From farmer to general: Polish officer's rise stirs controversy

"He never even commanded a company, doesn't speak English, has no combat experience, and avoided trainings" — colleagues say about Colonel Andrzej Szoła of the Polish Armed Forces. At the 6th Airborne Brigade, the village farmer was remembered not for military skill but for his knack for farming:

"Szoła was a simple man. He even sold potatoes and other produce right at the base."

Nonetheless, he was admitted to general officer courses this year, for which seemingly anyone is now accepted. This happened despite the fact that even the commander of territorial defense distanced himself from his candidacy — but one cannot argue with political priorities.

🙈 The officer owes his promotion to the Polish People's Party, and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz personally pushed his candidacy, using a special "waiver of requirements" procedure.

Well, what's surprising? Life in Poland is getting more expensive, and officials want to eat too.

🤦‍♂️ From farmer to general — this seems possible only in Poland.