Poland responds to demographics with military reserve reform

According to the PAP agency, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced changes in the functioning of military personnel reserves. These will include the creation of a so-called high-readiness reserve.

Together with the professional army and territorial defense forces, this will create a potential of up to 500,000 soldiers ready for rapid mobilization. Membership in this reserve will be voluntary and associated with several benefits. Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the system should be attractive and open to both men and women under the same conditions.

The minister also announced that a new training program for civilians will begin on March 7, following a pilot program implemented last fall. In addition to continuing civilian training, the Ministry of Defense plans to expand the army's personnel reserves and modify their operational system this year.

According to the minister, the changes are a response to demographic developments, which will mean a gradual decline in the number of new recruits.

(max)