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In front of the Poznań Military Recruitment Center, the scene bears no resemblance to old black-and-white photos of past draftees: branded backpacks, earbuds in ears, home-printed forms. A few meters away, a sign invites: “Zostań Żołnierzem — Become a Soldier”. This is where, on January 16, 2026, Poland kicked off its first round of voluntary basic military training (DZSW), a 28-day path from initial paperwork to oath-taking in barracks. Today's edge lies in the design: streamlined digital procedures, clear pay, usable qualifications, and a politico-military goal aimed straight at bolstering national defense.
What is the New VRS (DZSW) and Why It Matters
The Voluntary Basic Military Service—Dobrowolna Zasadnicza Służba Wojskowa (DZSW) in Polish—serves as the quickest, most flexible entry to the Polish Army for those without prior uniform experience. It unfolds in two phases: up to 28 days of basic training on discipline, regulations, weapons, and core skills, followed by up to 11 months of specialized unit-based training leading to professional roles. The structure balances security needs and recruitment: short, intensive, with certified outcomes.
Where and How to Apply
Candidates can apply at any Military Recruitment Center nationwide or online via the official “Zostań Żołnierzem” portal. Digital access speeds things up: start remotely, get quick summons to chosen centers for interviews, psych tests, and medicals. Local offices note the process has been streamlined—often wrapping in ~50 days vs. 190 previously—a sign of de-bureaucratization aligned with government priorities.
Aptitude Tests and Administrative Decisions
Post-application, screening covers physical fitness and mental suitability. Selection ends with a formal fitness certificate and administrative go-ahead for training. Military officials report high, steady interest, backed by broad awareness campaigns and a rich training menu.
Training Duration and Content: Two Phases, One Oath, Transferable Skills
Phase 1: Up to 28 days of basics—drills, military rules, weapons handling, first aid, tactical essentials—capped by the military oath.
Phase 2: Up to 11 months specializing in units with real duties, steering toward operational or technical roles per aptitudes and needs. Free certifications abound: C, C+E, D licenses, equipment quals, even diving or parachuting.
Economic Benefits and Protections: Pay, Perks, State Support
Participants earn an indemnity pegged at 6,300 gross zloty (~€1,500) monthly during training, plus free meals, lodging, insurance, medical care, train discounts, and priority for pro military careers. Earlier docs cited lower Phase 1 pay (~4,560 zloty), hinting at updates or age-based tiers. Under-26s get tax breaks in some regions. The incentive package has been beefed up for appeal.
Who Can Apply
Requirements are straightforward: Polish citizenship, 18+, basic education, no intentional crime convictions, good character, psycho-physical fitness. A broad net targeting grads, uni students, job-seekers, career-switchers eyeing public/military paths.
A Model for Today's “Mass Levy”
Poland skipped mandatory conscription. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz insists “it's not needed now,” touting voluntary uptake. Yet Warsaw expands basic military literacy via summer camps, short courses, weekend drills—spreading defense skills societally without blanket obligation.
Numbers and Ambitions: Soldiers, Reservists
Mid-term goals are bold: PM Donald Tusk eyes 100,000 trained volunteers yearly by 2027, feeding a vast reserve. Active forces hover at ~200,000, eyeing 300,000; reserves bridge to a 500,000-strong total of pros and backups. Voluntary basics form the swiftest recruitment gateway.
Strategic Context: Record Defense Spending, “East Shield”
This defense buildup fits a bigger frame. Poland leads NATO in GDP defense share: 4.1-4.7% lately, 2025 at peak, funding “East Shield” border fortifications. Beyond budgets, it's cross-party policy, fueled by Ukraine war and eastern NATO flank risks.
What It Means for NATO (and Europe)
Poland as NATO's eastern bulwark is no press hyperbole. Top-tier spending (>4% GDP, peaking 4.7%) and projects like East Shield reshape Europe's strategic map: bunkers, depots, anti-drone tech. DZSW adds the human layer—trained masses shifting fast from civilian to reservist/pro, building systemic resilience via investment, doctrine, basics in a tense region.