Desertion in the context of general mobilization: Historical experience and modern challenges
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54103/2464-8914/30275Keywords:
general mobilization, desertion, criminal liability, national security, historical experience, military law, martial discipline, Ukrainian armed forces, UkraineAbstract
The general mobilization in response to armed aggression against Ukraine has significantly increased the number of service members in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations. However, this increase in military personnel accompanies a rise in military criminal offenses, particularly desertion. Desertion remains a pressing issue for the armed forces of any country engaged in active combat operations. Desertion, as a phenomenon, has a long history, with significant cases documented during the First and Second World Wars. At that time, this issue affected the armies of various countries, significantly undermining combat capability and the morale of service members. Desertion from the battlefield during active hostilities negatively influences a unit’s moral and psychological condition and cohesion, substantially reducing combat readiness and the ability to fulfill combat missions. A historical analysis of desertion indicates that it results from psychological exhaustion, the continuous nature of combat operations, and harsh service conditions (trench warfare, lack of rotations, etc.). In some cases, desertion serves as a form of protest against political or military decisions made by the command. Desertion is also significant in modern armed conflicts, particularly full-scale war. The level of desertion at different stages of warfare has had a substantial impact on their outcomes and, at times, has reached critical levels. During World War I, desertion was cited as one of the main reasons for the defeat of the empires. Reaching critical levels of desertion can lead to military defeat and even the loss of statehood in Ukraine. The level and dynamics of desertion in the Ukrainian army have prompted the government and military command to develop effective measures to reduce its occurrence. Historical experience demonstrates that combating desertion is crucial to strengthening military discipline, ensuring resilience, and maintaining the armed forces’ combat effectiveness throughout societal development.
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