Minister of National Defence Mariusz Blaszczak on 9 October took part in the transfer of property of the former Russian Federation resort in Skubianka from the State Forests for the needs of the Territorial Defence Forces (WOT).

Taken over by the Ministry of Defence (MON) from the State Forests, the property was previously owned by the Russian Federation. Its users had devastated it almost completely. It will now serve the needs of the Polish Army. It will enlarge the training base for soldiers of the Territorial Defence Forces stationed in the ‘Zegrze’ garrison. This is part of a broader programme of activities by the Ministry of Defence to improve the conditions of service of soldiers across Poland, rebuilding liquidated military units and establishing new ones.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, Skubianka is an area close to Zegrze (WOT Command), in the Mazovia region (region of responsibility of as many as three OT brigades). It is also home to the Communications and Informatics Training Centre, as well as the Probe NCO School and a command battalion. Each additional location for WOT purposes benefits the development of the Formation. “The acquisition of the facility in Skubianka by the WOT primarily increases the formation’s training capabilities in green tactics and topography training”, emphasises the Ministry of Defence.

“From the aggressor, from the state that attacks neighbouring states, i.e. from Russia, we have regained an area that will serve the Polish Army, the Territorial Defence Forces, whose command is stationed here nearby. There is a command battalion in Zegrze, and an officer school. The Territorial Defence Forces are developing dynamically with more than 38,000 soldiers. The Polish Army is developing dynamically, it is already over 187,000 soldiers. This area will be used for training by the Polish army. This is really very good news. It is a symbolic message”, said Minister Błaszczak.

Adrian Andrzejewski