TERRITORIAL DEFENSE UNITS OF THE NAVY IN THE POLISH MARITIME SECURITY SYSTEM DURING THE COLD WAR

Abstract

Since the end of the Second World War, the defense of the coast had been in the focus of attention of the then decision-makers. It was a well-recognized fact that in the process of building the state’s maritime security system the probability of an enemy’s landing on the coast should be taken into account. In such circumstances, it was necessary to prepare appropriate forces and means for direct combat operations, for logistic and security operations, and for the protection of non-military objects and civilians. The Territorial Defense Units were formed in military districts practically throughout the territory of the whole country, and those intended for potential actions in the coastal zone, at Naval units. Coastal defense involves cooperation of the combined forces (sea, land and air), therefore the system had to be created and adjusted to the requirements of the battlefield.

Despite many organizational problems, resulting from the approach of military decision-makers to the above mentioned issues, in many of the implemented exercises – practical, as well as application exercises on maps – the Territorial Defense Units had their place and tasks assigned specifically for them to perform. Nevertheless, at the beginning of the political transformation, and thus the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, the issue of Territorial Defense Units was moved to the so-called background.