Armia Obywatelska
“Cezary Pietrasik made a huge contribution to Polish debate about national security, asking in his book difficult questions and providing potential answers.”
Yuval Bazak, head of IDF training department
“Countries with limited budgetary resources should seriously consider the proposals presented in this book.”
Dominic Clive, captain of Coldstream Guards
Armia Obywatelska
The annexation of Crimea and war in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 was a wake-up call for Europe. It transpired that peace on this continent should not be taken for granted and we need to prepare ourselves against a potential Russian aggression.
This became the purpose of the Citizen Army, a book published in Polish (“Armia Obywatelska”) by Muza publishing house. It postulated creation of the National Guard in Poland, a reserve force of 500 thousand soldiers within 8 years.
The plan was based on comprehensive analysis of history, international comparative war studies as well as detailed strategic, doctrinal and financial inputs. The book presented a full blueprint for creation of a voluntary military service between high school and the university for Polish citizens aged 18-19, without disrupting their educational path. The book was based on full scale public polls, which confirmed the readiness of society for such a program. The costs and benefits of such a formation were clearly presented.
The book received many accolades (and some criticism for fear-mongering). In the light of 2022 aggression against Ukraine its thesis proved to be spot on.
The book’s theses were reviewed and studied by many members of the parliament, journalists, officers and most importantly discussed in person with Poland’s president Andrzej Duda and two cabinet ministers.
Armia Obywatelska
The annexation of Crimea and war in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 was a wake-up call for Europe. It transpired that peace on this continent should not be taken for granted and we need to prepare ourselves against a potential Russian aggression.
This became the purpose of the Citizen Army, a book published in Polish (“Armia Obywatelska”) by Muza publishing house. It postulated creation of the National Guard in Poland, a reserve force of 500 thousand soldiers within 8 years.
The plan was based on comprehensive analysis of history, international comparative war studies as well as detailed strategic, doctrinal and financial inputs. The book presented a full blueprint for creation of a voluntary military service between high school and the university for Polish citizens aged 18-19, without disrupting their educational path. The book was based on full scale public polls, which confirmed the readiness of society for such a program. The costs and benefits of such a formation were clearly presented.
The book received many accolades (and some criticism for fear-mongering). In the light of 2022 aggression against Ukraine its thesis proved to be spot on.
The book’s theses were reviewed and studied by many members of the parliament, journalists, officers and most importantly discussed in person with Poland’s president Andrzej Duda and two cabinet ministers.
“Cezary Pietrasik made a huge contribution to Polish debate about national security, asking in his book difficult questions and providing potential answers.”
Yuval Bazak, head of IDF training department
“Countries with limited budgetary resources should seriously consider the proposals presented in this book.”
Dominic Clive, captain of Coldstream Guards
