In a turn of unexpected events and just ahead of crucial national elections, two of the most senior commanders of the Polish army – the Chief of the General Staff, General Rajmund Andrzejczak, and the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces, General Tomasz Piotrowski – have tendered their resignations. This significant development occurs at a time when the geopolitical landscape is already fraught with complexities, particularly as conflicts unfold beyond Poland’s eastern borders. Amidst these tensions, the armed forces bear the responsibility of overseeing border-related issues among other pressing concerns.
Gen. Rajmund Andrzejczak has been serving as the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces since 2018. In the same year, upon the directive of President Andrzej Duda, he was identified as the designated appointee for the position of Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces – a role earmarked for times of war. Prior to this, he was at the helm of the 16th Mechanized Division and has an illustrious record, having participated in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
General Tomasz Piotrowski, an alumnus of the General J. Bem Rocket and Artillery Officer Higher School in Toruń, has held several significant roles during his military career. Between 2016-2017, he served as the Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the 12th Mechanized Division. Subsequently, between 2017-2018, he was the Chief of Staff of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces. From 2018, he assumed the position of the Operational Commander of the Armed Forces. Furthermore, during 2012-2013, he acted as the deputy commander of the Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan.
The timing and nature of these resignations raise numerous questions, especially given the challenging geopolitical environment and the impending elections. As Poland navigates through these tumultuous times, the departure of such high-ranking officials will undoubtedly have both immediate and lasting impacts on the nation’s defense strategies and structures.
According to Polish law, President Andrzej Duda is obliged to accept the service termination notices. Both generals will commence their three-month notice period on 1st November. Once this period concludes, they will transition from active service to reserve status.
