Driven by escalating fears of Russian aggression, Poland is witnessing a surge in citizen participation in voluntary military training. Over 20,000 Poles enrolled in the first seven months of 2025 alone, mirroring record numbers from the previous year. This surge reflects a growing national consciousness regarding the potential for conflict, particularly amplified by recent incidents like the downing of Russian drones in Polish airspace. For many Poles, the memory of decades under Soviet domination fuels a deep-seated apprehension about Russian hostility.
Agnieszka Jedruszak, an office administrator training near the Russian border, exemplifies this sentiment. Her participation in military exercises, alongside thousands of others, showcases a determined effort to prepare for what she calls 'a new reality'. The training grounds, echoing with the sounds of tanks and barked commands, represent a palpable shift in the national psyche. Colonel Grzegorz Wawrzynkiewicz, head of Poland's Central Military Recruitment Centre, anticipates around 40,000 volunteers completing training by year's end, a significant increase from 16,000 in 2022.
This mobilization is mirrored by Poland's substantial investment in its military. Defense spending has more than doubled since 2022, reaching 4.7% of GDP – the highest among NATO allies. This commitment contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by other European nations, including Germany and the UK, in maintaining adequate troop numbers and recruitment levels. Experts attribute Poland's higher readiness to enlist to a greater sense of existential threat among Eastern Europeans.
Poland's proactive approach extends beyond recruitment. The government has implemented initiatives like the 400-mile 'East Shield' fortification along its borders with Belarus and Kaliningrad, and is strategically relocating military units eastward. The focus is on enhancing mobility, armored capabilities, air defense, and logistical operations. The voluntary training program is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to choose various levels of military involvement, from part-time service in the Territorial Defence Forces to active or passive reserve roles.
While Poland's military, now the third largest in NATO, is significantly expanding, it remains dwarfed by Russia's. Nevertheless, the country's rapid military growth in recent years, alongside its significant investment in defense spending and modernization, presents a clear signal of its resolve in the face of perceived threats. This national determination underscores Poland's crucial role in bolstering NATO's eastern flank and its proactive stance against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions.
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Originally published at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/fearful-of-russian-aggression-poles-flock-to-military-training-101757756285896.html
