SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE FORMATION OF THE IMAGE OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE

Introduction. In the current conditions of Russian aggression against Ukraine and the transformational processes taking place in society, the successful fulfillment of the tasks of protecting the territorial integrity of our state is associated with the necessity of forming a positive image of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and the attractiveness of military service for the citizens of the country. A positively formed image of the AFU significantly contributes to strengthening the state's defense capability and security, as well as its authority. Historical experience convincingly shows that the combat readiness of the troops (forces), the moral and psychological state of the personnel, and their effectiveness in performing tasks in both peacetime and wartime largely depend on the attitude towards the armed forces by all segments of society. However, this process is complicated by a number of objective and subjective factors, including the negative image of military service that has developed among certain categories of the population. Thus, the problem of forming a positive image of the AFU acquires a distinctly political coloring and significant social importance. The aforementioned underlines the relevance of the chosen research topic. Purpose. The purpose of the article is to identify the main socio-psychological aspects of forming the image of the AFU and to develop necessary recommendations for the activities of relevant state and military structures. The research tasks are: 1) to conduct a theoretical analysis of the problem of forming a positive image of the Armed Forces; 2) to identify the main functions of the image of a military structure, the subjects of its formation, and the main socio-psychological aspects; 3) based on the gained experience, to develop a Strategy for forming a positive image of the AFU and recommendations. Methods. Theoretical analysis, synthesis, and systematization of the main principles of psychological-pedagogical science regarding the socio-psychological aspects of forming a positive image of the AFU were applied. Originality. The process of reforming the national military sphere is complicated by a number of objective and subjective factors, including the negative image of military service that has formed among certain citizens of the state. Therefore, the problem of forming favorable image characteristics of the AFU acquires a distinctly social-political coloring and significant public importance. This determines the relevance of the chosen research topic. Conclusion. Thus, the conducted research has shown that the socio-psychological aspects of forming a positive image of the AFU are determined by their nature and history, the military policy and ideology of the state. It is developed by legislative and executive authorities, political and military leaders, and representatives of science, and then through the media, means of spiritual culture and education, and internal communications in the military, it is introduced into public consciousness at both the theoretical and practical socio-political level. The image of the modern Armed Forces of Ukraine is reflected in their level of combat and mobilization readiness, equipment with new weapons and military equipment, the discipline and professional training of personnel, and their motivation for conscientious performance of military duty. A crucial criterion for this image is society's confidence in the Armed Forces' ability to resist external aggression and come to aid in case of natural disasters or catastrophes. Ensuring a high image is possible through the dignified status of military personnel in society, the attractiveness of military service, and the motivation of young people to follow the heroic traditions of Ukraine's defenders. An image is a certain value on which the success of any organization depends. The concept of image has a number of close meanings: opinion, rating, reputation, image, attitude, popularity, fame, prestige, authority, etc. A professionally created positive image of the armed forces functions as an optimal informational object, forming public favor and recognition and ensuring an adequate perception of the AFU as a state power institution. Socio-psychological aspects of forming a positive image of the military are an important component of their combat and spiritual potential. Becoming a part of mass consciousness as a certain image-representation, the image through associations endows the armed forces and military service with additional social, psychological, and aesthetic properties that are not always present in the real characteristics of the object itself but are socially significant for those who perceive such an image. It limits the rational knowledge of the armed forces and at the same time, through its influence, creates a specific socio-psychological attitude towards their perception. The interests of strengthening the security and international authority of the country, as well as the faith of the people and the army in their own strength, require improving the image of the AFU. It is possible to radically change the image of the armed forces with the help of technological, political-technological, and media means. However, achieving this purely through technological methods is not so simple. This process involves a certain change in public consciousness, as well as the creation of new material and spiritual opportunities for the qualitative improvement of the AFU's capabilities in defending the Ukrainian state.