Abstract:

The difficult-to-predict, often rapidly changing geopolitical environment and new issues of global, regional, and national security require the creativity of the military in making decisions and solving emerging problems quickly and efficiently (Giedraitytė & Markelienė, 2021). This is especially clearly reflected in the context of the war in Ukraine. Creativity is significant in planning, organising, and carrying out military operations, commanders making and implementing purposeful decisions in time, raising the motivation of soldiers, reacting, and acting flexibly in a rapidly changing situation (Lithuanian military doctrine, 2016). Military officers should not only follow the instructions of the leaders and take responsibility according to the established standards, norms, and values, but they should make innovative decisions, demonstrate leadership and initiative, directionality, imagination, and intuition. In some cases, they have to become creators. (Hill & Lynn, 2016; Houtgraaf et al., 2021). Consequently, the development of creative skills becomes an integral part of the education of military officers and specialists (Houtgraaf et al., 2021).

The significance of applying creative learning methods such as creative problem solving, design-based thinking, scenario planning, role-playing, simulation, critical thinking, etc. lies in the ability to cultivate creativity, at the same time to foster strategic and innovative thinking, problem solving skills, confidence in dealing with challenges, competence in promoting change processes, the ability to cooperate and find joint solutions, and adaptability in the face of uncertain and rapidly changing environments (Isaksen et al., 2011; Puccio et al., 2010).

The purpose of this report is using feedback data to share the good experience and challenges of the Military Academy of Lithuania in applying creative methods and developing the creativity skills of military cadets and students. The study reviews various aspects of the application of creative methods, starting with the formation of creative skills, the peculiarities of working in groups and performing individual creative tasks, and ending with the creation of a suitable classroom atmosphere and environment for creativity.

Keywords:

Creative learning methods, good practice, competencies of military officers, military creativity, Military Academy of Lithuania.