Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

The socio-economic stability of professional soldiers is an important factor in personnel readiness, security, and the functioning of armed forces. Military service creates specific social risks that differ from civilian employment, mainly because of mobility, strict discipline, service duties, family strain, illness, parenthood, housing needs, and care for dependent persons. These risks are also shaped by wider pressures, such as globalization, military conflicts, technological change, and environmental crises. The study uses a theoretical and analytical approach based on Slovak legislation on service conditions and social entitlements of professional soldiers, especially Act No. 281/2015 Coll. and Act No. 328/2002 Coll. It also uses socioeconomic indicators and model calculations of equivalent disposable income in military households. By comparing salary structures, family benefits, tax bonuses, parental allowances, and child benefits, the study identifies which types of military households may face the highest poverty risk.