Poland is considering reinstating conscription to bolster its armed forces but has made no decision, Deputy Defense Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said. The ministry is evaluating options; she personally supports mandatory service for both me

2026-10-14

Poland is considering reinstating conscription to bolster its armed forces but has made no decision, Deputy Defense Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said. The ministry is evaluating options; she personally supports mandatory service for both men and women. A transition period prioritizing voluntary service would precede any formal rollout, and the ministry expects to announce a decision in the period ahead. Poland’s armed forces total more than 220,000 personnel, including professional soldiers and the Territorial Defense Force, which is mainly part-time volunteers who combine service with civilian work or education.