Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1517379
2023 has been a year of activity for WOT. Not only did the Territorial Defense Component grow, expanding its personnel, but it was also engaging in more actions aimed towards supporting local communities. It was also getting involved in numerous aid initiatives. The WOT soldiers were actively training and cooperating with other services, and guards, to heighten the levels of security locally. 2023 has also seen the Terytorialsi maintain their presence on the eastern border of Poland. It also needs to be stressed that goals and objectives defined by the Territorial Defense Forces 2021- 2035 Development Plan, have all been accomplished. As noted by the temporarily assigned Commander of the Territorial Defense Forces, Brig. General Krzysztof Stańczyk: Last year can be defined as a time of numerous challenges and hard work. The troops were involved in providing aid to local communities, supporting the local authorities, and serving close to the eastern state border of Poland - all these can be listed among the tasks that we were handling. My soldiers accomplish the mission placed ahead of them to the degree of 100%. All changes that happened this year only strengthened our branch, and clearly have shown that we are moving in the right direction. This has also been expressed by the fact that 40 thousand volunteers serve in WOT. I am proud of my soldiers! „Terytorialsi", I'd like to thank you for your service, during the previous year. The coming days will surely bring us some new challenges. I know, however, that with the military team as the one that we have built, we can accomplish anything! Short Resume We are growing strong, and taking care of developing the branch - 40 thousand volunteer troops. One of the key challenges ahead is related to growth - also when it comes to the number of serving troops. To support the recruitment process, Mobile Recruitment Teams were formed in the Territorial Defense Component in 2021. Thanks to the enthusiasm and involvement of the serving troops, the branch had 40 thousand active volunteers recruited towards the end of 2023. Those volunteers come from all walks of life, and they have different professions and passions. All of them, however, are united by the shared concern and care for our Homeland, and the security of their loved ones. The Territorial Defense Component also grants the volunteers an opportunity to grow. On one hand, when meeting the formal requirements, the troops may apply to begin service in the structures of the professionalized military. On the other hand, they can, still as members of the Territorial Defense branch, graduate from "SONDA" NCO school, or "AGRYKOLA" officers' course. Furthermore, the soldiers can also enroll in numerous specialization courses and training, including ones covering the domain of combat medicine. Within the scope of further development in 2023, relevant changes took place when it came to the Branch's leadership. Following the term of office of Wiesław Kukuła, Div. Gen. Maciej Klisz was appointed the new WOT commander. Then, as personnel changes happened, Brig. General Krzysztof Stańczyk was appointed the temporary commander. The changes have shown unity and coherence of action and contributed to the further development of the Territorial Defense branch. Emphasis on Training In 2023 the Territorial Defense Component finalized 261 cycles of basic and complementary (compensatory) training, more than 725 rotational exercises, along with ninety-eight, 14-days long integrated exercises. Furthermore, the Territorial Defense branch was also actively involved in exercises, training, and competitions with other branches of the Polish Armed Forces - they took part in the Anakonda-23 nationwide exercise for instance. They were also participating and succeeding in undertakings such as Recon Clash, Ranger-Pre-Selection Course, Cambrian Patrol, and Sniper 2023 is the sixth year of existence, for the Territorial Defense Component (WOT, Wojska Obrony Terytorialnej). Many things have been accomplished during that period, training- and development-wise. Nicknamed „Terytorialsi", the branch has become an unquestionable component of the Polish national security system. The component also gained social support and trust - a foundation for further activities. 40 thousand volunteers served in WOT in late 2023. www.fragoutmag.com