There is growing discussion about reinstating compulsory military service. The head of the National Security Bureau (BBN), Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz, as well as military officials, emphasize that this would not only strengthen the armed forces but also prepare Poles for threats that may emerge sooner than many expect.
In recent days, the topic of bringing back compulsory military service has returned to the public debate. The reason is fairly obvious. A war has been ongoing just beyond Poland’s eastern border for nearly three years. International tensions are also rising in other parts of the world. All of this forces us to ask questions about Poland’s ability to defend itself in the event of a conflict.
A Necessary Effort
Experts point out that the current system—based solely on professional soldiers and volunteers—may prove insufficient.
“We must reinstate compulsory military service. This is part of a broader plan to build a system of universal defense in Poland. We must start speaking openly about threats, including by preparing society for them. What is needed is the training of citizens, the creation of alternative shelters for the civilian population, and the construction of infrastructure for hospitals and wartime operations. This is a major effort, but a necessary one if we want to ensure the highest level of security,” says the head of the BBN, Prof. Sławomir Cenckiewicz. According to him, this is part of a broader strategy to build comprehensive national defense.
Military Arguments
Interestingly, representatives of the armed forces share a similar view. Generals emphasize that compulsory military service is not only about increasing troop numbers. It is also about preparing society for crisis situations. Gen. Dariusz Wroński explains that trained conscripts are compatible with professional soldiers and, in the event of mobilization, do not require training from scratch.
“Military training is not just about weapons and trenches. It is about the ability to recognize threats, provide assistance to civilians, and organize effective resistance,” he stresses.
Former Deputy Minister of National Defense Wojciech Skurkiewicz adds that restoring conscription would require rebuilding military infrastructure.
“During the years of Civic Platform (PO) governments, many facilities were sold off or left to decay. This is a huge challenge, but it is also a good opportunity for those who suspended conscription to now reinstate it,” he argues.
When Will Compulsory Military Service Return?
The return of compulsory military service would mean not only a larger army, but also significant changes in the lives of thousands of young people. For now, however, there is no political decision to restore conscription. Nevertheless, the debate is gaining momentum, and behind the scenes specific timelines are already being mentioned. The year 2026 is being indicated as a possible moment for change.
Cenckiewicz emphasizes that Poland must think not in terms of “unthreatened peace,” but rather build alternative solutions for wartime conditions.
“We must create facilities for hospitals and operations during wartime. This is a great effort, but one that is necessary for security,” he concludes.
It is worth recalling that conscription in Poland was suspended on January 1, 2010. The last draft took place in 2008, and the final conscripts were released from service in August 2009. The decision to abolish compulsory military service was made by the PO–PSL government led by Donald Tusk.
