The Specific Characteristics of the Current State of National-Patriotic Education for Future Officers in Ukrainian Military Higher Education Institutions in Contemporary Conditions

In the current period of repelling Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine, the need for the national revival of the Ukrainian people has been actualized. This necessitates the search for effective ideas, methods, and approaches to update the model of the system of national-patriotic education for cadets of domestic higher education institutions, enabling them to acquire qualitatively new personal qualities. The imperative to counter external encroachment on Ukraine's state independence and border inviolability drives the urgent need to reconceptualize the existing framework for educating future officers. This requires implementing systemic measures based on national foundations, with the national idea at their core. The purpose of this article is to substantiate the necessity of fundamental changes in shaping the system of national-patriotic education for future officers. It also aims to delineate the specific characteristics of the current state of national-patriotic education for future officers in Ukrainian military HEIs. This study examines the necessity of cardinal changes in forming the system of national-patriotic education for cadets of military HEIs. It analyzes the key factors of national-patriotic education for future officers, which reflect the specifics of contemporary demands on this process. This analysis provides a deeper understanding and allows for the refinement of approaches to cultivating patriotic qualities in future military specialists. The research identifies crucial pedagogical conditions that contribute to effectively emphasizing the national aspect in the education of HEI cadets. It also determines the appropriate types and forms of national-patriotic education for cadets to be employed in current educational settings. The study underscores the importance of fostering respect for the state language and its significance in shaping a student as a citizen and patriot of Ukraine. Furthermore, it highlights the role of instructors-leaders and officer-educators in military HEIs in implementing the system of national-patriotic education for future officers. The specific characteristics of the current state of national-patriotic education for future officers in Ukrainian military HEIs are, on the one hand, determined by key factors of global significance. These include the phenomenon of the Maidan of 2013-2014 as a symbol of the struggle for democratic principles, human rights protection, and respect for human dignity. Another crucial factor is the overt and unprovoked violation of Ukraine's state border by Russia, the inviolability of which was enshrined in international treaties after World War II (1939-1945). On the other hand, these characteristics are influenced by internal processes related to the re-evaluation of the foundations of patriotism for the formation of a citizen-patriot of Ukraine, and the development of new approaches to national-patriotic education for future officers with an emphasis on the necessity of defending national interests. Collectively, all these elements form the fundamental basis for future officers to develop their national consciousness and self-awareness as citizens of Ukraine and worthy defenders, ready to fulfill their duty to protect Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.