Poland Plans Mandatory Military Training for All Men Amid Growing Security Concerns
In a significant move aimed at bolstering national defense, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a plan to require all adult men in Poland to undergo military training. The initiative, which aims to prepare the country for potential threats, is being developed to ensure that Poland has a highly trained reserve force ready in case of conflict.
In his speech to the Polish parliament, Tusk emphasized that the program is a response to the current geopolitical climate, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing concerns about Russia’s military presence in Europe. “We will try to have a model ready by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war,” Tusk said, adding that the country’s current military reserve force would be significantly expanded.
At present, Poland’s military consists of around 200,000 active-duty soldiers, but Tusk’s goal is to increase this number to 500,000, including a strong contingent of trained reservists. This initiative comes as Poland aims to position itself as a key player in European defense, drawing parallels to the sizable forces of neighboring countries, such as Ukraine’s 800,000 soldiers and Russia’s 1.3 million.
While the training will primarily focus on men, Tusk mentioned that women may also be included in the program, though he acknowledged that “war is still to a greater extent the domain of men.” The details of the training, including the scope and logistics, are still being developed, with full plans expected later this year.
This move comes on the heels of Poland’s increased defense spending, which is set to reach 4.7% of the nation’s GDP in 2025, the highest percentage within the NATO alliance. Tusk stated that this figure would likely rise to 5% in the near future as the government continues to prioritize national security.
Poland’s commitment to defense is further evident in its recent arms contracts, which have included deals worth around $20 billion with the United States. These contracts have provided Poland with advanced military equipment, including M1A2 Abrams battle tanks, F-35 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and advanced missile systems. Additionally, Poland has strengthened its military ties with South Korea, purchasing K2 tanks and FA-50 light combat aircraft.
Concerns about security have intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with many Poles fearing for their own safety. The potential threat from Russia has prompted growing interest in preparedness, with some citizens even taking matters into their own hands. Mirosław Kaznowski, a deputy mayor from Milanówek, revealed that a local entrepreneur is investing in a start-up to build low-cost underground bomb shelters, catering to businesses and private homes.
In a related move, President Andrzej Duda has proposed a constitutional amendment that would make defense spending at 4% of GDP mandatory, further solidifying Poland’s commitment to military readiness.
Poland’s shift toward greater military preparedness also includes consideration of nuclear defense options. Tusk acknowledged Poland’s interest in acquiring its own nuclear weapons, citing Ukraine’s loss of its nuclear arsenal as a cautionary tale. However, he tempered expectations, noting that the path to developing nuclear capabilities would be a long and complex one.
As the situation in Ukraine remains fluid, Poland is taking comprehensive steps to ensure its security and readiness in the face of growing threats. The military training plan for all adult men is just one part of a broader strategy to create a robust and well-equipped defense force capable of responding to potential challenges on the horizon.
