Ukraine. The thesis analyzes the state of elaboration of the issue of higher military education in domestic and foreign studies. The conceptual foundations of higher military education in the Republic of Poland have been revealed, and the stages of its formation and development have been outlined. On the basis of the study, analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, regulatory documents, we have identified the following stages of the higher military education development in Poland: 1) second half of the XX – end of the XVIII century – creation of the first institutions of higher military education – 11 military schools; 2) XIX century – stagnation in the development of higher military education – due to the loss of independence of the country, there functioned only cadet schools; 3) 1918-1921 – growth of military education owing to the restoration of the country’s independence on the basis of the French system, it envisaged two stages: cadet schools and training courses for officers; 4) 1922-1939 – harmonization of military education aimed at reforming training centers that were responsible for providing military education; 5) 1939-1945 – the war years, during which only the Navy Cadet College operated; 6) 1946-1950s – increasing demand for highly qualified personnel for the needs of the country’s armed forces; 7) 60-80s of the XIX century – reform of higher military education in Poland; 8) 90s years of XX century – 2010 – reduction of higher military education institutions; 9) 2011 – until now – consolidation of military education in the President’s decision on the main directions of the armed forces development in 2013-2022. In order to outline the normative foundations of higher military education in the Republic of Poland, the normative documents reflecting the leading positions in organizing the higher military education system have been analyzed and characterized. In the context of clarifying the content foundations of higher military education in the Republic of Poland, the fundamental directions of activity of higher military education institutions have been characterized. It has been determined that the content foundations of higher military education in the Republic of Poland are: - Diversification of educational programs in both military and civilian domains. - Intensification of scientific research activities within higher military education institutions. - Development of educational programs for military personnel based on a consolidated approach. - Intensification of English language learning. - Expansion of the system for upgrading the qualifications of military personnel. In order to clarify the procedural foundations, the specifics of managing higher military education have been explored, including the structural organization of the system of higher military education and the functional responsibilities of managers in institutions of higher military education. The possibilities of using the elements of progressive experience in the aspect of the investigated problem in Ukraine, which include legislative, procedural and content aspects of the problem consideration, are determined.