Wheeled armoured personnel carrier Rosomak bought within the framework of modernisation of the army. In 2010, Ministry of Defence bought 67 Rosomaks for about PLN 600 million.Professional, modern army instead of compulsory conscription was the goal adopted by the Government in the Programme for Professionalization of Armed Forces for the years 2008-2010. The goal has been achieved. Since January 2010, Polish army consists of ca. 100,000 professional soldiers. Army equipment is being constantly modernized. Moreover, the Government fulfilled its promise to withdraw Polish troops from Iraq.The Programme for Professionalisation of Polish Armed Forces
The programme for professionalisation of Polish army was adopted by the Government in August 2008. Compulsory military service and training has been replaced with voluntary, contract-based military service, open also for women. Additionally, National Reserve Forces were created as a supplement to the professional army. In December 2008, the last draft to compulsory military service was organized, and in August 2009 the last so-called conscript soldiers were released from duty.
As of January 2010, there are approximately 100 thousand professional soldiers in the Polish army. Its hard core is made up of soldiers experienced in foreign military operations, e.g. in Iraq and Afghanistan. The recruitment to the National Reserve Force, which will support the professional army, has begun. The Ministry of National Defense wants to employ 20 thousand volunteers by the end of 2011.
Modern Mi-17 transport helicopter bought within the framework of modernisation of the army. In 2010, Ministry of Defence bought 5 Mi-17s for about PLN 168 million.Buying the Equipment The equipment of the Polish army is being modernized. PLN 5.6 billion was allocated for that purpose in 2010, another PLN 6.2 billion will be spent in 2011. The shopping list features the armored personnel carriers (called “Rosomak”), medical carriers, Mi-17 helicopters, and unmanned airplanes. Modern command support systems, Langusta rocket launchers, and Spike missiles were bought in 2010. A part of the newly bought equipment has been shipped to the Polish soldiers fighting in Afghanistan (e.g. the newest Rosomaks). In 2010, the Polish levy was provided with 30 mine-resistant vehicles (MaxxPro Dash). Our levy is one of 6 best equipped detachments in Afghanistan.
Easier military shipments
In October 2009, an amendment was passed to the act on certain offset agreements signed in connection with defence and national security contracts. The amendment allows for the exemption from offset agreements of military shipments of armaments, equipment, spare parts and operating materials indispensable for the proper functioning and equipment of Polish military contingents on foreign missions, e.g. in Afghanistan.
Special benefits for soldiers
As part of the reform programme of the Polish army, new means of granting military accommodation have been introduced. Every soldier is entitled to an accommodation supplement for the term of his service in a given garrison. This gives the soldier and his family a free possibility to decide whether to live inside or outside of the garrison. Almost one fourth of professional soldiers have already taken advantage of this option.
Together with the professionalization of the army, the Government has introduced new means of assistance for professional soldiers wounded on duty. The assistance was also extended to families of soldiers who went missing or were killed while on duty. The amendment to the act on professional military service – in force since December 2008 – has introduced allowances for soldiers released from duty due to health problems. It is also planned to introduce a 2-year assistance programme, helping soldiers adapt to the non-military labour market e.g. through qualifications improvement and an employment counselling system.
Conclusion of the Iraqi mission
In 2008, the Government concluded the participation of Polish troops in the Iraqi stabilization mission. The Polish Military Contingent had been part of the International Stabilization Forces operations since 2003. Polish soldiers had trained 30 thousand Iraqi security forces (19,500 soldiers, 6,000 police officers, and 4,500 border guard personnel). 15,000 soldiers took part in the Iraqi mission. The last military contingent returned home in October 2008. Polish authorities are also in favour of prompt conclusion of Polish military mission in Afghanistan.