The Polish Cyber Defense Forces have launched a program that attracted over 3,000 IT specialists without requiring them to join the military. Cyber Legion serves as a bridge between the armed forces and civilians willing to contribute their expertise to national security.
The program, officially named Cyber Legion, was introduced over a year ago and quickly exceeded all expectations. Initially targeting 400 members, it received 3,300 applications within the first 48 hours of recruitment. Colonel Jarosław Wacko, a senior specialist at the Cyber Defense Forces Command, explained that the initiative is designed to avoid poaching talent from the private sector.
– We do not want to and will not take specialists from the civilian market. Cyber Legion is a link between the military and people who do not always want to wear a uniform but want to serve with their skills – said Colonel Jarosław Wacko during the CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM debate.
A bridge between military and civilians
Cyber Legion offers two paths: becoming a reserve soldier in the Cyber Defense Forces or cooperating as a civilian expert while remaining in one’s current job. The goal is to consolidate the expert community around the military and identify high-potential talents for defense.
Adam Dzwonkowski, defense & intelligence technology lead at Microsoft, emphasized that cybersecurity is a team sport. – Everyone is moving toward a conciliatory approach rather than rivalry. Cybersecurity is a team effort. When we work together, we can feel safe as citizens – he stated.
The program also aligns with NATO’s recognition of Poland’s growing role. General Karol Molenda, former commander of the Cyber Defense Forces, will take up a position as NATO’s Cyber Champion in July, advising the Alliance on integrating cyber into joint operations.
Challenges in retaining military talent
While Cyber Legion addresses the inflow of civilian experts, retaining military specialists remains a challenge. Major (res.) Robert Gałązka, a former F-16 pilot now working at Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, pointed out the lack of an ecosystem for retaining experience.
– There are several isolated attempts to retain personnel, but we do not have an effective ecosystem. The retention system must become flexible and competitive. I would start from scratch to build something that works – said Gałązka.
Companies like Rekrut24 are stepping in to help former military personnel transition to civilian roles. Marcin Starzyk, recruitment manager at Rekrut24, noted a market gap in communicating military skills to private employers. – We see a need to create systems that assist former uniformed personnel in moving to the civilian market. Often, skills like commanding a platoon are clear in the military but need translation for the private sector – he explained.
Anna Timofiejczuk from the Silesian University of Technology observed that young people increasingly seek meaningful challenges rather than just high salaries. – Many young people do not go for the highest pay but for unique projects. This is even more visible after the war in Ukraine – she said.
The Cyber Defense Forces also organize CyberExpert Game, a competition where civilian Blue Teams defend infrastructure against live attackers from the military Red Team. Colonel Michał Majewski, deputy director of the Expert Cyber Security Training Center, highlighted the relevance: – Last year our scenario involved renewable energy assets. In December Poland experienced a major cyberattack on its energy system. We are not falling behind; we build shared national resilience – he concluded.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PTWP
