Just six kilometers from the Russian border in northern Poland, Agnieszka Jedruszak, an office manager, is busy digging a trench. Motivated by the looming threat of war with Russia, she aims to safeguard her family, including her 13-year-old son.
Like Jedruszak, many Poles have signed up for voluntary military training as the Polish armed forces look to bolster their ranks amid heightened fears of Russian aggression.
“I will do whatever it takes to keep my child safe. I want to fight to protect him,” declared Jedruszak, clad in military gear, with camouflage face paint.
The sense of urgency around military readiness has intensified in Poland, a nation with painful memories of Soviet rule. This anxiety peaked recently when Polish forces shot down Russian drones that intruded into their airspace, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Kremlin responded by accusing the West of being overly emotional and hostile towards Russia while denying any threats posed to Poland. They notably refrained from addressing the drone incident directly.
Training for Jedruszak’s unit took place in Blagniewe, utilizing the K-2 tank training grounds in South Korea, following Poland’s order for 180 units under a military cooperation agreement from 2022. The training base, nestled among forests and sandy terrain, echoed with tank engines and the shouts of drill instructors.
Striving to maintain a sense of normalcy, Jedruszak admits she feels the need to brace for a “new reality.” “It’s always somewhere in the back of my mind; something could happen,” said the 36-year-old just before the recent drone intrusion.
Colonel Grzegorz Wawrzynkiewicz, who heads Poland’s Central Military Recruitment Centre, noted a significant uptick in voluntary military enlistments, matching record levels seen last year. He anticipates that nearly 40,000 individuals will complete training by year-end, more than double the figures from 2022. This surge reflects the public’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Poland has notably increased its defense spending, now at 4.7% of its economic output, up from 2.2% when the war began—this is the highest ratio within NATO, outpacing established military powers like Germany, France, and the UK.
Concerns regarding the credibility of U.S. security commitments were reignited by Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, having grown up under communist rule, is advocating for European nations to take greater responsibility for their defense.
To counter perceived threats, Poland initiated the “East Shield,” a defensive line spanning 400 miles along its border with Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad last May. The government is also shifting military forces east to capitalize on a more robust recruitment pool.
Deputy Defense Minister Powell Zarewski commented, “People are engaged in protecting their homes.” The military restructuring emphasizes mobility, armored capabilities, air defense, and logistics.
The recruitment strategy seeks to enhance military readiness near the Polish borders though enrolling in training doesn’t obligate volunteers to serve actively. Participants have options for continued military service or joining the Territorial Defense Force (WOT) while still having the ability to be called upon during emergencies or heightened threats.
Despite the presence of trained volunteers, they aren’t integrated into regular forces unless fully enlisted. This method mirrors successful recruitment strategies seen in Lithuania and Germany.
Colonel Tomczyk stressed that effective training remains a cornerstone of Poland’s defense, regardless of technological advancements. “In situations close to conflict, personnel remains crucial,” he remarked.
With a current military strength of 216,000 members, Poland ranks as NATO’s third-largest military after the U.S. and Turkey. This is a significant increase aimed at bridging the gap with Russian forces, which are being expanded under President Putin’s directive.
Poland is also dealing with demographic challenges, but local initiatives are expected to help navigate these issues. Other NATO members like Finland are also ramping up defense efforts, while traditional powers like Germany and the UK face recruitment dilemmas.
Germany’s Bundeswehr is grappling with a recruitment shortfall, struggling to meet targets deemed necessary for effective defense. Meanwhile, the UK faces its own hurdles with enlisted numbers at historic lows.
Gressel, a researcher in defense strategy, noted that Eastern Europeans may feel more compelled to enlist compared to others on the continent. “They tend to be more willing to fight,” he remarked.
Moreover, Trump’s skepticism towards NATO is prompting European allies to reconsider their defense strategies. Despite increased military spending, dependency on U.S. capabilities, especially in advanced technology, remains evident.
Most European militaries lack robust reserve forces, making them vulnerable to sustained losses. “Every conflict teaches that reserves are vital, especially for long engagements,” stated Colonel Lenka, an assistant in Poland’s army.
A new initiative announced by Tusk aims to provide military and civil defense training for 100,000 volunteers by 2027. Official NATO assessments suggest Russia will require years to prepare effectively for conflict with the West.
“This timeline is both a challenge and a commitment for us,” Deputy Minister Zarewski said. “We must remain ready to confront real threats today and in the future.”
