SLOVENIAN ARMED FORCES UP TO 2025 AND BEYOND

Abstract

The paper provides an analysis of the current situation in the Slovenian Armed Forces, identifies weaknesses and advantages, and offers recommendations for the organization and functioning of the Slovenian Armed Forces. We have also examined whether its transformation follows the transformational processes in the Alliance. NATO's DOTMLPF-I methodology and an analysis have been used to determine the weaker areas. We have particularly highlighted the field of personnel and finances that need to be improved in order to ensure a more effective implementation. By analyzing the development of military organizations in the future and by reviewing NATO's strategic concepts, we have established that in order to successfully function in the future, the Slovenian Armed Forces must follow the transformational imperatives of the Alliance today. Furthermore, we have analyzed the requirements lying ahead the Slovenian Armed Forces in the future and described some of the combined unconventional threats. At the end, we have also presented the recommendations for the operation of the Slovenian Armed Forces in the future, namely system consolidation, preparation of a vision, integration, modernization and flexible structure of units as well as financial stability and sustainability. As a fundamental finding of the article, we emphasize the fact that, by 2025 and beyond, the Slovenian Armed Forces should be shaped as a small but still sufficiently strong military force, which by using sustainable resources can provide highly qualified and trained joint forces that are interoperable with the armed forces of other NATO Allies.