Mandatory military service is controversial. However, some European countries decide to restore it. Recently, Croatia has joined this group, introducing two-month military training for all 19-year-olds. Belgium, on the other hand, although it is not reintroducing conscription, focuses on financial incentives – young volunteers can count on a salary of PLN 2,000. euro per month for one year of service – writes “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna”. In Poland, the topic of reforming the defense system also arouses more and more emotions.
Croatia, after years of a break in universal conscription, is introducing mandatory military training for 19-year-olds. Those who refuse for religious or moral reasons will participate in three months of civil defense training. Belgium, although still based on a volunteer army, opted for an unusual solution – letters encouraging military service were sent to 150,000 people. 17-year-olds. The local Ministry of Defense offers young people attractive remuneration, equal to the salary of a professional soldier.
See also: Poles do not want to join the army. There is a new survey
Military service. Poland introduces the “wReadiness” program
The “wReadiness” program has been launched in Poland, the aim of which is to train several hundred thousand citizens. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz describes it as “an extraordinary program for improving skills and qualifications.” However, some military experts criticize the way the training is organized. General Roman Polko, former commander of the GROM unit, points to the lack of appropriate infrastructure and systemic preparation.
“We start from the end. First, we invite people to training, and the rest is done according to the principle that somehow it will work out,” says General Polko.
See also: The “wGotności” program starts on November 22. Universal defense training for everyone
Polish Army – strength as of 2024.
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Michał Czernek / PAP / photos
Voluntary military service in Poland
Voluntary compulsory military service (DZSW), introduced in Poland in 2022, is very popular. The number of training places increases every year – in 2023 it was increased from 25,000 to 25,000. up to 33 thousand, and in 2024 it is planned to adopt 44 thousand. volunteers. Nevertheless, as PiS MP Michał Jach from the parliamentary defense committee notes, the training system for the active reserve leaves much to be desired.
“Active reserve was a good idea, but it is now a pathology. It happens that soldiers do not have a single shot for several months” – Jach emphasizes in an interview with “DGP”.
Compulsory military service in Europe
Given the challenges related to the expansion of the army, voices are increasingly heard about the need to return to some form of universal military service. Such a step has already been decided by, among others: the Baltic countries, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. In Sweden, the army selects from among young citizens those it wants to train. Universal military service is in force in Turkey and Greece.
Source: Dziennik Gazeta Prawna
