Poland introduces shooting lessons for students: security or provocation?

Poland introduces shooting lessons for students: security or provocation?

Iłża, Polen - Poland recently introduced the compulsory subject "Security Education" for pupils between the ages of 14 and 15. As part of this lesson, the young people are taught how to handle firearms. Soldiers from the Polish army teach the students in the handling of standard weapons in the city of Ilza, south of Warsaw. This happens against the background of an increased security risk due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Students and teachers say that they can better prepare for potential conflicts through training. The teacher emphasizes the added value of this training in uncertain times, while many students believe that the lessons are preparing for the war.

The government of Poland, under President Donald Tusk, has significantly upgraded the military in recent years and has invested around four percent of its gross domestic product in defense. This initiative is also considered a means to promote philopatriotism and resilience in view of the collective memory of Polish sovereign losses in the past. An example of this is the strengthening of the military by buying US combat helicopters and modern tanks from South Korea. The relocation of combat tanks to the Russian Kaliningrad border in November 2024 also plays a role in this military context. In Poland, the need for a defensive nation is strongly emphasized, especially in view of the threats of Russian President Vladimir Putin towards Europe.

social reactions

The shooting lessons polarize Polish society. A national survey shows that 41 percent of Poles are for lessons, while 45 percent are against it. Critics vehemently argue that children at this age should have nothing to do with weapons. At the same time, supporters emphasize that the training not only includes handling of firearms, but also conveys discipline, precision and sense of responsibility. According to Bastian Sendhardt from the German Poland Institute, the students learn how to use a rifle, not how to kill what supports the argument of the supporters.

international perspectives

Compared to Poland, Russia already provides a military understanding in kindergarten. Patriotic awareness is also promoted here with activities such as poems about fatherland defenders and military games. Special discussions and mini-parades are organized in schools to strengthen the military tradition. The organization Junarmija, which is subordinate to the Russian Ministry of Defense, forms 1.3 million children and adolescents in paramilitary every year, which makes the approach to training in Poland all the more interesting.

Overall, it can be seen that the topic of shooting lessons in Poland is complex and complex. It reflects how the geopolitical situation affects the education system and how different the companies in their views are on security and military situation. While many consider these measures to be necessary, others see the dangers of such early weapons formation for young people.

For more information on this topic, you can also read the articles by Krone , mdr .