The Polish army is expanding its programme of voluntary military training for citizens, introducing summer camps to try to recruit part-time soldiers in a time of uncertainty following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The "Holidays with the Army" programme is being launched for the first time this summer, the Ministry of Defence in Warsaw announced on Thursday.
Men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 with Polish citizenship can sign up for 27 days of basic military training at one of 70 military bases - and receive the equivalent of $1,520.
The offer is primarily aimed at high school graduates, but also at students and people looking for a holiday job, according to the ministry.
"In this case, service can be an alternative to seasonal work," it said.
The training includes shooting, orientation in the field, close combat, handling radio technology and military vehicles.
Citizens who complete the programme can continue as professional soldiers, reservists or in volunteer homeland security units. The offer is an extension of the one-day citizen courses "Train with the Army," which have been offered since 2022 and are very popular.
Poland is one of the most important military supporters of Ukraine and is also massively arming itself.
The Polish army is set to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the Ministry of Defence, the armed forces currently number 191,500 men and women. This figure is set to rise to 300,000 including homeland defence.