Poland decides to provide military training to all adult men: 'Preparation for war' statement

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that they are preparing a plan to provide military training to all adult men in the country. Tusk stated that this step was taken in preparation for a possible state of war.

In his speech to parliament, Tusk noted that they are working on a model to train every adult man in Poland for a state of war. The Polish leader added that this training would ensure that people could become fully-fledged soldiers in conflict situations. Tusk expressed that they aim to create a ready model by the end of this year.

In his statement to journalists, Tusk noted that the plans are still in the development stage and that details will be announced in the coming weeks. Government officials emphasized that the proposed system is not mandatory military service, but a model that encourages men to participate in annual training.

According to the Polish Press Agency (PAP), Tusk stated that the Swiss model would be adopted. In Switzerland, it is mandatory for male citizens to perform military service or alternative civil service. After basic training, new recruits remain members of the armed forces for nine years and participate in regular refresher courses.

Noting that military training will also be open to women, but that they will train men more due to the physical conditions of war, Tusk said the following:

''It should become a habit for every healthy man in Poland to receive training to defend the homeland. However, we will prepare this in a way that will not be a torture for people.''

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk

ADMISSION OF POLAND BEING VULNERABLE

In his speech in parliament, Tusk admitted that the situation in Poland, and especially in Ukraine, is more difficult than it was a few months ago. Stating that the probability of Ukraine receiving 'firm security guarantees' from the US as part of a peace agreement with Russia is low, Tusk emphasized that this situation makes Poland more vulnerable.

Since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, Poland has rapidly increased its military preparations. Increasing its defense spending to 4.7 percent of GDP this year, Poland has become the country with the highest defense budget among NATO countries.

The former Law and Justice (PiS) government had aimed to increase the size of the armed forces from 150 thousand to 300 thousand in 2022. As of last year, Poland had the third-largest army in NATO and the largest military power in Europe.

Stating that his government needs an army of half a million including reserves, Tusk said that work is ongoing to reach this goal.

News Source: 12punto