Building a professional army
The Polish response to the war in Ukraine includes swift military modernization and a plan to expand the armed forces to 300,000 personnel. While modernization and adaptation are realistic and achievable, claiming a professional army of 300,000 is an overstatement that warrants closer scrutiny.
The central challenge is not simply the state’s financial efficiency but Poland’s demographic trajectory—an ongoing demographic crisis that has persisted for decades. Births in the range of 300–400 thousand make a large, fully professional force unlikely. Looking ahead, the population base required to sustain such a force appears even more implausible. As a result, it becomes essential to pursue an expanded professional army while also revisiting a mixed model rooted in conscription. The experiences of the war in Ukraine underscore the necessity for universal conscription and universal military training. The Ukrainian conflict exposes the limitations of policies that prioritized expediency over national security and illustrates the strategic value of a defense approach focused on protecting Polish territory and neighboring states vital to security. In this light, the military should remain a guardian of freedom, sovereignty, and peace in Poland’s portion of the continent rather than a distant expeditionary force.
What does the war in Ukraine teach us?
The conflict in Ukraine challenges the notion that warfare would stay limited and rely solely on advanced, specialized units. It highlights the enduring importance of ground forces, artillery, and traditional armored units. Modern, specialized warfare plays a role, but it does not replace conventional forms of combat. Consequently, a Polish force built entirely around a professional cadre and territorial defense proves insufficient to defend national security. The Ukrainian example shows that a modern army must possess a national character, not solely a technological edge, and that defense policy must adapt to the realities of total war. This implies aligning a state’s readiness with the demands of broad, total warfare and shaping an army prepared to meet those demands.
Back to general conscription
The key to adapting Poland’s military posture to threats from the east lies in reinstating universal conscription and universal military training. In a crisis, a professional force should be easily scalable into a full army, much as Ukraine has demonstrated. A major weakness in the Polish military is the lack of reserves, a situation aggravated by a decade of reduced reserve training. The absence of conscription also erodes the pipeline for future reserve personnel. Today, bringing back general conscription is a national necessity to rebuild reserves capable of expanding the armed forces in dangerous situations. Neighboring European countries are recognizing this move as well. Sweden has restored common military training, Latvia has followed suit, and Finland maintains a robust program of reserve preparation. Reintroducing compulsory service for at least one year is essential for Poland’s defense. While current governments may fear electoral repercussions, a modern army that can both deter and defend requires timely action. Investments in hardware are important, but they are not sufficient without comprehensive nationwide mobilization and a credible reserve system. The path forward demands a nationwide defense mobilization that embraces compulsory service to build an army capable of meeting evolving risks.
Patriotism and morality
Another crucial aspect of restoring compulsory military service is the revival of patriotism and societal morale as the backbone of defense. The Ukrainian experience demonstrates how a strong national will and shared purpose enable a country to mobilize resources and endurance for national defense. Without a renewed sense of patriotism, even substantial arms supplies cannot translate into lasting security. Poland faces a crisis of national morale that weakens its defensive potential. Reinvigorating patriotism, alongside rebuilding material defense capabilities, is necessary. Restoring compulsory service would not only prepare citizens for battle but also reinforce civic education and societal cohesion. Military training should be complemented by efforts in schools, media, and public life to foster a resilient national spirit. Activities that undermine national unity should be addressed to prevent demoralization from eroding resilience.
Example of Israel
Polish defense policy could draw lessons from Israel, a state that has militarized society in response to persistent threats. Israel’s approach combines military preparedness with social education to create a community oriented toward defense. Applying a similar model in Poland would emphasize both equipment and the moral and patriotic readiness of society to defend the country. Rebuilding patriotism involves more than military training; it requires creating a sense of national subjectivity, building a cohesive community, and a willingness to defend it. The world faces a period of ongoing threats, turbulence, and potential conflict that could endure for decades. In light of today’s challenges, particularly for Poland and Central Europe, a policy emphasizing general conscription and nationwide preparation for potential conflict gains urgency and clarity.