Since the launch of the Voluntary Basic Military Service, more than 300 female and male candidates have reported to the Military Recruitment Center in Bolesławiec. Of these, 172 completed basic training.
According to Col. Krzysztof Malinkiewicz, commander of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment in Bolesławiec, there would probably be more applicants, but some people are still deterred by rumors about the so-called hazing wave. As the commander of the Bolesławiec unit emphasizes, these are stereotypes; the military has changed radically.
What is more, as the commander points out, joining the military has significant advantages. First, a soldier can be sure that they will receive payment every month for their efforts. This is regardless of the situation on the financial market.
Second, over time, service members are sent on various courses and may later even take part in a peacekeeping mission in the Balkans or Lebanon.
Concerns about alleged mistreatment in the military proved unfounded. The newly enlisted soldiers themselves confirm this. They even say that… the food is tasty.
What else might encourage people to join the army? Voluntary service has the advantage that if a volunteer decides that the demands of military service are not their calling after all, they can resign from it at any time.