Poland's Prime Minister Tusk Unveils Plan for Mandatory Military Training for Men

Donald Tusk revealed plans for obligatory military training for Polish men in a parliamentary address, asserting the need to expand military forces to counter potential threats. He aims to solidify a framework by year's end and increase troop strength while emphasizing defense spending.

In a bold move reflecting heightened regional security concerns, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced a sweeping initiative to implement mandatory military training for all adult males in Poland. Speaking to a session of the Sejm, Tusk detailed plans to prepare a comprehensive model for military readiness, intending to unveil further specifics in the coming months.

"We are working proactively to ensure that every adult male is equipped with military training in the event of war," Tusk declared. He highlighted the urgency of building a robust reserve force that can match emerging threats, particularly in light of Poland's ongoing security challenges.

Currently, the Polish army consists of around 200,000 active personnel, but Tusk has set an ambitious target to expand that figure to 500,000, including reservists. In drawing comparisons, he noted that Ukraine's military numbers approximately 800,000, while Russia boasts around 1.3 million soldiers.

"By organizing our military training effectively, we can transform ordinary individuals into well-trained soldiers during a conflict," he explained, underscoring the importance of intensive training for potential reservists.

While Tusk mentioned women could participate in military training initiatives, he acknowledged that warfare has traditionally involved greater male participation. This military initiative also aligns with Poland’s substantial defense budget, which is set to reach 4.7% of its economic output this year—the highest among NATO allies. There are proposals to increase that figure to 5% and discussions around potentially withdrawing from international conventions concerning the use of certain munitions to bolster Poland's defensive capabilities further.

The Prime Minister’s statements reflect a shift in Polish military strategy, aiming to enhance national readiness as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the region, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With calls for a strong collective defense, Tusk’s government appears determined to navigate Poland through a challenging security landscape.