Polish civilians join emergency preparedness training
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 4
Polish civilians join emergency preparedness training
11 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 4
At the 133rd Light Infantry Battalion in Cieszyn, the programme aims to train 400,000 people this year under the wGotowosci, or Readiness, plan.
Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has called it the largest defence training in Polish history, as families, workers and teenagers take part in drills.
The effort reflects wider European anxiety over Russia's hybrid threats during the fifth year of the Ukraine war and fresh strain in transatlantic security ties.
Poland is training 400,000 civilians for war. Is public resilience the new frontline in deterring modern hybrid attacks?
As America pulls back its troops, can Europe's new defense initiatives truly stand up to a potential Russian threat?
With a key global oil artery blocked by the US, how will the world economy cope with the looming supply shock?
The Challenges and Stakes of Poland’s 500,000-Strong "Always Ready" Civilian Defense Initiative
Overview
Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Poland overhauled its defense strategy to address heightened hybrid threats and its growing NATO role. Inspired by Nordic total defense concepts, Poland launched the "Always Ready" program in late 2025, aiming to train 500,000 civilians by 2026 to strengthen societal resilience. The program offers flexible training and strong incentives, attracting thousands amid patriotic sentiment fueled by the ongoing conflict. However, challenges remain, including low overall participation, public skepticism, eroding trust in allies, and integration difficulties with professional forces. Poland's increased defense spending supports this effort, but economic and political uncertainties could impact its sustainability and effectiveness.