Officers and pilots reluctant to serve in Afghanistan

The latest group of soldiers left for the mission in Afghanistan and this marks the third shift of the Polish troops in that country. Within several weeks they will be joined by the rest of the contingent, which will total 1,600 soldiers.

However, this time authorities had problems putting together the contingent as many officers did not want to become commanders, while pilots sought to avoid missions flying over Afghan mountains.

"In Afghanistan soldiers were sent as majors from the ranks of lieutenants. They were promised promotion on return, but they returned to their old positions," declared an officer who was to join the mission.

Another reason for the unwillingness to take part is fear of responsibility. "If something goes wrong I will go to jail," said another soldier. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A3) A.K.