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Abstract Objectives: Biological weapons are one of the oldest weapons of mass destruction used by man. Their use has not only determined the outcome of battles, but also influenced the fate of entire civilizations. Although the use of biological weapons agents in a terrorist attack is currently unlikely, all services responsible for the surveillance and removal of epidemiological threats must have clear guidelines and emergency response plans. Methods: In the face of the numerous threats appearing in the world, it has become necessary to put the main emphasis on modernizing, securing, and maintaining structures in the field of medicine which are prepared for unforeseen crises and situations related to the use of biological agents. Results: This article presents Poland’s current preparation to take action in the event of a bioterrorist threat. The study presents both the military aspect and procedures for dealing with contamination. Conclusions: In Poland, as in other European Union countries fighting terrorism, preparations should be made to defend against biological attacks, improve the flow of information on the European security system, strengthen research centers, train staff, create observation units and vaccination centers, as well as prepare hospitals for the hospitalization of patients—potential victims of bioterrorist attacks.

Soldiers who return to their country of residence after military service are subject to numerous, mostly negative, effects linked to exposure to stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common anxiety disor-ders, one which develops as a result of being exposed to traumatic experiences, both psychological and physi-cal. Post-traumatic stress disorder is also the main result of participation in active armed combat impacting war veterans, concerning mostly service undertaken outside their home country. Consequently, proper psychologi-cal preparation for armed combat, psychological support during service, as well as the support granted after soldiers return home, are of critical importance. This work characterises social support which is given to army personnel involved in armed combat. Methods of social involvement, which are provided to the soldiers taking part in military service outside their country, have also been described. The paper itself was written for two rea-sons: firstly, in order to exchange knowledge mainly in the areas of psychology and sociology; and secondly, to focus attention on those soldiers struggling with issues resulting from participation in military service outside their home country.

Polish soldiers have been participating in peacekeeping and stabilization missions around the world for several decades under the auspices of the UN, OSCE, NATO and the EU. They were first sent to Korea in 1953 to oversee a ceasefire between the North and South Koreas. Since then, nearly 70,000 Polish troops have taken part in 58 peace and humanitarian multinational missions on different continents (SKMP ONZ, 2019), which required from them great skills to cooperate with soldiers from other countries, to overcome cultural barriers,  as well as adaptation to difficult, often completely different than in Europe, climatic conditions,  and to create a system of safeguards and procedures against dangerous tropical diseases. Due to these reasons, biological safety, i.e.,  medical, sanitary-hygienic, and anti-epidemic security of the contingent, plays a significant role in every mission because it allows the soldiers and civilian personnel stay healthy in an unfavorable and different climate and environmental conditions.