Colonel Roman Polko steps down as head of elite GROM

According to Rzeczpospolita, Polko submitted his resignation in late December. The alleged reason for such a decision was a conflict with top officials concerning the future organization of the unit. This relates to a plan according to which GROM is to be merged with the 1st commando regiment from Lubliniec, as well as differences in the opinions concerning future paths of development and training issues. The conflict also concerns the issue of wages. Currently GROM commandos earn much more than regular soldiers, but are afraid this might change. Rzeczpospolita has also learned that after Polko's resignation, several other experienced leaders of the group as well as commandos may also decide to leave. "The departure of colonel Polko is a huge loss. He is the kind of officer that the future of the Polish army should be built upon," said former Defense Minister Bronisław Komorowski. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1, A4) A.K.