Possibilities to use rail transport potential for the needs of the army

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study adopted by the authors is an attempt to estimate the national railway potential from the point of view of military needs. Design/Methodology/Approach: The conducted research was focused on seeking for the solutions which could improve organisation of rail transport for the army. Findings: The article presents the condition of Polish railways and the possibility of troop movement by berths, as well as the authors’ own (pilot) research carried out in the Movement & Transportation Division - the National Movement Coordination Center, aimed at showing the possibilities of improving and moving the army by rail transport. Practical Implications: The pragmatic dimension of the conducted research was based primarily on two main research trends, i.e., the possibility of use of other carriers (from outside of PKP Group) for the transport of soldiers and the possibilities for the Armed Forces to obtain their own capabilities for rail transport. Research results can be used by entities coordinating the movement of troops by rail, including the Movement & Transportation Division - the National Movement Coordination Center. Originality/Value: The issue of possibilities of movement of the troops by rail and improve the movement of the troops by this type of transport remained outside the area of scientific interest. The proposed solutions assume an elimination of infrastructural barriers and shortages in the adequate number of the means of transport to secure the services of the soldiers for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces and of the allied troops staying on or moving through the territory of the country.