The Ministry of National Defence, together with the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, is launching a nationwide "wGtotowości" programme - a universal defence training for all adult participants. The first classes will begin on November 22, 2025, participants will have access to training in security, medicine, survival and cyber defense.

As the Ministry of National Defence emphasized, the program was created in response to currency risks and the experience of last summer, including the fighting in Ukraine. "The ability to be ready for any eventuality. Each of us should know how to turn in a moment of danger - not only soldiers, but all citizens" - said the Deputy Minister of National Defence during the presentation of the programme.

Training for everyone

"Readyness" is an open program - it does not require previous military experience or special physical predispositions. Participants must only be at least 18 years old and register via the mObywatel application, where the application process takes only half a minute.

The training will be conducted in 132 military units throughout Poland, mainly in the bases of the Territorial Defence Forces, which have appropriate facilities and staff of instructors. The program is designed so that everyone can find a convenient date and location in their region.

In the pilot phase, in 2025, the Ministry of Defence plans to train about 20,000 people, and in the next year even 400,000. The training is completely free of charge - participants receive meals, drinks, insurance and the necessary training equipment.

The four pillars of resilience

The program is divided into four thematic modules. The first, "Security", covers ways to respond to emergencies such as evacuations, alerts, and military and environmental threats. The second, "Medicine", offers practical training in first aid – from resuscitation and wound dressing to responding to shock, burns and poisoning.

The "Survival" module focuses on learning how to function in difficult conditions: organizing shelter, managing resources, protecting yourself and your loved ones in the event of a crisis. The last module, "Cyber Hygiene", deals with modern online threats. Participants will learn the principles of safe use of the Internet, creating strong passwords, protecting privacy and recognizing disinformation.

Each module lasts one day and ends with a certificate of participation. Those interested can continue their education by going through the next levels or choosing the reservist path, which allows them to later become involved in the structures of the national defense.

Society on alert

The Ministry of National Defence emphasizes that the programme is not only of practical but also social importance. "wReadiness" aims to build a culture of safety and civic responsibility, increasing the awareness of Poles about the threats. "The security of Polish is not only the task of the army and allies, but also of each of us. It is a program that is to unite society around the idea of shared responsibility for the country", emphasized the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army.

According to experts, the initiative can significantly contribute to strengthening the country's resilience. It is also part of a broader process of modernising the armed forces and building a universal defence system.

Ambitious goals and future plans

The Ministry of National Defence (MON) expects that by 2026 the training system will cover all voivodeships, and the number of available centres and instructors will grow systematically. In the next stages, it is planned to expand the program to include specialized training, m.in. in the field of responding to natural disasters, protection of critical infrastructure and cooperation with civil administration.

The ministry also emphasizes that the training is voluntary and educational, but is crucial for national security. Participation in the program is not only a chance to acquire useful skills, but also a form of modern patriotism - civic preparation for difficult times.

Photo: MON, gov.pl

This article was prepared as part of the public task commissioned under the Government Programme for the Development of Civic Organizations 2018–2030: “Safe Poland of Tomorrow – strengthening the mission-driven activities of the Alioth Foundation.”