Poland has launched one-day army training sessions for civilians to prepare the population for a potential war with Russia [1].

The initiative reflects the government's urgent view that Russian hybrid attacks constitute a serious threat to national security [1]. By preparing civilians to react during a conflict, Poland aims to strengthen its domestic resilience and readiness.

The program, titled “Always Ready,” provides short-term military instruction to participants [1]. While some reports indicate these sessions are open to both men and women [1], other government plans involve large-scale military training specifically for every adult male in the country [2].

Prime Minister Donald Tusk has overseen a significant increase in national security spending to bolster the country's defenses [2]. Poland currently spends nearly five percent of its GDP on defense [1]. This investment includes both the procurement of hardware and the development of human reserves.

These training efforts are part of a broader strategy to boost reserves and ensure the population can support military operations if war breaks out [2]. The program was announced and began implementation in early 2025 [2].

The Polish government continues to prioritize these readiness measures as geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe remain high [1]. The “Always Ready” sessions serve as a primary point of contact between the professional military and the civilian population to ensure a coordinated response during a crisis [1].

“Poland spends nearly 5% of its GDP on defence”

Poland's shift toward mass civilian readiness indicates a strategic transition from relying solely on a professional standing army to a total-defense model. By integrating civilians into basic military training and allocating a high percentage of GDP to defense, Warsaw is signaling to Moscow that the cost of aggression would involve a mobilized and prepared population, not just a formal military force.