Polish armed forces ranks

Current service uniform of a major in the Polish Army

origin

The system of rank designations valid in the Polish armed forces is based on national traditions, is partly derived from the common military history with neighboring countries and is based on the structures of the NATO partners. Some ranks like Chorąży (Ensign) go back to the Middle Ages. But only some of the names are of Slavic origin, such as Pułkownik ( pułk - regiment ) or Porucznik ( poruczać - entrust: a person to whom a post or task is entrusted). Others came into the Polish language through foreign mercenaries, such as the 17th century Kapral (Italian Caporale or English Corporal ).

Until the Second World War , different names were used for the same ranks in the army's branches. In the infantry there was a sierżant ( sergeant ), in the artillery the ogniomistrz ( fire master, see fireworks ), in the cavalry the Wachmistrz ( sergeant ).

Until the modern era, the system of rank designations was influenced by Prussia , Austria-Hungary and Russia , which Poles divided among themselves between 1795 and 1918. Many of the Polish officers who built their own army with the rebirth of the Polish state after World War I had previously served in the armed forces of one of the three partitioning powers .

Traditions

In the Polish language, the salutation Panie (Herr) is introduced to the title : Panie Majorze - Herr Major. At the time of the People's Republic of Poland , the official salutation was Obywatelu (citizen). In the close circle of friends, however, the much more popular form of address Panie was by no means unusual. Academic degrees and titles can be added in written form: pl: ppłk pil. mgr inż. Nowak (Lieutenant Colonel Nowak, pilot and master's degree in engineering ).

The badges of rank are also worn on the headgear. Traditionally, the little finger and the ring finger of the right hand are bent in military honor . The military salute is also traditionally the eagle - as the Polish heraldic animal - and less the person. From this the custom is derived that without a head covering one does not greet by putting on a hand.

Current rank designations army, special forces, air force

Since 2004, uniform badges of rank have been in place for the army, special forces and air force, which are worn on the shoulder piece, cap and beret.

Teams

Badge of rank uniform jacket beret
army
air force
Designation short form NATO	Soldier (pl: Szeregowy) szer. OR-1	Private (Starszy szeregowy) st. szer. OR-2

Corps of non-commissioned officers

Denomination of rank uniform jacket beret
army
air force
Designation short form NATO	NCO (pl: chaplain ) kpr. OR-3	Unterfeldwebel (Starszy Kapral) st. kpr. OR-4	Platoon officer (Plutonowy) plut. OR-4	Sergeant (Sierżant) sierż. OR-5	Sergeant Major (Starszy sierżant) st. sierż. OR-6

The ranks of senior sergeant (Starszy plutonowy [st. Plut.]), Sergeant- major (Sierżant sztabowy [sierż. Szt.]) And sergeant- major (Starszy sierżant sztabowy [st. Sierż. Szt.]) Were abolished on July 1, 2004.

Badge of rank uniform jacket beret
army
air force
Designation short form NATO	Unterfähnrich (pl: Młodszy chorąży) mł. Choir. OR-7	Ensign (Chorąży) chor. OR-8	Chief Ensign ( Starszy chorąży ) st. Choir. OR-9	Chief Ensign (Starszy chorąży sztabowy) st. Choir. szt. OR-9

Since July 1, 2004, the ensigns no longer represent a separate rank group, they were assigned to the corps of non-commissioned officers. Further changes:

The ranks of subordinate ensign (Młodszy chorąży sztabowy [mł. Chor. Szt.]) And Ensign (Chorąży sztabowy [chor. Szt.]) Were abolished.
Unterfähnrich (pl: Młodszy chorąży ) and Unterfähnrich zur See (Młodszy chorąży marynarki) previously OR-8 ⇒ new OR-7
Oberfähnrich ( Starszy chorąży ) and Oberhorąży zur See ( Starszy chorąży marynarki ) previously OR-8 ⇒ new OR-9
Staff sergeant (literally: Oberkorporal; pl: Starszy kapral ) and Obermaat (Starszy mat) previously OR-3 ⇒ new OR-4

Officer corps

Lieutenants, captains and staff officers

Badge of rank uniform jacket beret
army
air force
Designation short form NATO	Lieutenant (pl: Podporucznik) ppor. OF-1	First lieutenant (Porucznik) por. OF-1	Captain (Kapitan) kpt. OF-2	Major (Major) mjr OF-3	Lieutenant Colonel (Podpułkownik) ppłk OF-4	Colonel (Pułkownik) płk OF-5

Generals

Badge of rank uniform jacket beret
army
air force
Designation short form NATO	Brigadier General (Generał brygady) gen. Bryg. OF-6	Division general (Generał dywizji) gen. Dyw. OF-7	Weapons General (Generał broni) gen. Broni OF-8	General (Generał) gen. OF-9

Current rank insignia navy

The Navy of the Republic of Poland was established when the Republic was founded after the First World War. Uniforms and badges of rank have been changed many times up to the present day.