ETICAL CODES OF THE POST-WAR POLISH ARMY

Abstract

Polish Peoples Army (Ludowe Wojsko Polskie) was formed in complex external and internal situation of post-war Poland. After the war operations, it took the unpopular role of strengthening the authorities, at the same time being its support. The “strong arm” of the nation and, at the same time, “shield” of PZPR (Polish United Workers’ Party) as Polish Army was named in propaganda, was a part of a country with restricted sovereignty and bound by alliances resulting from geopolitical circumstances of the day. Officer corps of the army was to be characterised by certain moral and ethical values and customs, compatible with the official national world views doctrine. In the years 1965-1989 three separate normative documents were prepared by the army, constituting the ethical code of practice of the staff in professional relations as well as personal life. This article is an attempt to draw an outline of the staff through these regulations.