Polish deputy defence minister backs compulsory service for women and men

Polish Deputy Defence Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka backed compulsory military service for both women and men in an RMF FM interview on October 14.

She said the ministry was considering different recruitment scenarios. Her colleagues do not share a single position on compulsory service, with some opposing its return. The discussion remains open, according to the deputy minister.

Sobkowiak-Czarnecka proposed allowing people to volunteer first, before filling any remaining personnel requirements through conscription. She argued that both women and men should be included under such an approach.

She also said Poland was examining German and Scandinavian models. Her remarks set out a position in an ongoing debate rather than announcing a decision to resume conscription.

Compulsory basic military service in Poland has been suspended since 2010. The current system provides voluntary routes into military service.