The Polish Defense Ministry has announced the launch of a pilot program aimed at voluntary defense training for citizens, which will begin in late November, Polish news agency PAP reported, quoted by BTA.
Defense Minister Wladyslaw Koszyniak-Kamiś announced that the “Gotowosci” (Ready) program will start on November 22. The initiative will include a combination of individual and group exercises, aimed at citizens of all ages, from schoolchildren to people of retirement age.
“Knowledge, awareness, the ability to respond appropriately and understand signals, signs, alarms and shelters are very necessary“, the minister said.
“This may not be exactly a military activity, but it contributes significantly to both national defense and social resilience“, he added.
Those interested in participating can register for the program via the government's mObywatel app. The pilot phase will be carried out by 132 military units and aims to train approximately 20,000 people by the end of the year. The full implementation of the program is planned for early 2026.
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk added that next year the Polish Armed Forces plan to train a total of 400,000 citizens through various military courses.