MODEL AND PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEADERSHIP COMPETENCE OF SIGNAL AND CYBER SECURITY OFFICERS IN THE PROCESS OF NON-FORMAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The article addresses the problem of developing the leadership competence of officers of the Signal and Cybersecurity Troops, the relevance of which is determined by the ongoing transformation of the system of higher military education in Ukraine, the growing importance of information and communication technologies in the defense sector, and the urgent need to train military professionals capable of acting effectively under martial law, hybrid threats, and a dynamic combat environment. Based on the analysis of Ukrainian and international scientific sources, regulatory documents of Ukraine and NATO member states, as well as the results of an empirical study of the educational environment (surveys, interviews, and expert assessments), the level of leadership competence development among cadets and junior officers was identified, along with educational needs that remain outside the scope of the formal system. The study substantiates the pedagogical conditions that contribute to the development of leadership competence: the organization of a practice-oriented educational environment; the integration of non-formal educational practices (simulations, role-playing, international courses and internships); methodological support for the formation of non-technical skills (situational awareness, communication, stress management, team interaction); the introduction of a multi-vector system of assessment (self-assessment, peer-to-peer, expert evaluation); and the strengthening of inter-institutional and international partnerships. On this basis, a model for the development of leadership competence of officers was elaborated, structurally combining the target, conceptual, content, organizational-pedagogical, technological, and evaluative-resultative blocks. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the proposed model to improve the training system of Signal and Cybersecurity officers in Ukraine, adapting it to NATO standards, strengthening the integration of formal and non-formal education, and enhancing the effectiveness of leadership competence development among military personnel. It is expected that the implementation of this model will contribute to the formation of a new generation of officers capable of ensuring continuity of command and control, maintaining the psychological resilience of their units, and securing the effective functioning of the C4ISR system in the contemporary security environment.