On August 14, 2024, President Andrzej Duda, acting as the Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces, promoted 19 officers of the Polish Army to general ranks. The promotions carried out under Article 134, Section 5 of the Polish Constitution, were announced during a ceremonial event held on the eve of Armed Forces Day in Poland.
President Duda Elevates Top Military Officers Amid Regional Tensions, Emphasizes New Defense Reforms
In this significant advancement, Major General Stanisław Czosnek, currently the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General. Additionally, five Brigadier Generals—Piotr Fajkowski, Piotr Kriese, Michał Rohde, Bogdan Rycerski, and Marek Wawrzyniak—were promoted to Major General. Thirteen other officers received promotions from Colonel to Brigadier General, reflecting their leadership roles across various branches of the military.
During the ceremony, President Duda acknowledged the heavy responsibility these promotions carry, especially in light of the ongoing conflict near Poland’s borders. “In times like these, when a full-scale war rages just beyond our frontier, accepting a general’s commission is a profound responsibility,” he stated. “These promotions not only honor past service but also set the stage for greater commitments in the future.”
President Duda also highlighted ongoing reforms within the Polish military and expressed optimism that a new defense law, currently under review in the Polish parliament, would soon be enacted. This legislation is anticipated to further bolster the command and control infrastructure of the Polish Armed Forces.
President Duda Praises Defense Minister for Key Military Contracts, Honors NATO Leaders at State Ceremony
The President extended special thanks to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, for his efforts in securing key defense contracts. These include the procurement of Apache helicopters and domestically produced light armored vehicles, which Duda noted would elevate Poland’s air force to a “world-class level.”
The ceremony also featured the presentation of state decorations to individuals who have made significant contributions to Poland’s military security. Among those honored was NATO’s Military Committee Chairman, Admiral Rob Bauer. President Duda concluded the event by praising the bravery and dedication of the awardees, emphasizing the nation’s deep gratitude for their service.