Poland may introduce mandatory military training amid Russian threat
Photo: Poland is considering compulsory military training (Getty Images)
Poland may introduce mandatory military training in response to the growing threat from Russia. The training would cover all segments of the population, informs Polskіe Radio.
In Poland, discussions are underway regarding the suspension of mandatory military service. Maj. Gen. Maciej Klisz, operational commander of the Polish Armed Forces, stated that this is an inevitable step to create the necessary reserve.
According to Klisz, Finland's example demonstrates an effective model for forming reserves. With a population of 5.5 million, Finland has nearly one million reservists. In Poland, this would translate to 7 million reservists, whereas, currently, their number is only 300,000.
Klisz emphasizes that soldier training takes at least 40 days, and it is crucial to find a balance between military needs and the country's economic capabilities. He believed that suspending conscription was an unavoidable decision.
Brigadier General Jarosław Kraszewski holds a different view, advocating for the restoration of military conscription. In his opinion, military training should be mandatory for everyone, with a service period of six months. He also proposes including women in the conscription process, similar to Israel's model.
Military training
Instead of mandatory service, Poland plans to introduce a voluntary military training program in 2026. The Ministry of National Defense and the General Staff are working on the details.
The plan includes short introductory courses for civilians, advanced training for military reservists, and one-month training for those with no experience.
Additionally, initiatives like "Holidays with the Army," "Learn with the Army," and "Train Like a Soldier" aim to engage both youth and adults in military training. These programs combine theoretical lessons with practical skills such as shooting, hand-to-hand combat, tactical medicine, and civil defense.
The military training reform in Poland is a response to the growing threat from Russia and Belarus, as well as the need to strengthen the country's defense capabilities.
Notably, Poland can hold off an enemy attack for one to two weeks until help arrives from NATO allies.
The head of Poland National Security Bureau, Dariusz Łukowski, stated that everything depends on the situation that may arise during a confrontation with the enemy.
Moreover, Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Russia is currently unable to defeat Ukraine without external assistance. However, if Russia were to capture Ukraine and its resources, it would gain a significant advantage in the balance of power.
