Politics Poland launches military training for all citizens
Poland sees itself increasingly threatened by Russia and is therefore launching a major program for the voluntary military training of its citizens.
06.11.2025, 12:02
SDA
The pilot phase of the "In Readiness" project will begin on November 22, said Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Warsaw. The aim is to train 400,000 citizens in the coming year.
"We are living in the most dangerous times since the Second World War. A war is raging behind our border, there are acts of sabotage in the Baltic Sea and battles in cyberspace," said Kosiniak-Kamysz, referring to neighboring Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia. This is why the program was developed. It is aimed at "all Polish citizens who would like to take part" - from children of primary school age to employees and senior citizens.
Training modules can be booked via app
The program consists of four modules: Safety Basics, Survival, First Aid and Cybersecurity. The training courses take place at weekends and each module usually lasts one day, as the Ministry of Digitalization announced on X. Every citizen can use an app to book the training courses that interest them near their place of residence.
Companies can also arrange group training courses for their entire workforce. "Defence training is not the same as serving in the army, it does not end with an oath or registration on the list of reservists," clarifies the Ministry of Digitalization.
Poland hopes for more soldiers for its army
The EU and NATO member state Poland is one of Ukraine's closest political and military allies. It also has an important function as a logistical hub for the West's military aid to Kiev. Poland also sees itself threatened by Russia and is therefore massively arming itself.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Poland's armed forces number 210,300 men and women, including 37,000 volunteers in the WOT home service. The country wants to expand its army to a strength of 300,000 soldiers. In order to attract more citizens to serve in the armed forces, the country has been experimenting with short military training courses in various formats for some time.
