The geopolitical situation raises concerns among many Poles who wonder what Poland’s mobilization strategy in the event of war looks like. And who might receive a mobilization card. Representatives of the Polish Armed Forces explain the enlistment rules, selection criteria, and consequences of evading military service.
Mobilization can be either general or partial, covering specific regions of the country, such as particular provinces, districts, or military units. This means that mobilization cards may be issued in one area while not in another.
Act of March 11, 2022 on the defense of the homeland
According to the Homeland Defense Act, certain individuals are exempt from mobilization duty, including members of parliament, senators, councilors, and those holding key positions in state administration. Employees of institutions crucial to national security, such as the National Bank of Poland (NBP), the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA), the Internal Security Agency (ABW), and public media, which play an essential role in crisis communication, are also protected from mobilization.
Additionally, those employed in the arms industry and companies cooperating with the military may be excluded from mobilization. In times of conflict, the state requires specialists to maintain infrastructure, produce weapons, and ensure military logistics.
The final course of mobilization will depend on political decisions and the nature of the potential threat. Military officials emphasize that many aspects of the process will be determined by actual circumstances. However, there is hope that these considerations will remain purely theoretical.
In 2024, approximately 230,000 people were called up for military qualification. Anyone who receives a mobilization card is obligated to accept it and report at the designated time. Avoiding the receipt of the document or failing to report a change of residence may result in severe consequences, including a minimum three-year prison sentence.
Poland’s Mobilization Strategy – Specialists wanted
Soldiers in the reserve forces with an assigned mobilization order will be the first to be called up. Those without prior military experience are less likely to be enlisted at the beginning of a conflict. However, the army is actively training specialists in various military and security-related fields. These include drone operators, doctors, cybersecurity experts, as well as professionals in other highly sought-after military occupations:
- Aircraft pilots and related personnel
- Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots
- Power plant operators
- IT and telecommunications technicians
- Computer network operators
- Bus drivers
- Tram drivers
- Train drivers
- Translators
- Truck drivers
- Paramedics
- Divers
- Earthmoving equipment and related machinery operators
- Paratroopers
- IT engineers and computer systems/network engineers
- Mid-level healthcare personnel (not classified elsewhere)
- Maritime navigation technicians
- Air navigators
- Inland waterway navigation helmsmen
- Crane and transport equipment operators and related personnel
The Polish Armed Forces employ various strategies to attract new recruits. They offer competitive salaries, with an entry-level private earning at least 6,000 PLN per month. Additionally, they provide housing support in the form of service accommodations, dormitory places, or a monthly housing allowance ranging from 480 to 1,500 PLN. The military also emphasizes professional development, offering numerous courses and training programs that help individuals acquire new qualifications and skills.
