Over the years, we have proved many times that territorial defence troops are where the homeland needs us," said Brig. Gen. Krzysztof Stańczyk, commander of the WOT at the celebration of the formation festival. – The foundation of our identity is readiness to aid and sacrifice, work and loyalty," he added.
Fire Storm-25 – Territorials in the Heart of the Iron Defender
The Central Celebration of the Territorial Defence Army was held this year on the marketplace in Zamość. – The foundation of our identity is the ethos of service of a territorial defence soldier. Etos ready to aid another man, responsibility, loyalty to his comrades, readiness to sacrifice," said Brig. Gen. Krzysztof Stańczyk, commander of territorial defence troops. – A soldier of territorial defence troops is not only a defender of the homeland, but besides a neighbour, a friend, a associate of the local community, who is always ready and always close to supporting the countrymen," said the officer.
The General besides stressed the importance of the culture of command developed in the formation, based on trust and partnership. It is thanks to her that all WOT soldier knows that he is an crucial part of a squad in which he can show initiative and realize talents.
– Over the years, we have proved many times that territorial defence troops are where our homeland needs us. We stand at the borders of the state, supporting the Border Guard, helping during floods, storms and crises, supporting rescue and search activities, protecting the strategical place of PolLogHub in Jasionka – said General Stańczyk. – Olive beret became a symbol of responsibility, professionalism, patriotism. A sign to trust on.
Thank you for your service.
A letter to the gathering was sent by Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of National Defence. It was read by Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence. "I thank you for your professionalism and readiness to act in any situation, both during peace, erstwhile you are helping victims of floods, fires and disasters, as well as during exercises and defensive actions," wrote the head of the MON. "In each of these situations, you have proved that you are a unique formation, close to the people you come from," the Deputy Prime Minister added.
The commander of the armed forces at the Zamois ceremony was represented by Brig-Gen Mirosław Bryś, Deputy Head of the National safety Bureau, who read the letter of president Karol Nawrocki. "I give my highest credit to all soldiers and civilian workers of territorial defence troops for their regular effort, self-sacrifice and full commitment to service. Your willingness to act, presence in local communities and sensitivity to their needs are full reflected in the deviation of formation
Always ready, always close
WOT is the youngest kind of armed forces in the Polish Army. The formation was formed in 2017. Today, more than 43,5 1000 soldiers, including about 6 1000 men, service in its ranks. The remaining full territorial military service, allowing them to combine work or survey with service to their homeland.
The primary mission of territorial defence troops is to support the local community both during peace and war. Recruiting from residents of a given area of WOT is an invaluable component of the local safety system. Since the beginning of its existence, the formation has been serving the aid of local government authorities and their subordinate uniformed services. In emergency situations WOT soldiers are always on the front line of support: fight the effects of natural disasters, construction disasters and road accidents, participate in search and rescue operations.
The large WOT fitness exam was the Covid-19 pandemic. In the highest period, more than 5 1000 territorialists were active in the activities daily. Soldiers help in hospitals, deliver drugs, masks and supplies, swabs and They took care of the combatants.. The WOTs were equally effective during ‘Fenix’ flood operation.
Night flood drill in Bydgoszcz, 2025
In addition to the emergency response, WOT assists operating troops in carrying out their tasks on a regular basis. At the beginning of the migration crisis, territorialists were active in Operation to strengthen the Polish border with Belarus, and after a temporary decision, the re-establishment of border control at borders with Germany and Lithuania, interact with the Border Guard in carrying out this mission.
At the same time, WOT prepares to implement their opinions in the event of an armed conflict. They take an active part in the biggest exercises of the Polish Army, specified as ‘Dragon’ whether completed a fewer days ago ‘Iron Defender’ manoeuvres.
