The voice of soldiers matters

What matters do soldiers study most often?

This is simply a very broad spectrum – from social affairs, through issues straight related to the service, the conditions for its performance or the finances. These most crucial things are a small different present than those reported years ago. This is primarily due to changes in the military itself, as well as the fact that they are being resolved on an ongoing basis. These are not always spectacular changes, but frequently very crucial from the point of view of correction soldiers – clarification of regulations, improvement of service conditions or organizational improvements.

What, then, has been done late through the activities of typical bodies?

As an example, I can mention raising minimum housing benefits to the level of PLN 900 or the issue of enlargement entitled to traineeship allowancewhich is paid present since the second year of service. Work is very advanced on the change of regulations, which is intended to let studying of sub-commissioners and privates at the Academy of War Art. We were besides active in making changes to the requirements for the appearance of soldiers and uniforms whether the provisions which abolished the condition of reaching the age of 55 essential to get pension rights in the case of soldiers appointed for service after 31 December 2012. We were besides the initiator of changes to the training programs in the junior advanced school and the introduction of a service allowance for the commandant of these schools. In matters concerning soldiers, we actively cooperate with the Office of the Minister of National Defence for Military Service Conditions and the Department of Military household Support of MON.

What problems are the environment presently facing?

One of the most pressing issues is the payment residential clearance inactive in the course of the ministry, not after it has been completed. For a group of soldiers, this would be an argument for continuing to serve.

Another crucial problem is the work due for duty. The current rates – at the level of about PLN 50 for 24-hour service – have not been changed for almost 2 decades, so we request them to be real. The problem of overtime is besides becoming increasingly challenging. The increase in the number of tasks resulting from the current safety situation translates into a greater burden on soldiers. As a result, overtime increases, which are not always sufficiently compensated. Among our demands is the amendment of the rules on the summation of service periods in the case of soldiers returning to the army. present they don't keep Continuity of traineeship, which translates into, for example, additional benefits to pensions for services over 32 years.

Among our next demands are, among others, the amendment of the rules on accommodation, which will let free accommodation in boarding houses for all soldiers or the introduction of the Jubilee Award after 45 years of service, which is simply a consequence of its anticipation to execute up to 65 years of age. Soldiers besides study the request to change the rules service opinion, and the inclusion of officers with a motivational allowance for the evaluation of the authoritative opinion. It is besides essential to start reforming the training of the sub-commissioned corps and the rules for carrying out annual physical fitness check.

This year, the typical bodies will celebrate their 31st anniversary, and you have late started a 3rd word as President. In retrospect, how do you view your voice today?

I see large openness to dialog and greater willingness to perceive to the voice of the soldier's community. We participate in consultations, we are invited to discuss, we have opinions on draft legislation. Our requests, erstwhile they have reached the decision-makers, are not only analysed but besides taken into account where possible in the changes made. The breakthrough was the work on the Defence of Homeland Act and the implementing acts, erstwhile our commitment was peculiarly visible. However, it must be made clear that, while we are the "voice of soldiers", we point out problems and propose solutions, we do not have the power to act, and the final decisions always belong to the head of the ministry.

And how common is the awareness of typical bodies today? Do they know where and how to study their concerns?

Yeah. More and more soldiers know that they can turn to us with a problem and know that their voice will not be ignored. The function of the commanders themselves is great. Where they are open to cooperation with typical bodies and husbands of trust, the strategy works most efficiently and the soldiers know that each has the right to study its problem through its representative.

On 12 April, the celebration of professional soldiers' typical bodies was first celebrated.

The fact that this day is included in the catalogue of military holidays is simply a large discrimination for us. But it is besides a symbolic appreciation of the function of environmental representatives. All the more so, as we talk about the activities frequently carried out by “ordinary” soldiers – husbands of trust, who execute this function socially all day, supporting their colleagues. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Presidents of the Conventions and to all the dean of officers, enlisted officers and privates for their support and large commitment.

What challenges do you face?

One of our goals for the close future is to strengthen the function of typical bodies and to grow their scope. Currently, we represent only professional soldiers, but with the transformation of the armed forces fresh forms of service have emerged, specified as soldiers of territorial military service or active reserve. present we formally do not have a mandate to represent them, although, of course, we do not stay indifferent to their problems.

The second crucial area is the work on the amendment of the Code of Honor, a paper that clearly defines the ethical standards and attitudes that each soldier is expected to have. Currently, the Code of Honor of the Professional Soldier is in force, while our aim is to make a paper covering all soldiers – regardless of the form of service. due to the fact that the uniform binds all soldier the same way.