Warsaw: Poland’s government announced on Thursday its ambitious plan to train up to 500,000 volunteers by the end of next year to bolster its defensive capabilities, amid ongoing tensions with neighboring Ukraine and Russia. The initiative comes as part of Poland’s continued efforts to strengthen its military readiness following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Poland, a member of NATO and the EU, has been actively enhancing its defense strategies to deter any potential foreign aggression. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the importance of the new training programme, named “Always Prepared,” at a press conference. He stated that the program aims to equip Polish citizens with the necessary skills to respond to any future escalations.
The training initiative is inclusive, targeting all Polish citizens interested in participating. It is designed to cater to a diverse range of individuals, including young students, working professio
nals, and senior citizens. The government plans to train 100,000 individuals by the end of this year and an additional 400,000 by the end of 2026, as noted by Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk.
Polish citizens can enroll in the program through an official government mobile application, which is already popular in the country. The initiative will incorporate both existing training sessions and new efforts aimed at enhancing national defense and building social resilience.
Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the importance of preparedness, drawing lessons from Ukraine’s experience in 2022, when the country was initially caught off guard by the invasion. He remarked that over the years, Ukrainians have developed crisis response skills, underscoring the necessity for Poland to be ready for any situation.
In a related development, it was announced that Poland’s defense budget is set to reach a record 4.8 percent of the country’s GDP next year, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening its mi
litary capabilities.