Social structure determinants of Polish military manpower

Abstract

Objectives<i>This paper sets out to identify the key elements of Polish social structure that are critical to the manpower of the Polish Armed Forces. So far, there has been little discussion, in either the literature or ongoing public polemics, regarding the dependence of the Armed Forces on the shape of the social structure in the context of ensuring state security.</i>Methods<i>This work is predominantly based on the analysis of available literature: scientific articles, legal acts and the results from the survey research conducted by specialised institutions, in particular, Polish Central Statistical Office.</i>Results<i>On the basis of the presented analysis, it appears that it is the current Polish social structure that constitutes the major problem in the context of the insufficient personnel numbers in the Polish Armed Forces. The present state is below the expectations and needs of the Polish Army, mainly due to the lack of young people with special technical education. The earnings in the private sector by far outweigh the remuneration levels offered in the military, which effectively deters young people from undertaking service for the benefit of state security.</i>On the basis of the presented analysis, it appears that it is the current Polish social structure that constitutes the major problem in the context of the insufficient personnel numbers in the Polish Armed Forces. The present state is below the expectations and needs of the Polish Army, mainly due to the lack of young people with special technical education. The earnings in the private sector by far outweigh the remuneration levels offered in the military, which effectively deters young people from undertaking service for the benefit of state security.Conclusions<i>The research material presented in this work reflects on the current state and the aggravation of the important social problem – deficiency of manpower in the Polish Armed Forces. It has been shown that apart from the financial background and the quantities of the personnel appointed to military service, it is its quality – in the aspect of special technical education – that is yet another crucial condition.</i>The research material presented in this work reflects on the current state and the aggravation of the important social problem – deficiency of manpower in the Polish Armed Forces. It has been shown that apart from the financial background and the quantities of the personnel appointed to military service, it is its quality – in the aspect of special technical education – that is yet another crucial condition.