It's worth it

And how did the enemy become commander of the largest mechanized division in the country?

Indeed, this is not an apparent career path. I surely owe much to the good military preparation, officer's school and superiors I met on my way. I was fortunate to find large mentors, so I could make and put my ideas into practice, although my surroundings did not always realize the decisions I made.

Were those ideas besides innovative?

No, it's not even that. I graduated from the Higher Officers' School of Anti-aircraft Forces with a 3rd place, so I could choose the unit to serve. At the time I was advised to put on a large city, anti-aircraft regiments were in Elbląg, Szczecin, but I chose a unit in Rogów. Not due to the fact that I was raised there, but mostly due to the fact that she had Kub's rocket systems. My friends knocked on the forehead. Turns out I made a large hit. Even though I was a young lieutenant, my commander gave me large assurance and allowed me to be independent.

This was a perk in the 6th Armored Cavalry Brigade. Then I besides heard that for an officer with my education the anti-aircraft regiment would be better, and I chose to service in the squadron. And it turns out I did the right thing. This was the brigade that first entered the Natovian Peace Partnership programme, and began contacts with allies. I've besides been allowed to make a investigation squadron. I could have created a command post from a real event, erstwhile another specified subdivisions had 3 anti-aircraft batteries in them, six of them. I remember how today's first shooting, erstwhile during the “Green Spruce 2000” exercise all opened fire at erstwhile and led it for 45 minutes. It was power!

And then you took the lead in the 18th change of the Polish Military Quota in Kosovo.

Yes, but I was in Iraq before. However, the mission to Kosovo is simply a very crucial part of my service. For the first time, anti-aircraft was assigned to specified action, previously the main forces of the contingent were formed by soldiers from the 21st Podhalan firearm Brigade. It was a big, but interesting challenge for me. There we supported police officers from the peculiar Branch who cared for order in Mitrovica. Until 1 day General Adamczak called me, who was preparing to go to Afghanistan and... asked if I would go with him. It was 2 weeks before my return to Poland, and the departure was scheduled a fewer weeks later. I had to make the decision right away... And to the surprise of everyone – I flew, although at the time I was told that another journey would break my career.

Officers frequently say that during military missions the most valuable experiences are gathered.

I'm sure. For me it was primarily the first contact with the alleged real "firer". This all came at a price erstwhile I went to Afghanistan again. It was 2013, then I became an advisor to Gen. Sokołowski. It happened then, it happened. For apparent reasons, I cannot talk of details, but this mission taught me actual humility. It was there that I learned in practice how crucial it is to train soldiers comprehensively. That it should be done not due to the fact that it is the instructions, but that they should not die on the battlefield. That it is not only about having narrow specializations, but besides about knowing, for example, the basics of rescue, they are mentally immune. due to the fact that what works in exercises doesn't gotta work in real action if the military isn't prepared for them.

The mission, contrary to popular opinion, did not close your career path.

No, it's the opposite. I'd say it was the most crucial part of my service. Upon returning from Afghanistan, I received a proposal to take up the position of head of the department of analysis for the usage of peculiar troops, Military Gendarmerie and territorial defence in the Operations Planning Board – P3 General Staff. I didn't think a second! It was a fantastic time, a lot happened, but we did a lot too. I'm especially arrogant of Agat Military Unit. I'm the 1 who wrote the concept of her transformation from the Army Police peculiar Branch, and I inactive have feelings for her, as a child. This is akin in patients with Air peculiar Action Unit.

Then it was time for General Command. This is simply a time of large responsibility, but besides large people around me. First of all, General Jarosław Mika. A fantastic man, my mentor, who taught me a lot, but besides prepared for another large challenge – commanding 2nd Mechanized Brigade. It's a large unit, but it's low-staffed. I wanted her to be noticed and appreciated. I bet on training there. We besides managed to recreate a fragment of Hannibal's alleged road, so that we could commute from the unit to the ground on the shortest way through the forest, alternatively than catching up kilometres by a circular road.

The superiors appreciated this commitment?

Yes, due to the fact that something happened that was an absolute summit for me. I was appointed Head of the Board of Planning of the usage of Armed Forces and Training P – 3/7 in the General Staff. This function was previously performed by Motack generals, Adamczak, Surawski. They were the ones who decided what the Polish Army was actually expected to look like, so the possible that now I should sit in the same chair was amazing. The service in this post coincided with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, began trips to Korea, fitting for the acquisition of K2 tanks and cannonhaubic K9. quite a few work. But the amazing thing is that what we analyzed so thoroughly at the time, and then recommended, present is happening.

Do you remember your beginnings in the 18th Mechanized Division?

Of course, I took command of the division from Gen. Gromadziński, who started forming it. The continuation of this work was very demanding. I had to get people in, deploy fresh equipment, and certify 4 subordinate military units. As well as forming more, preparing infrastructure, building barracks, warehouses, garages... She besides appeared Operation Safe PodlasieI gave myself with all my heart. Even my wife laughed that she wasn't jealous of another woman, but of this Podlasie due to the fact that I spent six months there, and I never went home once. But not only me, but everyone active in this operation knew how crucial she was.

Given your experience, what advice would you give to the young commanders?

First of all, to work hard, to be humble and to respect their people. Then they will return the favor. It's the rules I've been following. It is besides crucial to go your own way and not let ego walk before a man – the remainder will come in time.

Are there any decisions you would have made today?

Nope. due to the fact that you never know what they would lead me to. Would I be where I am? due to the fact that what would happen if I got into flight school? possibly we shouldn't talk present due to the fact that there's nothing to talk about. Without experience from Afghanistan, would I be able to operate on a full firecracker, at 200 percent? Nothing happens without a reason, you just gotta look at everything comprehensively.

Which 1 was the hardest?

Honestly? The hard part is the last one.

So it's not that easy to decide to hang a uniform in a closet?

In those 40 years, I've truly spent quite a few time with the army, much more than I did with my loved ones. This was only possible due to the fact that I have a wonderful wife who understands what military service involves, always supported and motivated me to act. I always knew, whether it was during the mission or Operation Safe Podlasie, that I had individual to return to – my wife and children. So, although I will miss these polygons, Podlasie, the odor of dust and above all the wonderful people with whom I served, the time has come only for them.

What would you like on this fresh road?

Cheers. I can handle the remainder on my own.