During the official inauguration of the new academic year at the Military University of Land Forces (AWL) in Wrocław, General Wiesław Kukuła, Chief of the Polish Armed Forces General Staff, delivered a resolute message, emphasizing the readiness of the current generation to defend Poland. “Everything indicates that we are the generation that will stand with arms in hand to defend our nation,” he declared, underscoring the gravity of the present geopolitical situation.
The event, held on Friday, marked the start of studies for over 1,000 cadets, including 200 in the medical field. General Marek Tomaszycki, rector of the academy, highlighted the institution’s growing numbers and the corresponding need for high-quality training. “We must demonstrate the highest educational and organizational values,” said Tomaszycki, emphasizing that the university views its mission as a duty to students. “Anyone who thinks otherwise must leave.”
General Kukuła also addressed the challenges facing the Polish military, noting the pressing need to prepare for future conflicts. “We will win this war, return, and continue building Poland, but something must happen. We must build armed forces prepared for these kinds of actions,” he stressed.
One of the key issues raised by General Kukuła was the demographic crisis, which he said threatens the long-term recruitment capacity of the military. He argued for the necessity of a universal service model, where professional soldiers, reservists, and Territorial Defense soldiers work together as “one conglomerate.” Referring to the U.S. military as an example, he challenged, “What sacred cows are in us that prevent us from being like these leading armies?”
The event also showcased the university’s plans to expand educational offerings. A doctoral school is set to launch in the spring semester, along with new postgraduate programs in crisis management, civil defense, and battlefield medicine. The university is also developing a research center focused on unmanned systems and plans to establish a mountain training center.