Modern means of improving the special abilities of military personnel using the example of e-sports

Abstract

Introduction. Modern Methods of Enhancing Military Personnel’s Special Skills through the Application of Esports. Shynkaruk Oksana, Davydov Denys. National University of Ukraine of Physical Education and Sport. Introduction. Introduction. Research on methods to enhance the special skills of military personnel is highly relevant in the context of modern military operations, where a high level of physical fitness, psychological resilience, and technical competence are crucial for successfully completing missions. These characteristics of military training become even more critical against the backdrop of increasing complexity and technological advancements in military operations. Objective – to analyze modern methods for enhancing the special skills of military personnel through the application of esports and demonstrate their significance. Methods: analysis of specialized scientific literature, comparison, questionnaires, systematization, statistical analysis methods – data verification for adherence to the normal distribution law (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test), descriptive statistics (central tendency and dispersion Me (25; 75) units), χ2 criteria group (for verifying the distribution’s conformity to the general population’s uniform distribution; for independent samples, if all variables in the contingency table exceed 5, otherwise – Fisher’s exact test). Participants. The study involved 4403 military personnel, of whom 89.9% were men. Age distribution of respondents: 28.9% were 21-30 years old, 28.7% were 31-40 years old, 24.9% were 41-50 years old. The enlisted personnel accounted for 56.2%, of whom 69% belonged to the Air Force, and 30.1% participated in combat operations in the last 6-12 months. 34.9% had a secondary education, 27.1% had vocational education, and 38.0% had higher education. The study was conducted from February 27 to April 15, 2024. Results. Developing the special abilities of military personnel through esports is a promising direction. The use of esports games, simulators, and VR trainers helps improve cognitive and physical skills, enhances team coordination, and promotes strategic thinking. Combining these methods with traditional physical and psychological training creates a comprehensive approach to military training, contributing to their effectiveness in real combat situations. Survey results on the use of electronic games and esports disciplines among military personnel indicate a significant role of these technologies in their lives, especially in combat conditions. Most respondents have access to digital devices, allowing them to use these devices for relaxation and recovery after stressful situations. Computer games are a popular means of relaxation, improving mood, and reducing stress levels. Specifically, shooter and sports simulation genres are the most popular among military personnel for stress relief. Research has shown that games can aid in relaxation and mood improvement, particularly in high-stress conditions. Mobile games, due to their accessibility and portability, can be an effective means for quick relaxation and recovery in combat conditions. Games serve as an effective tool for stress reduction, especially in military conditions, where it is necessary to quickly adapt to changes and maintain a high level of combat readiness.