On Monday, 25 October, the Bolesławiec artillerymen accepted more than 100 volunteers, who will undergo four months of training—preparatory service conducted to fill positions designated for the National Reserve Forces. “The brigade has been appointed to train NSR soldiers for all artillery units in Poland,” says Colonel Jarosław Kraszewski, commander of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Brigade.
The volunteers came to Bolesławiec from various towns in Lower Silesia and even from more distant parts of the country. Upon beginning their service, they were given the title of trainee. For trainee privates Michała Gałki, Krzysztofa Szymaszka, Mariusza Leśniaka and Jakuba Majkuta, the opportunity to learn about military life is the fulfillment of a dream. They regard service in the National Reserve Forces as a challenge and would like to become professional privates in the future. Trainee private Paweł Wojdyło initially wanted to join the police, but preparatory service opened up new possibilities for him.
All the volunteers are physically fit, open to new challenges and aware that a period of hard work lies ahead. They believe they will meet the tasks set for them and that, after completing their training, they will be able to sign contracts.
“The first week is introductory training, during which the trainees learn about the unit’s specifics, become familiar with the principles of soldierly conduct and the conditions of military service—in other words, the so-called military ABCs,” says Captain Grzegorz Jopek, commander of the preparatory training battery. The trainees will then undergo intensive general military training. On 3 December this year, on Rocket and Artillery Forces Day, they will take their oath in Bolesławiec’s Market Square.
Preparatory service is a type of training introduced for people who have never performed military service. It enables them to acquire basic knowledge and skills related to the profession of a soldier.
During the training, trainees receive free meals, accommodation, uniforms, and medical and dental care. They will also receive an allowance amounting to 30% of the lowest soldier’s pay, i.e. 750 zlotys gross. The period of preparatory service counts toward an employee’s period of employment for all entitlements arising from the employment relationship. Preparatory service is voluntary.
(information: Captain Remigiusz Kwieciński/ii)