Gen. Jarosław Gromadziński: Poland has lost its credibility by an unjustified hunt

General of arms in the reserve Jarosław Gromadziński, creator of the 18th Mechanized Division, called the “iron division”, and the first Pole as the Eurocorpus commander, in a sincere conversation on the YouTube channel “Moments” told, among others about the backstage of his departure from the army and its impact on the image of Poland on the international arena.

Gen. Gromadziński in an interview on the YouTube channel “moments” revealed that the decision of the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) about withdrawing access to classified information was based on a laconic allegation, which reads: “exposed to the possibility of recruitment by foreign services.”

– This is a very general accusation – he said, emphasizing that to this day he was not presented with specific evidence or allegations. This decision, in his opinion, was taken in an unprofessional manner in violation of the procedures, which caused a media campaign on his person and family.

– It met with a big hate towards me, my family also experienced it. The situation was fueled by strange leaks to the press. Some influencers and youtubers picked up what caused an unjustified hunt for me – he emphasizes.

Whole conversation:

– After returning to the country, for a year I waited for the resolution of the case without performing any duties, but receiving remuneration. After this time, I found that it was a waste of time, I feel unused and I am still young. There were actually no serious charges. I appealed to the SKW decision to the prime minister who maintained it, so I appealed to the Provincial Administrative Court. The court case will take place at the end of August, I believe that the court will take a coincidence with mine, considering SKW actions unjustified – he adds.

The decision on General Gromadziński undermined the image of Poland in NATO

The effects of the whole situation go beyond his personal career. The general pointed out that the unprofessional actions of SKW and the media scandal weakened Poland’s position in NATO structures.

– After my appeal, we lost the competition for the position of chairman of the European Union Military Committee, where a very good candidate, General Wojciechowski, started. Allies have lost trust in us – he notes.

Gromadziński emphasized that instead of a discreet appeal, which could minimize image losses, a public attack on his reputation was chosen – If they wanted to remove me from this position for various reasons, which I can only guess, then I could dismiss me to the country, say: “Sir, tomorrow you do not go back there, give some legend, illness, other reasons, just mask.” But here it went on a short circuit. Not only wanted to dismiss me, but really destroy my reputation, destroy my good name, and as a consequence I was hit in my opinion, the opinion of the country on the international arena He said.

In the conversation, Gromadziński says that he does not intend to return to the army.

– No, I can’t see myself in the army anymore, even though I am with the army with all my heart. However, the red line was exceeded. Now, in civilian, I am still trying to support my colleagues. I’m trying to serve the country. That is why I founded my Defense24 Academy, which provides training and advisory services. I believe that in our country there is a huge need for education in the field of defense, population protection and civil defense – he explains.

Iron Division and support for Ukraine

The conversation also concerned key moments in the general’s career, including the creation of the 18th Mechanized Division, which was given the nickname “Iron Division”. He also remembered 2022 when Russia attacked Ukraine. As a division commander, he was stationed at the airport in Jasionka, cooperating with the American 82nd Airborne Division. – We protected the boundaries, secured the flow of refugees, we were ready to act – he reports. He emphasizes that Poland played a key role in the support of Ukraine, quickly providing military equipment, which allowed Ukrainians to resist the first phase of the war.

The future of Poland’s defense

Gromadziński expressed an opinion on the modernization of the Polish army. – Today we have more and better equipment than before the war in Ukraine. Abrams tanks, Korean K2, artillery 155 mm and Himars launchers give us a strategic advantage – he assesses. At the same time, he pointed to the need to strengthen anti -aircraft defense as a priority.