Poland will soon begin a large-scale pilot program of voluntary national defense training under the initiative “wGotowości” (“Ready”). The program, launching on November 22, will last five weeks and aims to train 100,000 participants across the country.
The initiative is open to everyone — children, teenagers, adults, and seniors — and will be conducted by 132 units, primarily from the Territorial Defense Forces (WOT). Its purpose is to strengthen social resilience and basic defense readiness among Polish citizens amid growing security concerns in the region.
Participants can choose between two training paths. The first, “Odporność” (Resilience), is designed for those not planning to join the military. It includes first aid, survival skills, cybersecurity training, and crisis management basics, focusing on preparing civilians to respond effectively to emergencies and threats in everyday life. The second path, “Rezerwy” (Reserve), is intended for individuals interested in training within the state defense system without committing to professional military service. It provides a deeper introduction to defense readiness and the structure of Poland’s reserve forces.
The “wGotowości” program reflects the Polish government’s strategy to expand civic defense preparedness and promote voluntary engagement in national security. Looking ahead, the government plans to train 400,000 people by 2026, significantly scaling up the effort to build a more resilient and capable society.
