SYMBOLISM AS A COMPONENT OF COUNTERING HYBRID THREATS IN THE OPERATIONAL AND SERVICE ACTIVITIES OF THE STATE BORDER SERVICE OF UKRAINE: ADAPTATION TO EURO-ATLANTIC STANDARDS

Abstract

The article examines the process of developing and implementing a unified system of tactical symbols intended for use in the operational and service activities of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine) taking into account compatibility with NATO standards, in particular APP-6 and STANAG 2019. In the context of growing hybrid threats, terrorist challenges and deepening cooperation with partners in the North Atlantic Alliance, the relevance of implementing a single symbol system is significantly increasing. The lack of unified tactical symbols complicates interaction between units, reduces the efficiency of decision-making and makes it impossible to fully use digital cartographic systems, mobile applications and automated control systems. The paper analyzes existing international standards for tactical symbols, identifies the main problems of adapting them to the specifics of the tasks of the border guard service, and also proposes a methodology for building a new system of symbols. The main principles of creating the system include: uniformity, unambiguousness, readability, compliance with international requirements and the possibility of integration into digital environments (for example, ArcGIS, QGIS, combat maps, mobile applications). The article presents practical examples of symbols: for designating mobile groups, border detachments, UAV detection zones, suspicious objects, etc. Special attention is paid to the impact of the new system on the effectiveness of interdepartmental coordination and on the ability of the State Border Guard Service units to respond promptly in cases of terrorist threats or emergencies. The proposed system of symbols is an important stage in the digital transformation of the border service and increasing its capabilities in the field of national security, counterterrorism and integration into joint defense initiatives of the North Atlantic Alliance.