Theoretical Basis of the Constitutional Stage of the Experiment on the Formation of Professional Competence of Future Reserve Officers of the Land Forces

The article comprehensively examines the theoretical foundations of the ascertaining stage of the pedagogical experiment aimed at forming the professional competence of future reserve officers of the Army. This stage of the study is a key component in the system of phased implementation of the pedagogical experiment and provides for the diagnosis of the current state of formation of students' professional competence. The aim and objectives of the stage are defined, the choice of methodological approach, in particular, systemic, personality-oriented and competence-based approaches, is substantiated. The concept of professional competence of a reserve officer, its structural components (axiological-motivational, epistemological cognitive, operational-activity and personal), as well as external and internal factors influencing the effectiveness of the process of its formation in a higher education institution are disclosed in detail. Particular attention is paid to the choice and justification of methods of collecting empirical data, including questionnaires, testing, expert evaluation and analysis of educational and methodological documentation. The criteria and relevant indicators for determining the levels of professional competence (high, sufficient, medium, low) are presented. The methodological tools used in the implementation of the ascertaining stage of the experiment are described, with an emphasis on their validity and reliability. The obtained results allowed us to make generalisations about the typical level of professional training of future reserve officers of the Army, to identify problem areas in the educational process, and to determine the vectors of further pedagogical influence. The conclusions drawn from this stage became the basis for designing a formative experiment and developing effective pedagogical technologies aimed at improving the quality of training of future reserve officers.