Poland’s Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that it will begin a nationwide military training program this month, part of a sweeping plan to prepare 400,000 citizens by 2026 as regional security threats continue to grow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The new initiative, dubbed “At Readiness”, has been described by Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz as “the largest defense training in Polish history.” It will be voluntary and open to all citizens, including students, employees, business owners, and retirees.
“In November and December alone, we will train about 20,000 people in individual programs, but overall we expect to reach around 100,000 participants through all forms of training,” Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said at a press conference.
The training sessions will cover basic security awareness, survival skills, first aid and medical response, and cyber-hygiene, aimed at boosting both civilian resilience and national preparedness.
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The Defense Ministry said the goal is to train roughly 400,000 people next year through various programs, including group sessions, reserve drills, educational initiatives under “Education with the Army,” and voluntary compulsory military service.
General Wiesław Kukuła, Chief of Poland’s General Staff, said the initiative is designed to serve two strategic goals: strengthening “the resilience of citizens and communities” and enhancing “the readiness and capacity of military reserves.”
The program was first outlined by Prime Minister Donald Tusk in March as part of his government’s plan to “build an army of reservists” amid escalating security concerns across Europe.
Poland, which now spends a higher percentage of its GDP on defense than any other NATO member, has emerged as the third-largest military in the alliance with 216,000 active personnel. The government aims to expand the force by nearly one-third over the next decade.
Officials say the program reflects a broader national effort to increase readiness across all levels of society, ensuring that civilians are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to respond to emergencies or military crises.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Warsaw has positioned itself as one of Kyiv’s staunchest supporters, supplying arms, training Ukrainian soldiers, and calling for a stronger NATO presence in Eastern Europe.