Poland's Defense Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced the establishment of a 'high readiness reserve' aimed at creating an additional 500,000 personnel available for rapid mobilization alongside active and territorial forces. This initiative, part of a broader training program called 'In Readiness', is set to commence its next phase in March with the goal of training 40,000 individuals. The program seeks to bolster Poland's military capacity in response to increased security concerns in the region.

Participation in this high readiness reserve will be voluntary, with incentives such as additional remuneration and access to various educational courses and training. Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the success of the initial training phase, which saw over 16,000 participants, noting that interest among volunteers was nearly equal between genders, reflecting a strong commitment from the public to participate in national defense efforts.

This initiative comes amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe, and Poland is looking to enhance its defense infrastructure. The emphasis on voluntary participation alongside benefits attempts to stimulate public interest and involvement in national security, positioning Poland to respond swiftly to any potential threats, and aligns with NATO commitments in maintaining a robust deterrent posture.