Polish authorities are utilizing police to compel individuals to attend mandatory military qualification commissions, primarily targeting those failing to appear.
Military Qualification Obligations
Men turning 19 in the current calendar year, specifically those born in 2007, are obligated to attend military qualification assessments. This also applies to men from the years 2002-2006 who haven’t yet received a military service aptitude category.
Certain groups of women with qualifications useful for military service, or those studying to obtain such qualifications, are also subject to qualification. The process involves assessing 235,000 individuals in 2026.
Consequences of Non-Attendance
Military qualification is announced by the voivode (regional governor) through public notice at least 14 days before the commissions begin. Summons issued by local authorities must be delivered at least seven days before the scheduled hearing.
Individuals unable to attend due to valid reasons must notify the local authority, providing justification. A new hearing date will then be determined.
Those summoned who fail to appear are reported to local governments, which then forward the names to the police for enforcement.
Police Involvement and Justification
Police only receive the names of individuals who haven’t provided a valid excuse for their absence. Those who contact authorities with a reason are not subject to police escort.
Poland’s Military System and Attendance Rates
Poland maintains a professional army and voluntary basic military service for those without prior military experience. Individuals can undergo military training and potentially join the professional army.
At the Military Recruitment Center in Olsztyn, only 2.5% of 9,000 summoned individuals attended the commission. Officials attribute low attendance to a misconception that summons equates to conscription.
Regional Attendance Figures
In Wrocław, attendance rates in the primary age groups were 87% in 2025, and 30.67% for older age groups. Current qualification attendance is approximately 90% for primary groups and 44% for older groups, indicating a rising trend.
Local Government and Police Cooperation
Cities like Wrocław and Mrągowo have requested police assistance in bringing individuals to the commissions. As of Tuesday noon, Mrągowo police were tasked with escorting 28 individuals, but had not yet done so.
Past experience suggests that those working abroad are often the reason for non-attendance. Several municipalities, including Węgorzewa and Ostróda, have previously provided lists to the police.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
Military qualification is governed by laws regarding national defense, regulations from the Ministry of National Defence, and directives from voivodes. Failure to attend can result in fines and disciplinary action, though no such cases have been reported in Wolsztyn court in the last 20 years.
