Poland plans to hold large-scale exercise next spring. It also involve civilians - those who have never held weapons in their hands. Doctors, veterinarians, IT specialists, lawyers, and even musicians are now receiving subpoenas.
The maneuvers should last 33 days and end with taking a military oath. They will involve 200 thousand people. The Ministry of Defense of Poland, apparently, tried to carry out the conscription in a quiet way so as not to attract the attention of Belarusians or Russians, however, the discouraged Poles themselves acted as unwitting helpers, who, after receiving "invitations", turned to the media.
In a number of cities, rallies of dissatisfied people have already taken place. Learn more about the Polish mobilization in the section of Ekaterina Tikhomirova.
The passions in Poland run high. Poles receive summons (or invitations) en masse, and one risks freedom by disobeying them. But they never served and did not take oaths. What is Poland preparing for and why is it calling civilians to arms?
The Ministry of National Defense of Poland announced the conscription of 200 thousand citizens of the country into the army. Though the exercise is going to take place in March, the subpoenas are already knocking on the door of the Poles as a Christmas present.
Miroslav Brys, Head of the Central Military Recruitment Center (Poland): I hope this will refresh the skills of the passive reserve soldiers, prepare them to work with equipment that goes to military units. At minimum, people who have not undergone combat training will be invited to the exercises. In the exercises in 2023, this will be the minimum number of people who have a suitable health category.
Those who served in the army in Poland before 2009, when it was still compulsory will be called up. Army boots are planned to be worn even by those who have never served: doctors, nurses, paramedics, veterinarians, IT specialists, drivers, lawyers.
"Michal received a call to the military recruiting center in Sieradz. He had to fill in a personnel survey: marital status, driving license, education and blood type. According to him, he did not undergo any medical or psychological examinations. Nevertheless, he received category A - fit for active military service.
Interestingly, some of them were unsuitable for professional service in the Polish Army, but now they receive summons.
"Earlier, they told me that I have problems with the spine, and now they called me up."
The Polish rock musician Jakub Sienkiewicz also boasted of the mobilization order on Facebook. By the way, he is 61. He served forty years ago, during the Polish People's Republic.
"They call up people, who are 61. I'm happy about it. This is a very good harvest. With great combat value. We'll manage it like in 1939. I hope to get into the military band. I have never played in a military band before."
They joke, but it becomes less and less funny.
Draft evasion threatens with at least a fine and up to an imprisonment term. In addition, two dozen field camps have been set up in Poland and "Train with the troops" courses are being held for volunteers, including women and teenagers.
But Poles themselves suspect that Duda, Morawiecki and Kaczynski intend to implement the construction of Rzeczpospolita 2.0 - campaigns against Minsk, Moscow or Kiev. In other words, they are going to draw ordinary people into their ambitious game. And intuitively, the historical memory suggests that it ends badly.
Leszek Sykulsky, political scientist (Poland):
"We are dealing with an adventurous policy when it comes to Polish foreign policy. Military support for Ukraine is not in the Polish state interests, but nothing more than an attempt to enter the war. We must call a spade a spade. Geopolitical overtones: an attempt to create in Poland some kind of Belarusian government or even a Russian government in exile, the creation of some sabotage groups, terrorist groups from among the Belarusian emigrants in Poland. This, of course, does not reduce tension in the region. This is not a geopolitical request of Polish national interests. The US is using Poland as a strategic bumper. And, unfortunately, I am very afraid that Poland may be persuaded to fight on the side of Ukraine. For such a situation, of course, quick reserves are needed."
That's why a string of cars with Polish numbers stretched out, though not to Ukraine, but for some reason, to Germany.
The first rallies near the military registration and enlistment offices began: "Choice, not conscription", "Conscription is slavery." True, everything ends with draft evasion again. It's a bad omen, you know.
The mobile operators and the Ministry of National Defense of Poland are actively inviting the Poles to "join the army", advertising campaigns are being held in the country, and the total militarization of society is being carried out. But, let's be honest, everyone who wanted to fight drove off to Ukraine. An ordinary Pole wants to live, raise children and have good meals, but here, hello, go to the military registration and enlistment office. Is it part of their plans to go on a crusade to restore the Cresses according to the precepts of Duda, Morawiecki and Kaczynski, and even more so in the delight of the Stars and Stripes requests? Hardly.
Oleksandr Jacek, political scientist, representative of the "Poland - East" society:
The Poles are against the participation of the Polish army. There was a public poll in which 97.8% of Poles are against the participation of the Polish army in the war in Ukraine. But on the other hand, we know that society is one thing, and the leadership of our country does not solve those issues on its own. Of course, they are decided overseas - that's different.
