On 9 January 2025, the Minister of National Defence informed of the dismissal of Maj-Gen Artur Kępczyński from the position of Head of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate (IWSZ). As the spokesperson for the MON, Janusz Sejmej said: "At the same time, the temporary duties of the Chief of Inspectorate were entrusted to Brigadier General Piotr Wagner". The Communication does not state the reasons for this decision, which has sparked many speculation in the media and military environments.
Role of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate
The Inspectorate of Armed Forces Support is simply a key body liable for logistical support of Polish armed forces in Poland and abroad. His tasks include supplying troops with weapons, method equipment, and individual equipment for soldiers. General Kępczyński has served as head of the IWSZ since November 2021, and his cancellation takes place during intense changes and reforms in the Polish armed forces.
Political context and allegations of Deputy Minister Tomczyk
The appeal of General Kępczyński coincided with the announcement of submitting further notifications to the prosecutor concerning the activities of erstwhile Minister of National Defence Antoni Macierewicz. During the Thursday parliamentary debate, Deputy Minister of National Defence, Cezary Tomczyk, powerfully criticized the erstwhile management of the MON, accusing Macerewicz of “sabotaging the army of the Republic”.
"He was obliged by the Polish State to do a very concrete job, in this case he became Minister of National Defence," said Tomczyk. He pointed to the deficiency of adequate purchases for the army in 2016–2017, despite available financial resources. "Inspectorate of Armed Forces Support despite having the means to acquisition uniforms, he did not receive approval from the MON management to acquisition field uniforms," the Deputy Minister stressed.
Potential implications for the armed forces
The change to the position of Head of the Support Inspectorate may have far-reaching consequences for the operation of the armed forces, especially in the face of challenges related to the modernisation of the army and logistical support for abroad missions. The temporary acquisition of duties by Brigadier General Piotr Wagner suggests that the Ministry of Defence is looking for permanent solutions that will let effective management of this key area.
Is the appeal related to allegations against the erstwhile management of the MON?
Although the MON communication does not state the reasons for the appeal of General Kępczyński, it speculates that it may have been linked to tensions related to allegations against the erstwhile management of the MON, including Antoni Macierewicz. Failure to acquisition equipment for the military and deficiency of adequate implementation of key modernisation projects have been subject to many criticisms in fresh years.
Summary
The decision to dismiss General Kępczyński is an crucial event that may affect the functioning of the Armed Forces Support Office and the full Polish army. The deficiency of disclosure of the reasons for this decision leaves many unanswered questions, and the political context further complicates the situation. Future steps taken by the MON, including the selection of the permanent head of IWSZ, will be crucial to the stableness and effectiveness of the Polish armed forces.
Continued here:
Sudden changes in the management of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate
