Counteracting pandemic threats and consequences : the role of the Territorial Defence Forces in crisis management

Purpose: The main aim of this article is to examine the role of the Territorial Defence Forces as a formation supporting state institutions in efforts to combat pandemics and analyze the factors determining the effectiveness of their participation.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The role of the Territorial Defence Forces in countering pandemic threats and effects was examined through legal and institutional analysis and systemic analysis.

Findings: Analysis of the role of the Territorial Defence Forces in counteracting threats posed by the pandemic proved the need to use all resources available to the state to limit its negative consequences. Due to its potential, the Territorial Defence Forces should support the state in ensuring domestic order and strengthening institutions and services performing tasks to counteract and combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The conducted research indicates that the scope of use of the Territorial Defence Forces must be adapted to changing requirements and emerging threats.

Practical Implications: The concept of counteracting pandemic threats and consequences through crisis management using the Armed Forces is the cooperation between various institutions as a critical organizational challenge. Cooperation is understood as multi-level action intended to achieve a set goal - ensuring security.

Originality/Value: The paper’s conceptual framework is prescribed by the application of the consilience concept used in the analysis of the action of public institutions by employing various approaches from security policy, security management, public management, praxeology, and human resources management.