Poles line up for military training

Since 1 March, a new programme has been underway allowing both men and women to register for training.

The initiative is part of Poland's drive to consolidate its armed forces in the wake of the Ukrainian crisis.

In the first three days of the action, about 1000 volunteers came forward, a number which according to recruitment head General Krzysztof Domżalski, represents a very strong level of interest.

According to the general, about 60 percent of the volunteers had already seen military service, while 40 percent had no previous experience.

The training is open to Poles aged 18 to 50, although if they have seen earlier service, the upper limit is 60.

General Bogusław Pacek, an advisor to the ministry of defence, noted that there had even been instances of volunteers over 60.

''Launching the possibility of such registration, we want to find out how many citizens want to go through with this training,'' he said.

''Thanks to this we'll know what potential is at the disposal of the Polish state.'' (nh)

Source: PAP