In Wroclaw, Poland, civilians are actively participating in military training sessions, preparing for potential conflict with Russia. These sessions, known as “Train with the Army”, are oversubscribed, reflecting a national surge in readiness. Participants, ranging from young adults to seniors, are learning essential skills such as firearm handling, first aid, and gas mask usage.
Captain Adam Sielicki, the programme’s coordinator, emphasises the necessity of these preparations, stating, “We have a military threat from Russia, and we are preparing for this.” The Polish government plans to expand the initiative, aiming to provide training to every adult male in the country.
Poland, sharing borders with both Russia and Ukraine, is allocating nearly 5% of its GDP to defence this year, the highest among NATO countries. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has declared the goal of establishing “the strongest army in the region”, with significant investments in military assets from the US, Sweden, and South Korea.
Image credit: Wojtek Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images
The withdrawal of US troops from Poland, including the recent closure of a key base in Rzeszow, has intensified public concern. Statements from former US President Donald Trump suggesting a reduced American commitment to European security have further heightened anxieties.
Civilians like Dariusz and Agata express a strong sense of duty and apprehension. Dariusz vows to be among the first to defend Poland if attacked, while Agata fears that without preparation, Poland could become vulnerable. She attributes her concerns to the shifting dynamics of international alliances and the unpredictability of political leadership.
This civilian training, and emphasis on civil defence, is reminiscent of Cold War-era preparedness, suggesting that ordinary people are looking for ways to prepare in the event of a nuclear attack or third World War.
Source: BBC.co.uk
