Country Defense League

The League for the Defense of the Country (Liga Obrony Kraju, LOK) is an association established on November 13, 1962, as a continuation of the League of Soldiers' Friends from the period of the Polish People's Republic. Its objectives include strengthening Poland's defense capabilities, preserving national traditions, and supporting the defensive preparedness of society. The history of LOK dates back to the 1940s, when the Society of Soldiers' Friends was founded in 1944 to organize aid for soldiers wounded in combat. Through transformations and the unification of various organizations, LOK began to fulfill broader functions, encompassing defense training and patriotic activities. Currently, LOK includes 177 Reserve Officers' Clubs, bringing together over 7,968 officers, and the entire organization has 131,796 members in 4,620 clubs. LOK collaborates with the Ministry of National Defense and other institutions by organizing training sessions, polytechnic courses, and sports competitions. It operates in various fields: shooting, diving, sailing, and amateur radio, enabling extensive educational activities and the promotion of security. The League has a rich publishing record and organizational infrastructure, including shooting ranges and training centers across the country. In addition to military-related activities, LOK organizes cultural events linked to historical anniversaries, highlighting its role in educating youth in the spirit of patriotism and defense.