This message was made during the Tuesday Defence24 Days conference, which dealt with key changes that will be essential in the Polish army in the coming years. The conference was attended by the highest commanders of the Polish army and the head of the National safety Bureau, Dariusz Łukowski.
One of the most crucial topics raised during the gathering was changing the command system. The current model is based on a strategy of "force provider" and "force user" which was created for armed forces active in abroad missions, especially in the fight against terrorism. This strategy has been operating in Poland for 11 years.
It is time for changes in the Polish army
In the current system, the "force provider" is the General Command of Armed Forces Types, which is liable for logistical and organisational issues, while the "force user" is the Operations Command, liable for commanding forces during the mission, air space patrolling or activities in the Baltic.
General Kukuła concluded that this strategy is "completely inadequate" to modern needs and threats. Similarly, the head of the BBN, Dariusz Łukowski, pointed out that the problem lies not in the competence of the commanders, but in the weaknesses of the structure itself, frequently overwhelmed by a immense amount of tasks.
An example of specified a situation is the case in which the Naval Inspector in the General Command has no real impact on the command of the Navy. “You gotta go back to the old "school, you command, you answer," said Gen. Łukowski, quoted by TVN24.
General Kukuła assured that the General Staff was ready to make recommendations on the fresh command structure. The proposed changes include the creation of Joint Operations Command, which would be liable for maintaining the readiness and coordination of all types of troops. During the war, this command would deal with the current command of armed forces.
At the same time, it is planned to establish Transformation Command, which would be liable for training soldiers and implementing innovations in the army. During the war, this command would besides manage the training of reservists and the replacement of losses.
General Kukuła pointed out that this strategy "will not require a transition between peace and war", so it will not be essential to transform the command. General Łukowski besides supported this vision, stressing that the duties of officers in peacetime should as far as possible correspond to their tasks during the war.
He recalled that the proposals for changes to the command system, including the creation of the Joint Operations Command, were already included in the bill prepared by the administration of president Duda. Currently, this task is being conducted in the Sejm.
He besides added that there is no uncertainty that the strategy should be changed. The key is when? I always say it's about time to do it. no of the military has any doubts about this," General Lukowski said.
