Letnik 9/2, september 2007 - Slovenska vojska

Denis Čaleta
in the national security system. On the other hand, these measures have to assure
an adequate level of operation in procedures which have to be as less disturbing as
possible for individuals and for the whole society.
It appears that armed forces are one of the key subjects of national security systems
to defend a state against external aggression. Armed forces have new roles in
national security systems because of the changing security circumstances and
because of estimations that practically do not anticipate a classical conventional
military attack on a state. Worldwide we are facing processes where armed forces
are acquiring new roles in the assurance of internal security and countering
terrorism in addition to their participation in activities connected with peace
support and peace enforcement operations related to assure international security.
Because of their equipment, skills and organization, the armed forces are more and
more involved in supporting other agencies in the assurance of internal security
and counterterrorism activities. These activities comprise securing state borders,
fight against terrorism, control and defence of national air space, control of the
proliferation of weapons for mass destruction and consequence management after
terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
An adequate analysis has to be done in the Republic of Slovenia which will show
us if the role of some institutions for the assurance of national security has to be
changed according to changed world security factors. We should be aware that we
have limited financial, personnel and material resources in our state and for this
reason we have to go beyond narrow interests of individuals and groups. We have
to start the processes of integrating certain subjects. The main goal of establishing
efficient agencies is that they will be able to adapt to and counter threats which
could potentially threat our national security.
It is necessary to address the question what is the most adequate response of
the modern state to the complexity of international terrorism and the connected
threats of security. The next question is whether it is enough to activate limited
mechanisms or parts of the national security systems, what is the role of vertical
and horizontal cooperation and coordination in all phases that include armed
forces and how important that role is. Recently, it is also important to address
specific roles of armed forces in a contemporary process of countering international
terrorism threats. These questions are also related with dilemmas of different forms
of civil-military cooperation in the field of countering terrorism.
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