The army sends mobilization cards. Thousands of Poles can find a letter in their mailbox

Military Recruitment Centers send mobilization cards to persons covered by mobilization assignments. The document does not mean immediate call-up to service, but confirms the designation of a specific position or function in the event of mobilization or the outbreak of war. Preparations for such an eventuality are also carried out in peacetime.

Mobilization cards

The rules for issuing mobilization cards are specified in the Homeland Defense Act of March 11, 2022. The regulations provide for three types of documents. The card with a red stripe is intended for reserve soldiers obliged to report for active military service in the event of mobilization or war. The green stripe applies to reserve soldiers appointed on the basis of an appointment card or announcement, while the blue stripe applies to employees of the Ministry of National Defense and other persons performing specific functions.

Mobilization cards are received primarily by passive reserve soldiers who are scheduled to be called up first. The documents may also be sent to people with qualifications important from the point of view of defense, including: specialists in medicine, logistics, IT and communications, uniformed services officers and selected civilians intended to perform supporting tasks in administration, energy and transport.

The mobilization card indicates, among others: military unit, position and place of reporting in the event of mobilization being announced. If called upon, a person subject to such an assignment should take military documents, basic personal belongings and food supplies for several days.

Waiver of duty

The regulations also provide for situations in which the mobilization allocation may be waived. These include, among others: reaching the maximum age, loss of citizenship, permanent incapacity for service, permanent departure abroad, liquidation of a position or specific family circumstances. The decision is made by the head of the relevant Military Recruitment Center in consultation with the commander of the military unit.

A person called up for active military service during mobilization or war is obliged to appear at the designated place and time. Pursuant to the Act on the Defense of the Homeland, failure to appear despite receiving a summons is punishable by imprisonment of not less than three years. Information about the issuance of a mobilization card can be obtained primarily from the appropriate Military Recruitment Center. Currently, it is not possible to check it yourself online using ePUAP or the mObywatel application.