Senior Course 122 (SC 122) made the second stop on its Regional Approaches Field Study in the Republic of Poland, where Course Members completed a busy schedule of institutional visits and briefings in Warsaw (11-13 June). Following a brief walk through the old part of the Polish capital, the programme began with an official reception in the beautiful setting of the Helenow Military Residence. Here, the group was warmly welcomed by Mr Robert Kupiecki, Undersecretary of State for Defence Policy, representing the Ministry of National Defence.
Course Members spent the second day of the visit at the National Defence University (NDU), graciously hosted by NDU Rector-Commandant Major General Prof Bogusław Pacek.
The first briefing, by LTC (ret.) Piotr Wierzbickj, covered the history, background and institutional mission of the NDU and its place in the national military education system. Detailed explanations of the NDU’s role in fulfilling Poland’s international strategic responsibilities and requirements were given.
Mr Tomasz Łękarski, Deputy Director of the International Security Department at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then gave a fascinating overview of Polish foreign policy. Global and regional priorities were placed in a comprehensive geopolitical and historical setting. As the speaker pointed out with conviction and clarity, history has taught Poland some harsh lessons. Against this background, he clearly and effectively defined the main pillars of Polish foreign policy.
The group was fortunate to be given a talk by Brigadier General Sławomir Wojciechowski, from the Department of Defence Planning and Strategy at the Ministry of National Defence. He presented the main issues and challenges involved in the reform of the Polish Armed Forces Command and Control System. His briefing prompted an excellent discussion, offering valuable insight into current changes in the Polish C2 System.
Lieutenant Colonel Maciej Woźniak of the Polish General Staff then explained the Polish Armed Forces’ structure, dwelling on main armament systems and modernization programmes as well as the responsibilities of the military from a national and international perspective. International commitments were explained in detail by Colonel Mirosław Polaków and Lieutenant Commander Roslaw Jezewski of Operational Command. The challenges of transformation to ensure the capabilities required in the new world order were well illustrated, a highlight of the session being the recognition rightly given to Poland’s significant support and contribution in Afghanistan. The two presentations were followed by an enlightening Q&A session.
The next stop on the Regional Approaches Field Study is Moscow.
More about the Field Study:
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN 
