This year, the Polish army will call up 330,000 Poles for military exercises of various kinds. Compared to 2024, there will be 13,000 more people. According to the analyst of the Polish Institute of International Relations, Aleksandra Koziola, Warsaw is thus responding to a direct threat from Russia and Belarus and their hybrid war against democratic European states. TASR reporter Slavomír Gregorík reports on this on Friday.
“Poland is aware of the seriousness of the threat posed by Russia and Belarus through the war in Ukraine and their hybrid war against democratic European states. In such circumstances, the priority is to prepare as many citizens as possible for security crises, including war,” Aleksandra Koziolová told TASR. According to the government’s December order, Poland will call up 330,000 Poles for exercises, and it is awaiting the most massive military training in recent years.
“Reserve exercises are an integral part of strengthening the state’s resilience and creating an effective deterrence policy. By implementing them, we show that we are ready and determined to defend ourselves,” added Koziolová. According to Polish law, all men and some women (students or graduates of medicine or computer science) after reaching the age of 19 are required to attend the so-called military qualification. Army there, based on medical examinations and an interview, he will decide on their inclusion in the passive reserves within a year for two to 90-day training.
Thousands of citizens are awaiting a summons
This year, the army will call up 200,000 reservists for the exercise. Students in the Academic Legion program and other persons who are not yet part of the reserves but are awaiting their military qualification can also receive a call-up order. According to the Polish Radio, it will mainly be doctors, drivers and computer scientists.
Another 44,000 people can be called up for exercises by the Polish militia (Territorial Defense Forces), which was created in 2017 after the Russian annexation of Crimea. “Poland is increasing not only the number of trained personnel, but also the quality of training. This proves his determination to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense policy. In today’s situation in Europe, collective efforts and cooperation are key,” explained the analyst.
There is also room for volunteers
For volunteers who do not have military training and would like to join the professional army in the future, or to strengthen the reserves, the army has prepared a program of Voluntary Basic Military Service. He expects roughly 40,000 interested parties.
Poland has been intensively developing its defense capabilities since the Russian annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea in 2014. In 2024, its army was the third largest in NATO (after the US and Turkey) in terms of the number of soldiers. This year, the government budgeted 4.7 percent of GDP for defense-related expenditures, which is the highest in NATO.
“At a time of deteriorating security situation, an increase in defense spending is necessary for everyone. Investments should not only include military equipment or ammunition, but also adequate training of soldiers and civilians. That’s why Poland, in addition to the often discussed purchases, also organizes reserve exercises,” concludes Koziolová.
