The Polish military’s 'wGotowości’ (In Readiness) program has entered a new phase in 2026, with over 15,500 citizens completing short-term defense training in June alone. The program, run by the Territorial Defense Forces (WOT), focuses on practical skills including first aid, survival, and increasingly critical cyber hygiene.
The initiative, designed for civilians, aims to prepare people for crises ranging from power outages and natural disasters to military threats. In the first half of the year, almost 460 training sessions were conducted across the country, both individually and in groups. Participants learn to recognize disinformation campaigns, protect against cyberattacks, and handle emergency situations.
The growing interest reflects a broader shift in public awareness, according to the WOT Command. – The growing number of participants and strong interest in subsequent editions show that Poles want to actively develop their skills and increase their readiness to respond in situations requiring responsibility, cooperation and quick action – said Major Rafał Rylich, acting press spokesman for the WOT Command.
Cyber hygiene as a key element
Instructors place special emphasis on digital safety this year, responding to the surge in cyber threats. Trainees learn how to identify phishing attempts, protect personal data, and verify information online. These competencies are now considered as essential as basic first aid.
The program also covers tactical and civilian first aid, use of emergency equipment, building evacuation kits, crisis communication, navigation, and behavior during panic. All exercises are practical and hands-on, held in a workshop format across all regions of Poland.
Building social resilience
Lessons from the war in Ukraine underpin the program’s philosophy. The resilience of a state in conflict depends not only on a strong military but on a prepared and aware society. 'wGotowości’ aims to strengthen that social resilience by making citizens active participants in national security.
Participants also learn to operate under information chaos and respond to both military and non-military threats. The training is designed to be useful in everyday life as well as in extraordinary situations, such as infrastructure failures or hybrid attacks.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. DWOT
