Military Training in Polish Schools in the Years 1918–1939

Abstract

At the beginning of the twenties of the 20^th century, government circles of the Second Polish Republic, out of concern for the security of the state and preparing citizens to defend it, decided to organize the so-called school troops. They brought together boys of the senior classes, who, under experienced guidance, were to undergo recruitment or non-commissioned officer training. The summary of the training was an exam, the result of which had an impact on the further military service of the graduate. Girls were also included in the plans for military training in the secondary school education. The aim of women’s school troops was to prepare girls for auxiliary military service in the field of sanitary, educational, economic, chancellery and communications in the event of war. On a par with military training, physical education was put into practice. Participation in women’s troops, as well as men’s, on the school grounds was voluntary. The condition for admission to the troop was the age of 16 and good health certified by a doctor.