Gen. Gielerak: We Are Not Ready for War. There Is Much Work Ahead of Us
General Gielerak discusses the lack of comprehensive readiness of the Polish army for potential conflicts, specifically highlighting deficiencies in military medical support amidst significant investment in combat systems.
As the war in Ukraine reaches its four-year mark, General Gielerak reflects on the current state of the Polish armed forces and their preparedness for similar conflicts. He emphasizes the importance of learning from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and assessing whether Poland is better prepared for potential scenarios. While there have been various initiatives aimed at improving readiness, Gielerak notes that these efforts have been disjointed and lack a systematic approach to integrate all activities effectively.
One critical area identified by Gielerak is the military medical services, which he argues are not sufficiently coordinated with civilian healthcare systems. He underscores that advancement in the military's medical preparedness is essential for supporting armed forces effectively in the event of injury casualties. The general expresses concern that there has been an imbalance in the allocation of resources, where massive investments are made in offensive capabilities, but medical support systems are viewed merely as a cost rather than a necessary component for overall operational success.
Gielerak concludes with a hopeful note, mentioning that significant improvements in medical readiness are anticipated in the coming months. However, he stresses that immediate action is required to address the gaps in preparedness and ensure that Polish soldiers have adequate support not just in terms of combat equipment but also in critical medical services that can save lives on the battlefield.