For those who are not familiar with Polish Special Operations Forces structure, Polish Special Forces Command (Dowództwo Wojsk Specjalnych aka DWS) has control of the following units:
Special Commando Unit (aka JW Komandosów) counterpart of US Army Special Forces
Military Unit GROM (aka JW GROM) most famous, counterpart of mix CAG & SEAL Team SIX
Military Unit Formoza (aka JW Formoza) counterpart of Navy SEAL
Military Unit Nil (aka JW Nil) command and support unit
So if you will compare it to US SOCOM, there are two components still missing – 160th SOAR and 75th Rangers. The AGAT (aka JW AGAT) were created and followed the example of 75th Rangers Regiment.
tab for combat uniform
Pictures – up: tab for combat uniform; down – tab for full dress
tab for full dress
SOFREP was invited for the 1st Anniversary of the JW AGAT. On 5th July 2012 the Unit received the Standard. According to “The Law from February 19th 1993 about tokens in Polish Armed Forces” standard is a token of military unit. Each soldier’s duty is to defend and guard it. When standard is lost due weak combat spirit the unit has to be disbanded. So to receive the standard is great honor for the unit but also a great responsibility.
The Unit’s Commander Colonel Slawomir Berdychowski gives honours to the new Standard.
Not only the Standard but also Unit’s badge was introduced.
The Unit’s badge was introduced
JW AGAT was created on June 30th 2011. It is named after combat troop of Sabotage Command, Home Army (Polish resistance organization during World War II). This troop’s – AGAT (acronym of Anti-Gestapo) – task was elimination of members of Nazi administration and Army. Especially SS and Gestapo.
The main tasks for the modern JW AGAT are Direct Actions (DA) and kinetic support of special operations. It is joining features of special forces unit, airborne and mountain infantry.
The Unit is at the end of selection process. First selection was led by the Colonel Berdychowski – Commander of the Unit. Definitely the right person for this job – former JW GROM’s member. This first selection was very important for JW AGAT. It’s target was to create the backbone of the Unit. Time – from September 12th to September 17th, 2011. Tasks – among others to cover 200 km carrying 25 kg rucksack, last night 42 km run/walk. Participants – just ensigns and officers. Oldest was 45 years old. Results – 90% of participants passed the selection! As Colonel Berdychowski said it was the best group and rather there will be no similar in future.
For those who are not familiar with Polish Special Operations Forces structure, Polish Special Forces Command (Dowództwo Wojsk Specjalnych aka DWS) has control of the following units:
Special Commando Unit (aka JW Komandosów) counterpart of US Army Special Forces
Military Unit GROM (aka JW GROM) most famous, counterpart of mix CAG & SEAL Team SIX
Military Unit Formoza (aka JW Formoza) counterpart of Navy SEAL
Military Unit Nil (aka JW Nil) command and support unit
So if you will compare it to US SOCOM, there are two components still missing – 160th SOAR and 75th Rangers. The AGAT (aka JW AGAT) were created and followed the example of 75th Rangers Regiment.
tab for combat uniform
Pictures – up: tab for combat uniform; down – tab for full dress
tab for full dress
SOFREP was invited for the 1st Anniversary of the JW AGAT. On 5th July 2012 the Unit received the Standard. According to “The Law from February 19th 1993 about tokens in Polish Armed Forces” standard is a token of military unit. Each soldier’s duty is to defend and guard it. When standard is lost due weak combat spirit the unit has to be disbanded. So to receive the standard is great honor for the unit but also a great responsibility.
The Unit’s Commander Colonel Slawomir Berdychowski gives honours to the new Standard.
Not only the Standard but also Unit’s badge was introduced.
The Unit’s badge was introduced
JW AGAT was created on June 30th 2011. It is named after combat troop of Sabotage Command, Home Army (Polish resistance organization during World War II). This troop’s – AGAT (acronym of Anti-Gestapo) – task was elimination of members of Nazi administration and Army. Especially SS and Gestapo.
The main tasks for the modern JW AGAT are Direct Actions (DA) and kinetic support of special operations. It is joining features of special forces unit, airborne and mountain infantry.
The Unit is at the end of selection process. First selection was led by the Colonel Berdychowski – Commander of the Unit. Definitely the right person for this job – former JW GROM’s member. This first selection was very important for JW AGAT. It’s target was to create the backbone of the Unit. Time – from September 12th to September 17th, 2011. Tasks – among others to cover 200 km carrying 25 kg rucksack, last night 42 km run/walk. Participants – just ensigns and officers. Oldest was 45 years old. Results – 90% of participants passed the selection! As Colonel Berdychowski said it was the best group and rather there will be no similar in future.
Colonel Berdychowski during first selection – courtesy of DWS
Selection consist of two parts: preliminary selection and detail selection. Physical fitness tests and psychological examination makes preliminary selection. Detail selection takes part in the mountains (usually in Bieszczady – south-east part of Poland). During this part are tested:
soldier’s psycho-physical resistance for effort and fatigue,
sense of direction,
ability to carry the task in difficult field conditions.
After this two parts soldier has to finish basic training. Then he has open way to combat team.
As I heard first JW AGAT’s member is attending Ranger School. Due some financial problems and lack of more free slots in Ranger School (all trainings and schools connected with SOF are so busy that it is necessary to wait for free slot – even for US military staff! – as I’ve heard from USSOCOM representative) DWS together with JW AGAT are negotiating arrival of some Rangers (8-10 persons) to Poland to lead the training.
But this problem is not stopping the other trainings. Two of the JW AGAT members just finished one of the most difficult jungle training – in French Guyana.
Jungle training in French Guyana 2012More jungle training in French Guyana 2012“What’s for dinner today, guys?”
In the following months the Unit will participate in “Anaconda 2012” and in the mountains training in French Alps.
The rule is simply – we are not able to send all for the training. So few are participating and then those few are teachers for the rest.
First Combat Squadron – Alpha, should be initially ready (IOC) at the end of 2012. The whole Unit will be ready in 2016.
And now some informations about gear. The equipment and weapon are mix of used and new. The weapon saw combat – was used by JW GROM and JW Komandosów in Afghanistan. It is fully operational and trusted.
Low Profile Night Vision Goggles for Aggressive Operations AN/PVS-21
The combat uniform is made by KAMA in MultiCam camouflage
The boots – Lowa Zephyr GTX® Mid TF
Tactical Gear System (vest, belt etc.) was made by Lubawa
After the official part SOFREP was invited for the party too. I can tell you – JW AGAT’s guys looks solid and are highly motivated. For sure it is thanks to Colonel Berdychowski and cadre totally commitment!!! I wish them all to keep this spirit!
For the end specially for SOFREP readers from JW AGAT sniper
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.