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GROM Military Unit
GROM Military Unit
GROM Military Unit
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GROM Military Unit
(Operational Maneuver Response Group)
Jednostka Wojskowa GROM
Recon Badge
Active13 July 1990 – present
Country Poland
Branch Special Troops Command
TypeSpecial forces
RoleSpecial operations
Counter-terrorism
Part ofBefore October 1, 1999: Ministry of Interior
October 1, 1999 – present: Polish Armed Forces
Garrison/HQWarsaw HQ, Gdańsk; Poland
NicknamesThe unseen & silent; The Surgeons
PatronCichociemni (Silent Unseen)
MottosSiła i Honor! Tobie Ojczyzno! (Strength and Honor! For you, Fatherland!)
Beret colorGrey
Engagements
Websitehttps://grom.wp.mil.pl/pl/ (in Polish)
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Grzegorz Gers (acting since March 30, 2023)[1][2]
Notable
commanders		Sławomir Petelicki, Marian Sowiński, Roman Polko

GROM Military Unit (JW 2305) is a special forces unit of the Polish Armed Forces within the Polish Special Forces. The unit was officially formed on 13 July 1990 and honours the traditions of the World War II Silent Unseen paratroopers.[3][4]

History

[edit]

Early history

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GROM (Polish: Grupa Reagowania Operacyjno-Manewrowego, lit. "thunderbolt") is a special operations unit of the Polish Armed Forces within the Polish Special Forces. The unit was officially formed on 13 July 1990.[5]

By decision of the Minister of National Defence dated 4 August 1995 (Decision No. 119/MON), the unit assumed the heritage and continues the traditions of the World War II Silent Unseen paratroopers of the Home Army, adopting the corresponding honorific.[6]

In the late 1980s, following security incidents affecting Polish diplomatic missions, a concept for a dedicated special-operations formation was developed within the Ministry of Interior. On 13 July 1990 the unit was formally established as Military Unit 2305 (JW 2305).

Col. Sławomir Petelicki served as the first commander and oversaw the unit’s initial formation. The early cadre was drawn from professional soldiers with prior special-operations experience. Among these were:

The unit has trained and operated alongside allied special-operations forces as part of Poland’s NATO commitments; details of training are not publicly disclosed.

During its first years JW 2305 remained non-public. The unit became widely known in 1994 following its participation in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

Initially subordinated to the Ministry of Interior, on 1 October 1999 the unit was transferred to the Ministry of National Defence and incorporated into the Polish Armed Forces. Today JW GROM forms part of the Polish Special Forces.

Balkans (1996–2001)

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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, elements of JW GROM deployed to the Balkans as part of multinational efforts to detain indicted war crimes suspects and support stabilisation missions. On 27 June 1997, during Operation "Little Flower", a mixed team operating under the authority of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia apprehended Slavko Dokmanović, the former mayor of Vukovar, who was under sealed indictment; he was subsequently transferred to The Hague.[7][8]

War on Terror

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Polish GROM personnel secure a section of the port of Umm Qasr, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom

Afghanistan (2002–2004) + Persian Gulf (2002–2003)

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Following the 9/11 attacks, a GROM detachment deployed to Afghanistan; the unit’s official record lists operations across the country during 2002–2004 and again in 2007–2013, including the release of more than twenty hostages, force-protection in Bagram and VIP security tasks. In parallel, from 2002 to 2003 GROM teams took part in maritime interdiction operations in the Persian Gulf, boarding vessels as part of enforcement of the UN oil embargo on Iraq.[9]

Iraq 2003: offshore oil terminals (KAAOT/ABOT)

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For the 2003 invasion of Iraq, GROM formed part of the Naval Special Operations Task Group alongside U.S. Navy SEALs and SWCC. On 20 March 2003, SEAL and Polish special-forces platoons conducted simultaneous takedowns of the Khor al-Amaya (KAAOT) and Al Basrah (ABOT/MABOT) oil terminals, capturing more than 30 prisoners and securing critical infrastructure without firing a shot.[10]

Iraq 2003: Mukarayin (Mukaysin) hydroelectric dam

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In early April 2003, a mixed team of GROM operators and U.S. Navy SEALs secured the Mukarayin (Mukaysin) hydroelectric power plant and dam northeast of Baghdad to prevent its sabotage and flooding of key routes.[11]

Iraq 2003–2004: post-invasion direct action

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After the initial invasion phase, GROM remained in Iraq conducting special operations in Baghdad and central/northern Iraq, including raids to capture Saddam Hussein’s associates and members of al-Qaeda wanted by coalition partners.[12]

Afghanistan (2007–2013): TF-49

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GROM returned to Afghanistan in 2007 as Task Force 49 under ISAF Special Operations Command, conducting direct-action missions and mentoring Afghan units. Operations included hostage-rescue missions (e.g., the 2013 release of MP Fariba Kakar), while the unit also sustained casualties in combat that year.[13]

2021 Kabul airlift

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During the 2021 Kabul airlift, Polish special forces including GROM supported the evacuation via 44 flights; according to official government figures, more than 1,100 people were evacuated (including 937 Afghan partners), while international tallies put the figure at around 900 evacuees. Those airlifts also included staff of international organisations and allied governments.[14]

Training

[edit]
US Navy SEALs and GROM naval warfare team practicing boarding skills near Gdańsk, Poland, 2009

Candidates for service in JW GROM undergo a multi-stage selection process that includes physical fitness tests, psychological assessment and a demanding field stage (commonly referred to in Polish sources as an "etap górski" or "truth test") designed to assess endurance, resilience and suitability for special-operations service.[15]

GROM training covers a broad range of special-operations skills. According to official materials, operators receive instruction in counter-terrorism and direct-action techniques, airborne insertion (including military parachuting), combat diving and maritime operations, marksmanship and sniper techniques, as well as medical training and close-quarters battle. Units are organised and trained to operate in small teams in which members are cross-trained to cover key roles as required.[16][17]

GROM conducts training with allied special-operations units and participates in multinational exercises. Official information indicates that the unit undertakes specialist maritime training and cooperates with partner navies for certain competencies; public accounts and unit publications further document exchanges with a range of NATO partners.[18][19]

The unit’s internal training system is organised across several specialist streams and qualification phases covering land, maritime and urban/close-quarters tasks. Open-source accounts and public descriptions of GROM’s course structure commonly refer to tactical specialisations sometimes labelled informally as "green", "blue" and "black" streams (representing field, maritime and urban/hostage-rescue specialisations respectively), but the unit’s official publications describe the system more generally as multi-stage training with specialist follow-on courses.[20][21]

Organization

[edit]

Details of JW GROM’s strength and internal organisation are classified. Open-source descriptions and official publications indicate that the unit is headquartered in Warsaw (Rembertów district), where the command, staff and most support elements are located.[22]

The unit is structured into combat and support sub-units. These include:

  • Combat Team A (Zespół Bojowy A) – a land operations element based in Warsaw,
  • Combat Team B (Zespół Bojowy B) – a maritime element based in Gdańsk,
  • Combat Team C (Zespół Bojowy C) – a third combat element based in Warsaw,
  • logistic, intelligence, communications and security sections.[23]

According to unit publications, the organisational model is broadly comparable to that of the British 22nd Special Air Service Regiment or the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, with small specialist teams rather than conventional platoons. The smallest operational element is typically a six-man section, grouped into teams and squadrons.[24]

Operators are trained in at least two specialties, such as communications, demolitions, sniping, combat medicine, or breaching (Method of Entry). Support personnel include analysts, EOD specialists, electronic warfare and IT technicians. The unit also fields Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), maintains a canine section (Belgian Malinois) and has access to rotary-wing aircraft including UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.[25]

Known operations

[edit]

Most of unit's operations remain classified, the known ones are listed below. [26]

  • 1990 – 1992 Operacja Most[27]
  • 1992 – "Antoni Macierewicz briefcases" affair (security duty during a feared political crisis in Poland).
  • 1992 – Assault on residence and arrest of one of the bosses of Art B (a political and economic scandal in Poland).
  • 1994 – Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.
  • 1996 – UNTAES mission in eastern Slavonia, Croatia to arrest Slavko Dokmanović – they have since managed to arrest at least six more Serbian war-criminals.
  • 1996 – Security duties during US ambassador W. G Walker's mission in Kosovo and Macedonia.
  • 1999 – Security duties during US ambassador W.G Walker's mission in Kosovo and Macedonia.[26]
  • 2001 – Mission to apprehend individuals charged with war crimes in Kosovo.
  • 2001 – Reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan before the arrival of Polish troops.
  • 2002 – 2004 – Mission in Afghanistan (VIP security, base protection duties and other).
  • 2002 – 2003 – Mission in Persian Gulf. Maritime Interdiction Operations.
  • 2003 – 2004, 2007–2008 – GROM soldiers took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Boarding the KAAOT oil terminal in the port of Umm Kasr (Basra), capturing the Mukarayin dam, special operations, searching for and neutralizing Hussein's associates, members of the terrorist Al-Qaeda (from the American deck of cards).
  • 2007 – 2021 – GROM was part of Special Forces in Afghanistan, as Task Force 49, operating in Ghazni Province.[28]
  • 2012 – Protection of Polish and International civilians during the Euro 2012 football tournament.[29]
  • 2021– Fall of Kabul. The task of the Polish soldiers was to help evacuate people from the country controlled by the Taliban.[30]
  • 2022 – Protection of Polish President Andrzej Duda during his visit to Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion.[31][unreliable source?]

Equipment

[edit]

Uniforms and gear

[edit]

GROM employs a variety of uniforms and modular tactical equipment; exact issue details remain classified. In 2018 the unit awarded a contract to Polish manufacturer Direct Action (owned by Entire M) for 100 Spitfire plate carriers (ballistic plate carriers).[41] Later coverage noted that GROM selected the Spitfire as its primary plate carrier.[42] Direct Action originated within the Helikon-Tex (currently Entire M) group and evolved into an independent brand backed by Helikon-Tex’s manufacturing experience, which specializes in tactical/outdoor apparel.[43]

Commanders

[edit]
  • Brigadier General Sławomir Petelicki (June 13, 1990 – December 19, 1995)
  • Brigadier General Marian Sowiński (December 19, 1995 – December 6, 1997)
  • Brigadier General Sławomir Petelicki (December 7, 1997 – September 17, 1999)
  • Colonel Zdzisław Żurawski (September 17, 1999 – May 26, 2000)
  • Colonel Roman Polko (May 26, 2000 – February 11, 2004)
  • Colonel Tadeusz Sapierzyński (February 11, 2004 – February 23, 2006)
  • Brigadier General Roman Polko (February 23, 2006 – November 8, 2006)
  • Colonel Piotr Patalong (November 8, 2006 – March 25, 2008)
  • Colonel Jerzy Gut (March 25, 2008 – July 24, 2008)
  • Colonel Dariusz Zawadka (July 24, 2008 – August 6, 2010)
  • Colonel Jerzy Gut (August 6, 2010 – July 28, 2011)
  • Colonel Piotr Gąstał (July 28, 2011 – September 7, 2016)
  • Colonel Robert Kopacki (September 8, 2016 – March 14, 2017)
  • Colonel Mariusz Pawluk (March 14, 2017 – December 31, 2019)
  • Colonel Grzegorz Mikłusiak (January 1, 2020 – March 30, 2023)[44][45][46][47]
  • Colonel Grzegorz Gers (acting since March 30, 2023)[46][48]

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

GROM Military Unit

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The GROM Military Unit (Jednostka Wojskowa GROM) is an elite force within the , tasked with conducting high-risk missions including counter-terrorism, , , and hostage rescue. Established on 13 July 1990 by decision of the Polish Government under Prime Minister , the unit draws its ethos from the World War II-era Cichociemni paratroopers of the Polish Home Army, adopting their nickname in 1995 to honor their legacy of silent operations behind enemy lines. Recruited from experienced personnel in elite military and police units, GROM operators undergo rigorous selection and training modeled on Western special forces methodologies, achieving full combat readiness on 13 June 1992 following intensive instruction from and British instructors. Subordinated to the Command since 2007, the unit maintains a low public profile consistent with its operational secrecy, while participating in multinational exercises and coalitions to enhance interoperability with allies. GROM's defining achievements include its early deployments in support of international stability operations, such as VIP protection during in in 1994, the apprehension of war criminal Slavko Dokmanović in the in 1996, and counter-terrorism tasks in , , and from 2002 to 2003, where it conducted vessel interdictions and secured key objectives alongside coalition partners like U.S. Navy SEALs. These missions underscore the unit's reputation for precision, adaptability, and effectiveness in environments, contributing to Poland's strategic deterrence and alliance commitments without reliance on unsubstantiated media narratives.

History

Formation and Early Development

The GROM Military Unit, formally designated as Jednostka Wojskowa GROM (Military Unit GROM), was established on 13 July 1990 under the directive of the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs, with Lieutenant Colonel appointed as its founding commander. The unit's creation was prompted by Poland's post-Cold War transition and the recognition of vulnerabilities exposed by events such as the terrorist attack on Polish diplomats in by Palestinian militants, which highlighted the absence of a dedicated counter-terrorism capability. Named Grupa Reagowania Operacyjno-Manewrowego (Operational Maneuver Response Group), GROM drew inspiration from World War II-era Polish "Cichociemni" paratroopers of the , emphasizing covert operations and national resilience. Initially organized as JW 2305 and placed under military oversight while receiving support from internal security structures, GROM prioritized recruitment from Poland's , services, and elite conventional units, selecting candidates based on physical endurance, , and specialized skills. Early training regimens incorporated methodologies from Western counterparts, with foundational instruction provided by U.S. Army and British operators, focusing on counter-terrorism, , and in austere environments. This international collaboration enabled rapid capability development, though operations remained highly classified to maintain strategic surprise. By 13 June 1992, GROM attained full after completing initial cadre and establishing core operational protocols, marking the transition from formation to deployable status. During this formative period, the unit conducted domestic exercises simulating hostage rescue and scenarios, while refining equipment acquisitions—initially limited to modified Polish military gear supplemented by Western imports—to align with NATO-compatible standards amid Poland's geopolitical realignment. Petelicki's leadership emphasized unit cohesion and adaptability, fostering a centered on precision strikes and intelligence-driven missions rather than massed conventional forces.

Operations in the Balkans and 1990s

In 1995, amid the , JW GROM operators were deployed to to address the hostage-taking of two Polish nationals by Bosnian Serb forces, conducting and rescue preparations as part of multinational efforts. That June, GROM facilitated the extraction of Polish officers captured by Serb forces in Bosnia, enabling their safe recovery through coordinated . By 1996, elements of GROM operated in the former , particularly Eastern , where they formed the Polish Special Police Group—later redesignated the Polish Special Group—under UNTAES (United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern , Baranja and Western Sirmium). This unit conducted escorts for high-value individuals and national minority groups, secured strategic infrastructure, and intervened in crisis situations prior to full UNTAES stabilization. During these missions, GROM personnel detained Slavko Dokmanović, the former mayor of indicted for war crimes including involvement in the 1991 , in an operation that earned international recognition for its precision. Throughout the late 1990s, GROM contributed to NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, focusing on high-risk tasks such as the apprehension of International Criminal Tribunal for the former (ICTY) indictees. Operators arrested multiple war criminals across Balkan theaters, including in and , with documented captures totaling at least six to seven high-profile targets by the decade's end. These actions supported post-Dayton Accords enforcement, emphasizing and intelligence-driven raids while integrating with allied forces.

Global War on Terror Engagements

JW GROM operators deployed to as part of , conducting missions from 2002 to 2004 and resuming operations from 2007 to 2013. These efforts targeted and networks through , raids, hostage rescue operations, and protection of Polish military personnel at Bagram Air Base along with visiting dignitaries. GROM teams successfully liberated over 20 hostages during these engagements, contributing to coalition efforts to disrupt insurgent activities across the country. In Iraq under Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004, GROM participated in securing critical infrastructure, including the seizure of the Umm Qasr oil terminal in Basra and the Mukarayin dam to prevent sabotage by regime forces and insurgents. Operators conducted widespread special operations, focusing on the capture of high-value targets identified on the U.S. military's "deck of cards" list of most-wanted Iraqi officials and the elimination of emerging terrorist groups. These missions supported coalition objectives in stabilizing post-invasion areas and neutralizing threats from Ba'athist remnants and jihadist elements. GROM's deployments typically involved small teams of around 40 operators integrated with U.S. and coalition , emphasizing in and . Their roles underscored Poland's commitment to alliance operations, with GROM providing capabilities in close-quarters combat, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes honed from earlier training exchanges with elite Western units.

Post-2014 Operations and Recent Conflicts

Following the completion of major combat engagements in by 2014, GROM operators shifted focus to advisory, training, and non-combat special operations roles within frameworks, particularly in countering in the . In 2015, GROM elements participated in operations in , aligning with multinational efforts to enhance regional security amid threats. This included contributions to exercises like Eager Lion, a large-scale multinational training event hosted by involving over two dozen partner nations to build interoperability and counter-terrorism capabilities. By mid-2016, GROM formed the core of Poland's special forces contingent redeployed to Iraq under Operation Inherent Resolve, emphasizing training and mentoring Iraqi security forces to combat ISIS remnants rather than direct action missions. These advisory roles leveraged GROM's prior experience in the region, focusing on building local capacities for special reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-insurgency tactics, though specific operational details remain classified. In August 2021, GROM operators played a key role in Poland's evacuation mission from amid the resurgence, securing the airport perimeter and facilitating the of approximately 1,300 individuals, including Polish citizens, Afghan allies, and personnel from partner nations over 44 flights. This non-combat extraction highlighted GROM's proficiency in high-risk personnel recovery under chaotic conditions, marking one of their final engagements tied to theater. Post-2022, amid Russia's invasion of , GROM has supported NATO's eastern flank through enhanced readiness exercises, such as maritime hostage rescue simulations in the in 2025, but has not engaged in direct combat operations there. Poland's contributions to have primarily involved training programs for Ukrainian forces conducted on Polish soil, with GROM's involvement limited to doctrinal exchanges and capability building rather than forward deployments. Official records indicate a pivot toward domestic and alliance deterrence missions, reflecting GROM's integration into broader Component structures for hybrid threat response.

Organization and Manpower

Command Structure

The GROM Military Unit (Jednostka Wojskowa GROM, JW 2305) is directly subordinated to the Polish Special Operations Component Command (Dowództwo Komponentu Wojsk Specjalnych, DWS), which coordinates all elements within the . This subordination was formalized on August 1, 2015, placing GROM under the DWS, itself reporting to the General Command of the Armed Forces Branches (Dowództwo Generalne Rodzajów Sił Zbrojnych). The DWS ensures integrated for high-risk operations, including counter-terrorism, , and , alongside sister units such as JW Komandosów, JW Formoza, JW Agat, and JW Nil. At the unit level, command is exercised by a serving as the GROM commander, who oversees operational planning, personnel selection, and deployment readiness from the in Warsaw's Rembertów district. The current commander, as of 2023, is Grzegorz Mikłusiak, appointed to lead training regimens, mission execution, and inter-unit coordination. Previous commanders have included Jerzy Gut (2010–2011) and Dariusz Zawadka, reflecting a typical of elite special operations units to maintain fresh leadership perspectives. Internally, GROM's command features a staff handling , , and administrative functions, supporting five operational squadrons: four combat-focused squadrons for , , and , plus one dedicated squadron for sustainment in austere environments. This squadron-based organization enables flexible tasking, with commanders at the squadron level (typically majors or colonels) directing small, autonomous teams during missions. The emphasizes decentralized decision-making, drawing from operational doctrines that prioritize operator initiative in dynamic threat scenarios.

Recruitment and Selection Process

Candidates for JW GROM must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including Polish citizenship, completion of at least two years of military service, age under 30, absence of a criminal record, eligibility for security clearance, and proficiency in a foreign language. Officers require a university degree and a minimum rank of second lieutenant, while non-commissioned officers need a high school diploma and rank commensurate with the position. Recruitment primarily draws from experienced personnel in elite Polish Army units, such as assault battalions, airborne brigades, and naval divers. The selection process, conducted twice annually in early spring or late fall, is multi-stage and demands exceptional physical, mental, and operational resilience, with only about 10% of candidates succeeding. Initially modeled on the British 22nd SAS regimen but evolved with Polish adaptations, it emphasizes continuous evaluation beyond formal phases. Applicants submit documentation, including a and fitness certification, followed by initial screening. Physical fitness forms the initial barrier, tested in events such as a 3 km run, pull-ups, sit-ups, , and underwater swims, with candidates permitted only two attempts overall. Minimum standards include:
Test EventRequirement
200 m Swim≤ 4:00 minutes
Underwater Swim≥ 25 meters
Pull-ups≥ 18 repetitions
100 m Run≤ 14 seconds
Sit-ups (2 min)≥ 75 repetitions
3000 m Run≤ 12:00 minutes
Dips≥ 25 repetitions
Rope Climb≥ 5 meters
Subsequent stages incorporate psychological assessments, tests (e.g., speleo ascent and tower jumps), solo marches with minimal rations in rugged terrain like the , and a culminating marathon-distance event often exceeding 50 km, concluding with command interviews. The psychological assessments evaluate candidates on key traits such as high resilience and determination, low neuroticism, good control over emotions and aggression, the ability to work effectively in a team under pressure, internal motivation, adaptability, and overall emotional stability. Successful candidates proceed to extended training in , , and counter-terrorism tactics. Within the unit, selection persists as an ongoing ethos, testing operators daily through operational demands.

Training Regimen

The training regimen for JW GROM operators follows a multi-phase structure emphasizing endurance, tactical proficiency, and specialized skills, building on the unit's foundational influences from U.S. and British methodologies. After passing the selection process, candidates enter an intensive that includes the "green phase," focused on land-based fundamentals such as , long-distance marches under load, and to develop physical resilience and expertise in austere environments. Subsequent phases advance to operational integration, with the "blue phase" incorporating maritime operations, including combat diving, , and amphibious patrols to enable missions in littoral and naval contexts. The "red phase" culminates in high-intensity combat training, stressing close-quarters battle (CQB), assaults, simulations, and live-fire exercises to hone precision under stress. These phases collectively span several months, though exact durations remain classified, prioritizing to simulate mission demands. Operators receive ongoing advanced training in niche areas, such as high-altitude low-opening (HALO) parachuting, marksmanship, for breaching, and tactical to sustain in counter-terrorism and roles. Joint exercises with allied units, including U.S. Navy SEALs and , supplement domestic regimens, fostering while maintaining GROM's emphasis on self-reliance and adaptability. This continuous, selection-like intensity ensures operators remain mission-ready, with failure rates high even post-initial qualification to uphold elite standards.

Doctrine and Capabilities

Core Mission Profiles

JW GROM's core mission profiles center on counter-terrorism operations, including hostage rescue and neutralization of terrorist threats through direct physical intervention. Formed in response to emerging terrorist risks in the post-Cold War era, the unit was designed to execute high-precision raids and extractions in urban or hostile environments, often requiring operators to operate in small teams under extreme conditions. Special reconnaissance constitutes another foundational task, involving covert intelligence gathering deep in enemy territory to support strategic decision-making. This includes of high-value targets, environmental assessment, and route reconnaissance, frequently employing clandestine insertion techniques such as high-altitude low-opening (HALO) parachuting, combat diving, and long-range infiltration. Direct action missions form a critical component, encompassing offensive operations like , destruction of enemy assets, and capture or elimination of key personnel to disrupt adversarial capabilities. These profiles align with the unit's from a dedicated counter-terrorism force to a versatile entity capable of projecting power in scenarios, such as behind enemy lines or in stabilization efforts.

Tactical and Strategic Roles

GROM's tactical roles center on executing high-precision, small-unit operations in denied or hostile environments, including raids, hostage rescue, sabotage, and to disrupt enemy capabilities or gather . These encompass "green tactics" such as destructive activities in the deep rear and physical counter-terrorism actions like neutralizing threats during mass events or protection. Operators typically deploy in teams of four to eight, emphasizing stealth, rapid insertion via air, sea, or land, and precision fires to achieve effects disproportionate to force size, drawing from doctrines modeled on Western units. At the strategic level, GROM contributes to Poland's architecture by maintaining readiness for full-spectrum operations across peacetime, crisis, and wartime scenarios, as defined in Ministry of National Defence Order No. 30/MON of 2013. This includes supporting non-military entities like , , and through logistics, transport, and expertise in counter-terrorism planning, thereby enhancing systemic resilience against asymmetric threats. Strategically, the unit bolsters deterrence and force projection within frameworks, providing capabilities for rapid response to hybrid threats, VIP protection during RENEGADE scenarios (hijacked aircraft), and advisory roles that amplify allied operational effectiveness without relying on larger conventional forces.

Known Operations

Key Counter-Terrorism and Direct Action Missions

GROM's inaugural combat deployment occurred in 1994 during in , where operators conducted special operations alongside U.S. , focusing on security and VIP protection to restore democratic governance. In the during 1996, 1999, and 2001, GROM personnel executed raids resulting in the arrest of seven war criminals indicted for atrocities in the Yugoslav conflicts. During Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004, GROM teams seized critical infrastructure including the oil terminal near and the Mukarayin dam, while conducting raids to capture high-value targets listed on the U.S. "deck of cards" of Saddam Hussein's regime officials and to eliminate insurgent and terrorist groups. In , GROM deployed in phases from 2002-2004 and 2007-2013 as Task Force 49 under ISAF, performing missions such as anti-terrorist operations in —where a 20-operator team once repelled an ambush by over 80 fighters—and securing the release of more than 20 hostages through operations.

Mentoring and Advisory Roles

GROM operators deployed to from 2007 as 49 under the (ISAF) Special Operations Command, where they executed direct-action raids while contributing to the mentoring of Afghan National Army and police units to enhance local counter-terrorism capabilities. This advisory component aligned with broader coalition objectives to build partner capacity, though primary emphasis remained on high-risk and hostage rescue operations in provinces like . In Iraq, during multinational operations post-2003 invasion, GROM elements advised and trained select Iraqi security personnel alongside U.S. and British , focusing on urban counter-insurgency tactics and VIP protection protocols to transition operational lead to local forces. These roles were integrated into joint task forces, emphasizing tactical proficiency transfer rather than standalone advisory missions, with GROM's involvement peaking during stabilization phases in southern sectors. Beyond Middle Eastern theaters, GROM has extended advisory support to NATO partners, including assessments and training for Eastern European special operations units seeking alliance interoperability, such as qualification exercises for Georgian forces in preparation for NATO standards. Specific engagements remain classified, reflecting the unit's operational security posture.

Recent Security and Reconnaissance Activities

In 2022, JW GROM operators provided close protection security for Polish President during his visit to shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of , operating in a high-threat environment to ensure safe transit and coordination with Ukrainian forces. GROM elements also supported secure transport for Ukrainian delegations during early negotiation rounds, utilizing helicopters like the S-70i Black Hawk for rapid insertion and extraction amid ongoing hostilities. Amid heightened regional tensions, GROM has conducted joint exercises emphasizing and on NATO's eastern flank. In 2024, during NATO's Steadfast Defender 24—the alliance's largest exercise in decades—GROM operators executed stealth movements and patrols in dense Polish forests, integrating with allied to simulate defense against hybrid threats. These activities focused on terrain denial, , and real-time intelligence sharing to counter potential incursions from or . In April 2025, GROM spearheaded a maritime security operation in the , involving fast-rope insertions from Zodiac boats onto simulated hostile vessels for hostage rescue and site , enhancing with naval assets against asymmetric threats in the region. Later that year, during Poland's Iron Defender 25 drills in September—its largest to date—GROM contributed to components simulating border defense and against Russian-Belarusian maneuvers, involving over 30,000 troops in scenarios mirroring Zapad exercises. By October 2025, GROM engaged in multinational night-fire training with allies, honing skills in low-visibility target identification, live-fire suppression, and exfiltration to maintain edge in contested environments near and borders. These activities underscore GROM's pivot toward persistent surveillance and rapid-response security amid ongoing risks, though operational details remain classified to preserve tactical advantages.

Equipment and Armament

Small Arms and Personal Weapons

GROM operators primarily employ the pistol in as a standard sidearm, valued for its reliability in adverse conditions and modular design allowing suppressor attachment. Additional handguns in service include the and compact P228, selected for precision and compatibility with NATO-standard ammunition. The IMI Mark XIX, chambered in , is utilized in specialized roles requiring high against lightly armored targets, despite its recoil and weight limiting widespread adoption. For primary long arms, the carbine, in configurations such as the D10RS (10.4-inch barrel) and D145RS (14.5-inch barrel), serves as the core , adopted officially by 2020 for its gas-piston reliability, accuracy, and adaptability to suppressors and in close-quarters and direct-action missions. Earlier inventories included the Colt M4A1, now largely phased out in favor of the HK416, alongside limited use of the Polish rifle in for compatibility with national stockpiles. Submachine guns and personal defense weapons emphasize close-quarters battle effectiveness, with the Heckler & Koch MP5 series (including suppressed MP5SD variants) historically dominant but progressively supplemented or replaced by the SIG Sauer MPX in 9×19mm for its modular rail system and reduced recoil. The FN P90 TR, with its 5.7×28mm armor-piercing rounds and design, provides operators with a compact option for vehicle crews and entry teams. All personal weapons are typically fitted with modern accessories like red-dot sights, laser aimers, and weapon lights to enhance low-light and urban operational performance.

Support Weapons and Anti-Materiel Systems

The JW GROM unit employs the semi-automatic rifle chambered in as its primary anti-materiel weapon, capable of engaging lightly armored vehicles, installations, and personnel at ranges up to 1,800 meters with armor-piercing . This system provides operators with a man-portable means to neutralize threats beyond the capabilities of standard , reflecting GROM's emphasis on precision in counter-terrorism scenarios. For suppressive fire support, GROM utilizes the Polish-designed Pallad 40mm grenade launcher, which fires high-explosive, fragmentation, or smoke rounds to deny enemy positions or provide area saturation. The launcher's integration with assault rifles enhances squad-level firepower in close-quarters urban operations. Anti-tank capabilities are supported by the RPG-75 series of disposable launchers, acquired by GROM in 2010 for deployment in Afghanistan. Weighing 3.2 kg and measuring 89 cm in firing configuration, the RPG-75M variant penetrates over 300 mm of rolled homogeneous armor with a shaped-charge warhead, while the RPG-75TB thermobaric and RPG-75MP multi-purpose options target fortifications, bunkers, and infantry concentrations in confined spaces; operators have noted its reliability and low backblast for indoor use. Polish special forces, including GROM, also employ the Carl Gustaf M3/M4 recoilless rifle for reusable anti-armor and multi-role fires, supporting a variety of 84mm ammunition types against vehicles and structures.

Vehicles and Specialized Gear

GROM employs a variety of land vehicles optimized for off-road mobility and tactical operations, including the HMMWV MLTP for general transport, MRAP for mine-resistant protection, for versatile reconnaissance, and Polish-made 4×4 utility vehicles. Motorcycles such as the Yamaha XT660 support rapid, low-profile insertions in urban or rugged environments. In November 2024, GROM contracted for Defenture GRF 5.12 patrol vehicles from the Dutch firm Defenture B.V., with initial deliveries operational by June 2025 during exercises; these 5-ton, 5-person platforms feature all-wheel drive, a 3.2L multi-fuel producing 217 horsepower, an 800 km range, Level 1 ballistic protection, and modular mounting for weapons like the 40mm grenade launcher. Aviation assets include the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopter, utilized for troop transport, fast-rope insertions, and close air support in operations such as those in Iraq. Up to eight S-70i variants have been deployed in maritime assault scenarios. For maritime and amphibious missions, GROM operates rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) including Zodiac Hurricane models armed with bow-mounted 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns and Zodiac FC 470 Futura Commando craft capable of carrying 10 personnel over short distances. Specialized underwater gear encompasses diving propulsion vehicles for covert sub-surface approaches and rebreather systems enabling extended, bubble-free combat diving. Insertion capabilities extend to high-altitude low-opening (HALO) and high-altitude high-opening (HAHO) parachuting, supported by dedicated freefall and static-line equipment training, alongside combat scuba for multi-domain entry. Operators also carry protective specialized gear such as Ops-Core FAST helmets with PELTOR integration, British S10 respirators, Polish CBRN suits, and individual kits (IFAKs) for sustained operations in contaminated or hostile environments.

Notable Personnel

Founding and Key Commanders

The Jednostka Wojskowa GROM (Military Unit GROM) was formally established on 13 July 1990 as Poland's premier force, initially designated JW 2305, in response to vulnerabilities exposed by terrorist threats against Polish interests abroad, including attacks on . The unit's creation was spearheaded by Lieutenant Colonel , a who drew on international models such as the British (SAS) and U.S. to design its structure, training, and capabilities, emphasizing counter-terrorism, direct action, and . GROM achieved operational combat readiness on 13 June 1992 after intensive selection and training of its initial cadre of approximately 250 personnel, selected from Poland's military elite. Petelicki served as GROM's founding commander from 13 July 1990 until 19 December 1995, overseeing its formative years and first deployments, during which he was promoted to . Successors included Tadeusz Sapierzyński (1995–1996), Marian Sowiński (1995–1997, with overlapping transitional leadership), and Petelicki's return as commander from 1997 to 1999. Later key figures encompassed Zdzisław Żurawski and Piotr Gąstał, who led until 9 2016, when he transferred command to Robert Kopacki amid ongoing expansions in multinational operations. These leaders prioritized rigorous standards, international interoperability, and adaptation to post-Cold War threats, maintaining GROM's status as a Tier 1 unit under Poland's Special Troops Command.

Distinguished Operators

Captain Krzysztof , a GROM operator since 1996, was on January 23, 2013, during a joint anti-terrorist operation with Afghan forces in , . , aged 36 and a father of three, sustained fatal wounds in a skirmish that also injured several other GROM personnel, marking him as the first operator from the unit to die in combat. His service exemplified the unit's commitment to high-risk missions, and he was posthumously honored in memorials, including a path named after him in . Due to the classified nature of GROM operations, individual operators' identities and specific achievements are rarely disclosed publicly to preserve operational security. Known cases, such as Woźniak's, highlight valor in counter-terrorism engagements abroad, where operators have earned Poland's highest peacetime combat decorations, including the . GROM personnel often receive specialized training in sniping, breaching, and reconnaissance, contributing to joint operations with allies like U.S. SEALs in and , though specific operator attributions remain limited.

Reputation and Assessment

Achievements and Operational Successes

GROM operators have executed high-risk missions across multiple theaters, earning recognition for precision and effectiveness in , , and counter-terrorism. In in from October 1994, a 51-man GROM contingent provided VIP protection, saving 12 lives during unrest, with unit founder awarded the U.S. for leadership. In June 1997, GROM led Operation Little Flower in Eastern Slavonia, successfully apprehending Serb war criminal Slavko Dokmanović, known as the "Butcher of ," for transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former ; the operation involved infiltration and extraction under UN auspices, selected personally by mission commander Jacques Paul Klein for its sensitivity. During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, GROM seized the Khor Al Amaya Oil Terminal offshore on March 20, preventing sabotage and securing vital infrastructure in a joint effort with U.S. Navy SEALs. Later that , they contributed to capturing the Mukarayin dam and broader port facilities without sustaining casualties, disrupting Iraqi defensive capabilities early in the invasion. Throughout 2003–2004, GROM conducted raids detaining dozens of associates and affiliates, neutralizing threats in urban and rural environments. In , GROM performed reconnaissance ahead of Polish troop deployments in October 2001 and provided VIP protection in 2002. By 2007, elements deployed to under U.S. command alongside JW Komandosów, executing that integrated with coalition efforts against forces, building on prior successes in to affirm interoperability with elite units like SEAL Team 6 and .

Criticisms, Challenges, and Effectiveness Debates

GROM has encountered challenges in sustaining peak operational proficiency amid extended foreign deployments. In August 2008, Polish military officials withdrew the unit from , attributing the decision to a degradation in GROM's expertise following years of intensive combat rotations that strained personnel resources and training cycles. Domestic and international deployment frameworks pose structural hurdles to GROM's efficacy. Poland lacks a cohesive legal regime for employing against terrorist threats on national soil, with six disparate statutes generating inconsistent protocols that delay activation and risk operational secrecy. Statutory gaps further impede collaboration with agencies such as the (ABW) and Military Counterintelligence Service (AW), prohibiting seamless exchange of classified intelligence or coordinated . Procedural bottlenecks exacerbate these issues, as non-classified decision-making processes for high-risk missions invite leaks and sluggish responses, prompting calls for dedicated or a centralized operations bureau. Overseas coordination deficiencies have similarly undermined effectiveness. During the August 27, 2021, evacuation from , bifurcated command structures between GROM and foreign intelligence partners led to fragmented execution, highlighting systemic integration shortfalls in multinational contingencies. Logistical constraints, including debates over ammunition compliance—such as hollow-point rounds potentially violating in non-combat zones—further complicate sustainment in . Urban training assessments have exposed tactical vulnerabilities. In exercises at the Wenjin range, post-mission reviews identified errors including operators lingering too near window openings, silhouetting themselves for hypothetical snipers after 24-hour holds, and excessive dispersal that eroded mutual and cohesion. These lapses, acknowledged by GROM leadership, underscore persistent needs for refinement in close-quarters maneuvers amid fatigue and spatial constraints. Effectiveness debates center on balancing GROM's specialization against broader institutional demands. While the unit's small scale—typically under 1,000 personnel—enables high individual proficiency, critics argue it limits scalability for sustained large-scale operations, as evidenced by post-deployment recovery periods that temporarily reduce readiness. Early domestic missions in the , including arrests tied to political-economic scandals like Art-B, fueled discussions on , blurring counter-terrorism with internal security roles ill-suited to a formation modeled on wartime . Such versatility, though adaptive, invites scrutiny over doctrinal purity and resource diversion from core .

References

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