Poland Debates Reinstating Mandatory Military Service

A conference on restoring compulsory military service was held at Poland’s National Security Bureau.

Participants discussed whether conscription should be brought back in light of today’s international instability and the growing threat from Russia, according to Defence24.

Officials identified the main challenge for the Polish Armed Forces as the country’s demographic crisis and aging population. With fewer young people available, the military faces increasing competition with the civilian job market for recruits.

In addition to overall numbers, significant attention was given to the quality of human resources, particularly the psychophysical condition of potential recruits. The spread of lifestyle-related diseases and obesity among young people significantly limits the ability to attract new personnel.

During the conference, participants also analyzed international experience, comparing professional and conscription-based army models in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Finland, South Korea, and Israel.

What is being proposed to restore mandatory service in Poland?

Poland is gradually leaning toward introducing a hybrid service model that combines a professional core with a trained reserve. The country must ensure sufficient troop numbers as it continues to expand its armed forces, while at the same time building a strong pool of well-trained reservists.

The development of personnel capacity is impossible without investment in military infrastructure – barracks, training centers, and firing ranges. The existing network of training grounds needs to be expanded, as it was created for a different army model and is now overloaded due to joint exercises with allies and assistance to Ukraine.

Summing up the discussion, the organizers noted that financial investment in defense cannot fully replace the human factor. The experience of countries such as Israel and Finland shows that involving citizens in security matters can stimulate innovation and economic development.