Direct meetings with young people, lectures and demonstrations of military equipment are among the many forms of the Association’s activity aimed at strengthening the country’s defence, supporting the education of students in military classes, fostering patriotism and shaping the image of the Polish soldier. Another aspect of participation in the military qualification was to supplement and make more attractive the meetings with young people conducted by representatives of the Military Recruitment Office, during which they provided information about various forms of military service.
This is the beginning for future soldiers—officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel—who will use their knowledge and positive qualities to guarantee and instil a sense of security in others. In line with the principle, “Someone stays awake so that someone else can sleep,” it may be said that military qualification will reveal future elites and the minds behind tactics and strategy.
An army is created not to wage war, but to maintain peace; therefore, former soldiers of the 62nd Special Commando Company provide a “list” of reasons why it is worth putting on the uniform of a Polish soldier. During the lecture, participants can touch the equipment and weapons of special forces units and ask detailed questions based on frontline experience.
The history of the Polish Assault Knife wz. 92, whose design was developed in the 62nd Special Company in Bolesławiec and bears the 62 KS marking, is particularly popular. Before eating a meal, each company soldier threw the knife, which during testing amounted to a total of 30,000 throws before the knife was destroyed. “It is a durable, beautiful and fascinating edged weapon,” said retired Senior Private Arkadiusz Korba during meetings with young people.
“The younger generation is increasingly making use of the resources found in experienced soldiers; they appreciate tangible knowledge drawn from firsthand experience. These same young people can later be encountered in military schools, at fitness competitions, national ceremonies, historical reenactments and as professional soldiers,” sums up the participation in the military qualification a member of the Association of Former Soldiers of the 62nd Special Company “Commando”.
retired Staff Warrant Officer Bogdan Fiałkowski/ii