Research for Attitudes

This briefing examines the rising number of youth smoking in the United States, the effects smoking has on bootcamp performance, the success of cessation programs in the military, and proposes several ideas for future research. The report argues that because of the large numbers, captive audience, and collection of useful data, bootcamp provides a unique setting for testing smoking intervention strategies. The briefing concludes by addressing the problems the military exchanges will face if a substantial federal tax on cigarettes becomes law. DTIC AD-A360279

Despite current political and socio-economic uncertainties, the Russian leaders continue to develop new concepts regarding the role and capabilities of the future Russian Navy. This study examines three likely parameters of future Russian naval development: current implementation of the 'reasonable sufficiency' concept, the Russian image of future war, and Russia's new military doctrine. On both the nuclear and conventional levels, the application of 'reasonable sufficiency' to future naval development continues to generate a significant degree of civil-military divergence. On the other hand, a strong civil-military consensus underlies Russian views on the role of naval forces in future war. Like their Soviet predecessors, Russian military and civilian experts view Operation Desert Storm as the paradigm of future war in strategy, operational art, and tactics. Finally, Russia's new military doctrine and surrounding discussions provide evidence regarding Russia's 'vital' national interests, threats to these interests, and the role of the Russian Navy in Russian national security policy.

In 1991, separatist forces seeking independence have become active across the USSR. In one of the most important regions, the Soviet Far East, such a trend is visible, although it has received scant attention compared to movements in the Baltic states, Moldavia, and other areas. The struggle for change in the Soviet Far East pits the conservative forces, consisting of mid-level Communist Party personnel, senior military, and some members of the defense industrial and intelligence community, against virtually everyone else. The encroachments that this powerful coalition hopes to block include opening Vladivostok, the creation of free economic zones with the participation of foreigners, the conversion of the defense industry, and the emergence of non-communist political figures and ideas (including a plan to create an independent Far Eastern Republic). This research memorandum examines recent trends in the region -- political, military, and economic -- and looks ahead to possible outcomes. AD-A238033

An open debate has erupted in the Soviet press on the future of Soviet carrier deployment. The debate generally pits civilians, in particular the specialists at the Academy of Sciences, against the military (and especially navy) high command. The civilians question the costs and efficacy of the carrier program, while military spokesmen have defended it. This research memorandum examines the debate by focusing on two recent articles that present the key arguments of both sides.