The article examines the impact of training sessions on the combat army system (BARS) on the formation of physical readiness of future officers for professional combat activities in the process of training in a military institute of higher education. Cadets of 2-3 courses (n=62) of S.P. Koroliov Zhytomyr Military Institute took part in the research. Two groups were formed: experimental (EG, n=32), whose cadets studied in the section of the institute on the combat army system, and control (CG, n=30), whose cadets studied under the current system of physical training in military institute. It was found that the level of development of physical qualities and the formation of military-applied skills in cadets who studied in the section BARS, at the end of the study is significantly higher than those who were engaged in physical training during sports and mass work. The most pronounced effect of BARS classes was found on the development of strength qualities, strength (static) endurance, as well as on the formation of professional military-applied skills in overcoming obstacles.

The aim of the article is to find out the requirements of the professional combat activity of servicemen of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to their physical and psychological preparedness. Methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodical literature, Internet data networks, documentary method. On the basis of the analysis of open literary sources, the peculiarities of the professional and combat activities of servicemen of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and NATO member countries have been clarified. Their purpose and main tasks are disclosed. The historical aspects of the formation of the SOF have been studied. The typical tasks of the SOF have been clarified, including: modern combat operations and raids; psychological operations; work of "civil administration"; obtaining intelligence information on the front line; creation of agency networks; aid; search, evacuation and delivery of prisoners, hostages; preparation for coups, overthrow of regimes; introduction into the structure of military organizations and special services for the purpose of espionage or destruction of people who pose a threat to the state; anti-terrorist operations; detection, identification, determination of targets for own means of destruction. This determines the high requirements for the physical and psychological training of the personnel of the SOF.

Modern conditions of military-professional (combat) activity of servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine require a high level of development of their physical and volitional qualities, as well as military-applied motor skills. The most effective for ensuring the development and formation of these qualities and skills of servicemen are military-applied sports. Military pentathlon is a modern military-applied sport that is popular among cadets. The article examines the impact of military pentathlon on the dynamics of cadets’ special physical fitness. The study was conducted at the Military Academy (Odessa) in 2016–2021. The study involved cadets (ages 17–24) who attended a military pentathlon sports section (experimental group (EG), n = 30). The level and dynamics of special physical training of EG cadets were checked according to the exercises that are competitive in military pentathlon, during the annual military pentathlon competitions for the championship of Military Academy. The assessment was carried out according to the following tests: shooting with an AK-74, overcoming an obstacle course of 500 m, swimming 50 m with obstacles, throwing grenades, cross-country 8 km. It was found that at the end of training at the academy EG cadets significantly improved (p≤0,001) indicators: in shooting – by 36.8 points, in overcoming the obstacle course 500 m – by 59.2 s, in swimming 50 m with obstacles – by 5.4 is, in throwing grenades – for 38.9 points, in cross-country for 8 km – for 7 min 21.3 s. This indicates the positive impact of military pentathlon on the level of special physical training of cadets and the formation of their military-applied motor skills.

Physical training is a set of measures for the physical improvement of servicemen, aimed at the development of general and special physical qualities, the formation of military-applied skills, education of moral and volitional and psychological qualities. The main forms of physical training of the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine include training classes, morning exercise, sports and mass work, physical training in the process of training and combat activities. The most effective form of physical training for military-applied types of psor is sports and mass work.The purpose of the study is to investigate the motivation of cadets to introduction the military-applied sports during sports and mass work in higher military educational institution. To achieve this purpose we conducted a questionnaire using a questionnaire developed by authors, which contains 7 questions. The study was conducted at the Military Academy (Odesa). 508 cadets took part in the survey. It was found that more than 95% of cadets are convinced of the positive impact of physical training and sports on the effectiveness of their future professional activities, developing skills of mutual assistance, mutual assistance, creating a healthy morale in the military. 57.5% of cadets believe that interest in training during sports and mass work can be increased through the introduction of popular military-applied sports. 96.5% of cadets believe that the physical qualities and military-applied skills that are developed in the process of military-applied sports are professionally important in the modern combat activities of servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.