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On May 21, the recruitment of volunteers to the Polish army starts. Voluntary Essential Military Service is something new. It is introduced by the law on defense of the homeland, which entered into force in April. In terms of the recruitment itself, nothing has changed. A conscript must appear before a military commission and undergo compulsory medical and psychological examinations. What exactly will this research be?
- An adult may volunteer for military service. It lasts for a year
- The candidate undergoes a series of medical examinations, but may be referred to further, more specialized ones
- Depending on the state of health, the commission assigns categories of fitness for service. They can exclude from it, among others skull injuries and some eye defects or skin diseases
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The military is waiting for volunteers
Every young adult who would like to do military service will be able to apply at 102 locations in Poland, during 32 military picnics or at 70 recruitment points. It also has an “Internet gateway to the army”, which means that you can register via the website of the Central Military Recruitment Center at: www.wojsko-polskie.pl.
According to the provisions of the act, in order to be conscripted into the army, a conscript must undergo obligatory medical and psychological examinations, “as well as, according to the needs and decision of the chairman of the medical commission, specialist examinations and hospital observation.”
The military commission should submit:
- ID card or other document confirming identity
- medical records
- a current photograph with dimensions of 35 mm x 40 mm (without headgear),
- documents confirming education, professional qualifications or a certificate of continuing education from school
Medical examinations – four categories
A special medical commission assesses the health of the volunteers – physical and mental, and then qualifies them to specific categories of military capabilities:
A – fit for active military service
B – temporarily incapable of active military service
D – incapable of active military service in peacetime
E – permanently and completely incapable of active military service in peacetime and during war mobilization
Qualification is similar for each military unit, although there may be slight exceptions.
Blood and urine tests, measuring, weighing
In the beginning, the candidate is put on the scales – it is measured and weighed. The pressure is also checked, the results of urine and blood are analyzed. The bilirubin examination is especially focused on the study. This parameter is needed to conclude that there is no risk of jaundice. If the ratio is too high, the consumption must be postponed. Then, the candidate will meet a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist.
This is not the end, however. There is still an ENT consultation ahead of the candidate. The specialist examines hearing, nasal patency, and controls the condition of the oral cavity.
Examination of posture, evaluation of scars, tattoos
Doctors also assess the body structure, check whether there is a posture defect or deformity that may affect the physical condition and prevent military service. Flat feet are also excluded.
If the committee deems it necessary to examine the testes, anus or the prostate, the examination takes place behind a screen.
Doctors also assess the condition of the skin. They check if there are any changes that may indicate serious diseases. They judge scars and tattoos. The latter cannot protrude from under the uniform.
Eye examination – when does the defect disqualify?
The pattern examination is necessary to determine whether the visual impairment is an obstacle to military service. People admitted to the army have an average defect of no more than +/- 3 diopters. Recruits are also tested for color blindness. Astigmatism is not a disqualification. However, some army forces (commandos, snipers) need soldiers with eagle eyesight, so in such a case any sight defect cancels service.
Sternum collapsed
With a collapsed sternum, i.e. the effect of abnormal growth of costal cartilages, the chances of being enlisted in the army decrease. It all depends on the degree of this defect. Unfortunately, this ailment affects many men. A funnel-shaped chest limits lung capacity, the range of chest movement and adversely affects the respiratory system.
If the military commission gives the go-ahead – what next?
Voluntary service lasts a year. After 28 days of training, he takes a military oath and receives a military book. Then 11 months of specialist training begins. People on voluntary basic military service can count on a gratification in the amount of the lowest basic professional soldier’s salary (approx. 4,5 thousand gross).
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