Polish Citizens Brace for Potential Russian Aggression with Military Training

In response to fears of a Russian invasion, ordinary Poles are enrolling in military training programs across the country, with the Polish government planning to expand these initiatives. Amidst increasing military expenditures and concerns about U.S. support, the nation's citizens reflect on their history and readiness to defend their country.

At a military training facility outside Wroclaw, Poland, a significant number of civilians are stepping forward to prepare for a potential military confrontation, specifically with Russia. This has led to the implementation of a program called "Train with the Army," where citizens of varying ages learn valuable survival skills including shooting, hand-to-hand combat, first aid, and how to use gas masks. "The times are dangerous now, we need to be ready," stated Captain Adam Sielicki, the initiative’s coordinator, emphasizing the urgency to prepare for a potential threat from Russia.

The training courses are reportedly oversubscribed, prompting the Polish government to consider expanding its scope to ensure that every adult male in Poland receives military training. With Poland's geographic proximity to both Russia and Ukraine, the government has committed nearly 5% of its GDP to defense spending for the upcoming year, the most significant in NATO.

Recent statements from Prime Minister Donald Tusk underline Poland's ambition to construct "the strongest army in the region." This has been accompanied by substantial military purchases from allies, including planes, missiles, and artillery systems from the United States, Sweden, and South Korea. Participants in the training sessions express a keen sense of responsibility towards national defense, voicing their readiness to take action should a conflict arise. Dariusz, a training course attendee, remarked that history has made Poles cognizant of the necessity for self-reliance in defense, stating, "We cannot rely on anyone else."

Concerns have also been amplified by recent U.S. political dynamics, particularly under former President Donald Trump, whose statements suggesting a retreat from European commitments have unsettled many in Poland. These sentiments were echoed by Agata, a participant in the training session, who expressed heightened fears of vulnerability due to the shifting U.S. military stance.

In addition to active training, some Poles are also investing in physical structures such as bomb shelters. Janusz Janczy, a business owner constructing these shelters, noted an increase in demand due to fears surrounding potential aggression from Russia and skepticism about NATO’s willingness to provide timely aid.

Despite the resurgence of military preparedness, a recent poll indicated mixed sentiments about civilian enlistment, with only 10.7% of surveyed adults indicating a willingness to join the military as volunteers in the event of war. In discussions with young adults in Wroclaw, a prominent sentiment emerged that many would consider fleeing rather than fighting, underscoring a generational divide in attitudes toward warfare.

The echoes of Poland’s historical experiences with foreign invasions resonate deeply among its citizens. Individuals like 98-year-old Wanda Traczyk-Stawska vividly recall the trauma of past conflicts and advocate for increased defense readiness. As Poland strengthens its military, balancing historical lessons with contemporary anxieties continues to shape the public discourse around national security.