Poland announced on Thursday, November 6th plans to train up to 500,000 volunteers by the end of next year to strengthen its defensive capabilities. As a NATO and EU member bordering Ukraine and Russia, Poland has intensified its defense efforts since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said the program, called ‘Always Prepared,’ aims to equip citizens with skills to respond to potential escalation.
The program will involve both individual and group sessions, “meant for younger people, even those in primary or middle school, as well as for workers and businesses, and even for senior citizens”, the minister added.
The government plans to train 100,000 people by the end of this year and “approximately 400,000” more by the end of 2026, according to Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk. Citizens can sign up for sessions via an official government mobile application widely used across Poland.
Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted lessons from Ukraine, noting that when war broke out there in 2022, many people lacked essential crisis response skills. “We must be prepared for any scenario,” he said.
Poland’s defense budget will reach a record 4.8% of GDP next year, reflecting the government’s commitment to national security.
