From the early morning hours, the Bolesławiec barracks were ready to receive the volunteers who had arrived from various regions of Poland to begin their “adventure with the military”—a four-month preparatory training course enabling them to conclude contracts for service in the National Reserve Forces. Before reaching their subunit and new accommodation, however, they had to complete the induction procedure.
After passing through the pass office and recording their presence at the attendance registration point, the candidates ate their first soldiers’ meal. Immediately afterward, in organized groups under the command of the subunit’s appointed personnel, they proceeded through the subsequent service admission stations, including personnel registration, finance, psychological and preventive support, and the education officer. After medical examinations and a visit to the barber, everyone was issued uniforms and accommodated in the subunits that would be their new home for the next four months.
During the first days of service, the trainees will familiarize themselves with the training base and facilities of the 23rd Artillery Regiment, the regulations in force in the Polish Armed Forces, and the rights and duties of a soldier. They will also receive occupational health and safety and fire-protection training. After this period, intensive training will begin to prepare the candidates for service in the NSR.
The arrival and entry of the volunteers into the regiment’s records were noted in the daily order, assigning each person a military occupational specialty number and the title of trainee.
The call-up took place as part of the third 2015 training session for preparatory-service soldiers intended for the enlisted corps, conducted at Training Centres and selected units throughout the country. Among the units of the 11th Lubusz Armoured Cavalry Division, this task is being carried out by the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment. The regiment commander became the commandant of the Preparatory Service Training Centre at the 23rd Artillery Regiment.
The training is being conducted by a training battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Tomasz Lisiecki, while the personnel preparing the volunteers for NSR service are experienced soldiers from units of the 11th Lubusz Armoured Cavalry Division: the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment, the 10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade, the 17th Greater Poland Mechanized Brigade and the 4th Zielona Góra Anti-Aircraft Regiment.
The soldiers’ training, which will continue until 23 December this year, has been divided into two stages. The first is a three-month basic training period. After successfully passing verification, the trainees move on to the next stage—a one-month specialist training course during which they will acquire the knowledge necessary to perform duties in their military specialty. It will conclude with an examination. During this time, the volunteers will be able to submit applications to military units to conclude contracts for performing duties as part of the National Reserve Forces.
Captain Remigiusz Kwieciński