The fourth stop on the Summer Field Study was Warsaw, Republic of Poland, between 16th and 18th of June. After some challenges with visas re-entering the Schengen area the cultural program started with a sightseeing of the old part of Warsaw followed by an official dinner, outdoor in a beautiful setting at the Military Residence “Helenow”, hosted by, HE Mr Stanislaw J. Komorowski, Undersecretary of State for Defence Policy, the Ministry of National Defence.
Our day at the National Defence University (NDU), hosted so well by the Rector-Commandant BG Krecikij, provided an excellent overview of Polish Security Policy set within its unique geopolitical and historical context. We received a broad and extensive review of the factors which Poland considers essential in forming its Security and Defence policy: Poland’s fundamental decision to join NATO as the result of a free and lively internal debate, and its commitment to NATO as a key Security pillar. We were particularly fortunate to have Mr Kawalowski from the Ministry of National Defence address us – an excellent brief. We discussed Poland’s strong relations with the US and the equally significant commitment to European Defence. Course Members were left in no doubt that Poland consider Article 5 to be the cornerstone of the Alliance, which must be met with tangible commitment by all Alliance members.
Mr Lekarski, Deputy Director MFA, provided a valuable overview of Polish Security Policy set within its unique geopolitical and historical context. As Mr Lekarski pointed out, history has taught Poland some harsh lessons, and it was a privilege for us to hear him outline with conviction and clarity, the Security Policies Poland now pursue. It is important, and always of great value, for our Senior Courses to listen to colleagues from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The General Staff with Lt Col Wierzbicki explained the NDU objectives and Cdr Klepka lectured on “Main tasks of Polish Armed Forces. Transformation process – present and long term goals”, then the Operational Command with Lt Col Nolbert, presented “Poland’s participation in operations abroad”. The challenges related to transformation from in place forces to the capabilities required in the new world order were well presented and explained. Poland’s effort to support the endeavour in Afghanistan was very much appreciated by the Senior Course.
MP Henryk Gorski and MP Maciej Grubski, from the National Defence Committee in the Parliament provided such a valuable presence during our afternoon, and it was a privilege to have them with us. It is important, and always of great value, for our Senior Courses to listen to Parliamentarian colleagues; an understanding of their role and function in democracy.
We enjoyed an excellent session with our two guests where we received a full and frank discussion ranging from the role of the Parliamentary Committee in the legislative process, their control function with respect to the MOD, the Lisbon Treaty, links with the US and, of course, an essential focus on Russia.
The Polish presentations widened the views on European security, international relations in Central Europe, ongoing NATO missions abroad, as well as Energy security, and it was much appreciated by the Course Members. Also the cultural program offered gave a good understanding where Poland is coming from, and how this shapes the position and perspective seen from a Polish point of view.
Prepared by Captain Harald Hakonsen, NOR N
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN