Naval Academy cadets take military oath in Gdynia

The military oath is a solemn declaration in which soldiers pledge loyalty to the Republic of Poland, commit to defending its independence and borders, and vow to uphold the Constitution while safeguarding the honour of the Polish soldier and the military colours. In the Polish armed forces, taking the oath on the unit’s banner is a long-standing tradition and an important element of military ceremonial.

The ceremony began with a formal report delivered by Commander Sławomir Dorotyn, Vice-Rector for Military Affairs, to Rear Admiral Prof. Tomasz Szubrycht, Rector-Commandant of the Polish Naval Academy. This was followed by the raising of the national flag and the performance of the Polish national anthem.

In his address, Rear Admiral Szubrycht welcomed the invited guests, including Prof. Leszek Wieczorek, Director of the Military Education Department at the Ministry of National Defence, Rear Admiral Włodzimierz Kułagin representing the Inspector of the Polish Navy, representatives of military units and institutions, clergy, the Naval Academy community, and the families of the newly sworn-in soldiers.

The Rector-Commandant emphasised the importance of the moment in the military career of young servicemen and women.

- Today’s oath is one of the most important moments in a military career. In times of need, a soldier pledges not to spare blood or life in defence of the homeland. One becomes a soldier forever – the military oath is taken only once and its words remain binding for life, he said.

A key part of the ceremony was the oath taken on the Academy’s banner by selected cadets who had distinguished themselves during their basic training. The newly sworn-in soldiers also received blessings from the chaplains of the Polish Navy.

During the ceremony, the Rector-Commandant of the Naval Academy and the Director of the Military Education Department presented congratulatory letters and flowers to the parents of the distinguished cadets. The musical setting of the event was provided by the Representative Band of the Polish Navy, which performed "Hymn to the Baltic" and the "Representative Song of the Polish Armed Forces". The ceremony concluded with a parade led by the Polish Navy’s Representative Company.

Taking the oath on the banner carries special symbolic significance. A military banner represents the traditions, combat heritage and values of a military unit – including honour, loyalty and courage. Throughout Polish history, banners and colours have accompanied soldiers in their fight for independence, becoming enduring symbols of national and military tradition.

For the cadets of the Polish Naval Academy, the ceremony marks the beginning of their path towards serving as officers in the Polish Navy.