MILITARISED SERVICES, ARMED FORCES AND PRO-DEFENCE ORGANISATIONS OF POLAND AND LITHUANIA. SELECTED LEGAL ASPECTS

Abstract

The article aims to explore Polish and Lithuanian legal systems, and to analyse the legal solutions concerning militarised services, armed forces and the pro-defence organisations of Poland and Lithuania. The objective is to answer how far these solutions meet current challenges. Comparative considerations play an important role, due to their inspiring research impact. They refer to two neighbouring countries that are in a similar geopolitical situation. The scope of this article does not allow for reference to all aspects of the issue. The following section therefore deals with selected issues concerning militarised services and armed forces: the legal framework for their activities in the international context, legal conditions in national context, and their place in the security and public order system. An outline of the employment characteristics of officers and professional soldiers is also presented. The methods used in the article include a comparative legal analysis of the relevant legal frameworks and policies in Poland, Lithuania, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Included reflections show that there is a considerable complexity of issues connected with the legal aspects of activities of armed forces, militarised services and pro-defence organisations in Poland and Lithuania.

 Keywords: armed forces, uniformed formations, special services, pro-defence organisations, professional soldiers, officers.