Challenges to national defence in contemporary geopolitical situation

This paper conceptualizes security literacy as an educational competence linked to societal resilience and national defence preparedness. It combines theoretical discussion with an interpretative use of recent Czech survey material from primary and secondary schools. The Czech case suggests a mismatch between the perceived importance of security-related competencies and their fragmented institutional presence in formal education. The article argues that schools should be understood as part of long-term civilian preparedness and recommends clearer curricular anchoring, stronger teacher preparation, and more systematic practical instruction.

The objective of this article is to describe the system of defence education for Polish youth after 1989 and its transformations. The article indicates that in Polish primary and secondary schools today, the subject of security education is taught, and in some high schools – especially in Certified Military Uniformed Classes – the subject of military education is taught as well. Among students, however, the defence curriculum is taught mainly as part of extra-curricular activities, mainly within the Academic Legion and Passport Programme. On the basis of the research strengthening military potential is supported by the defence education of young people. The exploration underlined that achieving the defence objectives outlined by the programmes of the Ministry of National Defence in agreement with the Ministry of National Education. The study used the diagnostic survey research method and the techniques of content analysis, a questionnaire, interviews, and observations. The article conluds recommendations for security education curriculum.